Do you ever need to place common objects in your design? Let’s say you want to add furniture in your design. Or add cars to parking lot. We don’t want to create objects like that, do we? We are likely try to find them on internet and download them. It would be nice if we know the website to find our contents, isn’t it?
Hongkiat has a list that contain 60 websites that offer free 3D models. However, they are mostly offer 3ds file format or 3ds Max. Sure, AutoCAD can import 3ds file format. But I find that it’s more comfortable to download native file format for my CAD application.
There are some popular resources that you can visit to find free models for AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, Inventor or SolidWorks.
Autodesk Seek
Autodesk seek is probably the best place for finding Revit families. It provides 65,000 BIM models (at least that what they say). It has real models from manufacturers. So if you use them, you will likely be able to find the real products. It also provides DWG files if you use AutoCAD. And also provides the product specifications.
Because it’s an Autodesk website, it has integration for your application. You can search the products directly from AutoCAD or Revit applications.
You don’t need to register to download the files. However, you can directly download without confirmation if you register.
Find your BIM models in Autodesk Seek here.
RevitCity
Revit City is a popular user forum. It also has a download section. Unlike Autodesk Seek, the contents are user generated.
You have to register before you can download the models. But it’s completely free. Because they are user generated contents, it would be a good idea if you can submit your models too.
Register and download your Revit families in Revit City here.
GRABCAD
GRABCAD is very popular for mechanical engineers. So many free models you can download here for free.
It has several popular MCAD file format like AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, NX and CATIA. There are many great models available here.
Register and download from GRABCAD here.
The CAD cube
The CAD cube offers 3D models in dwg and 3ds file format. It also offers 3D models from manufacturer, like Autodesk Seek.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers are based in UK. So if you don’t live in UK, you might not be able to find the real products near you. But we can still use the model anyway, they are great models.
Register and download from the CAD cube.
Bentley library
Bentley library is provided by Bentley Systems. This is the place to find objects if you use Bentley solutions like MicroStation.
You can access and download from Bentley Library here.
CADforum library
CADfroum is a great resource that I often visit. They have discussion forum, tips and trick section and cad library. Most of them are dwg file format. But there are also Revit and Inventor. This library is also user generated.
Download cad library from CADforum here.
The CAD Block Exchange Network
CAD Block Exchange Network (CBEN) is a very popular block library. They focus on AutoCAD block only.
Visit the CAD Block Exchange Network here.
Do you have more resources to share?
If you do, share it by commenting below.
