Revit Plugin vs. CSV Export: Which Workflow Is Right for Your Firm?

AI GC supports two ways to get materials from Revit into your budget: the Revit plugin (direct push) and CSV export (manual upload). Both work. But they serve different situations.

The Revit plugin workflow

Install the plugin, paste your API key, select a project, and click "Push to AI GC." The plugin extracts materials directly from your live Revit model and sends them to your dashboard. No intermediate files.

Best for: Day-to-day use, rapid iteration, teams that re-budget frequently.

The CSV export workflow

Export a Material Takeoff schedule from Revit as a CSV. Log into AI GC, navigate to your project, and upload the file.

Best for: Firms that receive Revit files from external partners, locked-down IT environments, one-off imports from legacy projects.

Which should you use?

If you have Revit 2025 or 2026 and you're budgeting your own projects, use the plugin. The speed difference is significant. one click vs. export-find-upload-map.

If you're importing data from external sources or legacy projects, use the CSV workflow.

Many firms use both: the plugin for active projects, and CSV import for bringing in historical data.

The bottom line

The plugin is faster and less error-prone for ongoing use. CSV import is more flexible for edge cases. Both feed into the same budget engine, so the output quality is identical regardless of how materials arrive.