Revit

Revit is 3D modeling software used by architects, engineers, plumbers, etc. Original developed by Charles River software, Revit was created in 2000 and purchased by AutoDesk in 2002.

File Information
Revit software uses a few different file formats.


 * RTE (template) files and RVT (project) files are actual Revit® projects.
 * RFA (family) files and RFT (family template) files are family files that can either be loaded into a project or saved externally.
 * RVG are Revit group files.
 * RWS files are Revit workspace files created as a backup during software use.

File Identification
RVT & RFA files use the Microsoft Compound File format and are practically identical. Template files are also identical.

Generally the format consists of a few files and folders, usually containing a file called "BasicFileInfo" and a PNG or JPG thumbnail file "RevitPreview4.0". RFA files newer than 2010 have an XML file included called "PartAtom" which includes details of the family file.


 * Revit library 1.0 to 3.0 (needs more research)
 * Revit library 4.0 to 9.0 (no "BasicFileInfo" contains thumbnail "RevitPreview4.0")
 * Revit library 2008 to 2018 ("BasicFileInfo" file with build info. "Revit Build: Autodesk Revit 2018 (Build: 20170130_1515(x64))" contains thumbnail "RevitPreview4.0")
 * Revit library 2019 to 2020 (BasicFileInfo" file with new format & build info. "Format: 2020 Build: 20190207_1515(x64)" contains thumbnail "RevitPreview4.0")

Sample Files

 * RVT Samples files from library version 6 circa 2004
 * AutoDesk Revit 2020 RVT Sample Project Files
 * AutoDesk Revit 2020 RFA Sample Family Files
 * AutoDesk Revit 2015 RVT Sample Project Files