Revit File Extension Definitions

Hope you find this information useful.... I often get questions on the different file types.
Here is a brief explanation on the typical Revit file extension definitions.

File extension RFT description: Revit Family Template

RFT file suffix is another type of template, only this one pertains to a family template. Template is used to specifying future family files.

File extension RTE description: Revit Template

RTE File contains Revit Architecture templates. Template file is used for specifying future projects.

File extension RVG description: Revit Group

File extension is used by Revit. External group file.

File extension RVT description: Revit Project

The RVT file extension is associated with Revit Architecture. The .rvt files are used for project files.

File extension IES description: Lighting File

File extension is used by Illuminating Engineering Society applications.

When you specify that the light distribution of a light source is Photometric Web, you can specify an IES file. An IES file is a text file provided by a lighting manufacturer. It describes the intensity of a light source at points on a spherical grid. It also describes the geometry of how the light comes out of the lighting fixture (the photometric web).

File extension RFA description: Revit Family

Revit model is based on a compilation of items called families. There are two types of families: System families and Hosted families. A system family can only be found within a Revit model and cannot be stored in a separate location, ie: wall, floor, roof styles etc. A hosted family is inserted similar to a block (or cell) and is stored in an external directory, ie: doors, windows, furniture etc.

File extension ADSK description:

ADSK file suffix is associated with Autodesk architecture applications. File is used for exchange data between Autodesk architecture applications. Manufactured building components that are formatted as Autodesk Exchange (ADSK) files provide design and connection data that you can use to accurately place the component in a Revit project.

A building component ADSK file provides the following information to aid in the design process:

·     Physical appearance of the component in views, such as 3D, which lets you determine clearance for accurate placement

·     Connectors and their placement

·     Data about the component, such as its identity data