Revit to VR: How to turn Revit Models into Virtual Reality Experiences

What Does “Revit to VR” Mean?

“Revit to VR” refers to the process of taking a Building Information Model (BIM) created in Autodesk Revit and turning it into an immersive virtual reality experience. Instead of reviewing plans or static renderings, stakeholders can explore the building at human scale and move through spaces virtually.

In practice, this doesn’t always mean a headset-only experience. Modern Revit to VR workflows often include browser-based, walkable virtual spaces that can be accessed on desktop, mobile, or VR devices.

Why Architects Use VR with Revit

Architects use VR alongside Revit to:

• Improve spatial understanding early in the design phase

• Communicate designs clearly to non-technical stakeholders

• Reduce misunderstandings before construction

• Support client decision-making with immersive walkthroughs

Because Revit models already contain accurate geometry and dimensions, they are a strong foundation for VR experiences.

Traditional Revit to VR Workflows (and Their Limitations)

Historically, Revit to VR workflows often required:

• Exporting models to multiple formats

• Importing them into real-time engines

• Optimizing geometry manually

• Installing heavy software or applications

While powerful, these workflows can be time-consuming and require technical expertise that many architectural teams don’t have or need.

Revit to VR with Visiofy: A Simpler Approach

Visiofy offers a more accessible approach to Revit to VR. Instead of building a full game-engine-based VR application, Revit models are turned into walkable virtual spaces that run directly in the browser.

Key differences include:

• No Visiofy software installation required

• Easy sharing via link or QR code

• Works on desktop, mobile, and VR devices

• Focused on architectural walkthroughs, not gaming features

This makes Revit to VR suitable not only for internal design reviews but also for client presentations and sales processes.

Exporting a Revit Model for VR for Visiofy

Revit does not natively export models in a VR-ready format for web-based viewers. To use Revit with Visiofy, you need to:

1. Install the Leia glTF Exporter add-on for Revit (or another compatible exporter)

2. Export the model as a GLB file

3. Upload the file to Visiofy

It’s important to note that this add-on is installed for Revit, not for Visiofy. Visiofy itself runs entirely in the browser.

Read more: How to use Visiofy with Revit

Viewing Revit Models in VR and the Browser

Once uploaded, Revit models can be explored as walkable virtual spaces:

• On desktop: using keyboard and mouse

• On mobile: via a shared link or QR code

• In VR: using a compatible headset (we recommend Meta Quest) and browser

This flexibility allows everyone involved in the project—from architects to clients—to experience the design without technical barriers.

Revit to VR Use Cases

Common use cases for Revit to VR include:

• Design reviews and internal coordination

• Client presentations and approvals

• Real estate and housing sales support

• Stakeholder engagement for complex projects

Because the experience is browser-based, VR walkthroughs can easily be shared with people outside the design team.

Common Revit to VR Challenges

When converting Revit models to VR, teams often face challenges such as:

• Overly heavy or unoptimized models

• Incorrect surface orientation or materials

• Missing context or scale references

Preparing models specifically for walkthrough use helps ensure a smoother VR experience.

Frequently asked questions