Pirros supports AutoCAD DWG files in addition to Revit models. This article covers how to upload CAD details, what to expect, and known limitations.
How to Upload DWG Files
Navigate to the Details page in Pirros
Click + Add Details
Drag and drop your .dwg file(s) into the upload area
Click Upload
Pirros processes the DWG file and creates a searchable detail entry with a thumbnail preview.
What to Expect
Color display: CAD details appear in their original layer colors, not black-and-white. This is how DWG files render — it does not affect the source file
Text and annotations: Pirros indexes text content within the DWG for search, similar to how it indexes Revit annotations
No version tracking: DWG files don't have Pirros IDs embedded the way Revit details do. Re-uploading the same DWG creates a new entry rather than updating the existing one
Best Practices
Separate multi-detail sheets into individual files before uploading. If a DWG contains multiple details on one sheet, Pirros treats it as a single detail. Breaking the sheet into individual files gives each detail its own searchable entry
Use consistent file naming — the file name becomes the detail's title in Pirros
Apply tags after uploading to help your team filter CAD details alongside Revit details
Limitations
X-references (xrefs) are not resolved during upload — details that depend on external references may appear incomplete
No Revit plugin integration for CAD files — uploads are web-only
No automatic version tracking (no Pirros ID parameter in DWG files)
CAD details cannot be downloaded directly into Revit through the plugin — they download as .dwg files
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix CAD and Revit details in the same workspace?
A: Yes. CAD and Revit details appear together in search results and can be tagged and filtered the same way.
Q: Can I download a CAD detail into Revit?
A: CAD details download as .dwg files, not as Revit views. You can import the DWG into Revit manually after downloading.
Q: Should we convert our CAD details to Revit before uploading?
A: Not necessarily. If your firm uses both CAD and Revit, uploading DWG files makes them searchable immediately. Converting to Revit is a separate workflow decision based on your firm's standards.