In brief
- LiveSync streams Revit and SketchUp models into Lumion in real time, including camera and material synchronization.
- The current LiveSync for Revit plugin (26.1.8) works with Revit 2023-2027 and Lumion 12.0 and above; Autodesk support has ended for Revit 2016-2022.
- The current version of Lumion LiveSync for SketchUp supports SketchUp 2025 and above with Lumion 2025 and above; older combinations require different plugin versions.
- LiveSync automatically recognizes the connection based on file name and location; if the first 5 characters of the file name change, the model must be re-imported.
Lumion's developer Act-3D offers the LiveSync plugin for free, allowing Revit and SketchUp users to stream their models into Lumion's rendering environment in real time. The plugin supports both camera and material synchronization, and as the user modifies the model in Revit or SketchUp, the view in Lumion updates instantly. Based on Lumion's and the Autodesk App Store's official documentation, this guide summarizes installation, version compatibility, and common connection issues.
What does LiveSync do?
LiveSync connects a structure modeled in Revit or SketchUp to Lumion's real-time, photorealistic environment (complete with ready-made landscapes such as mountains, water, and grass). Once the connection is opened, the model is automatically imported; the designer can apply and save any of Lumion's 1,000+ ready-made materials to the model. After LiveSync is closed, the project is stored as an .LS file and can be used for rendering later.
Installation steps for Revit
According to Lumion's official documentation, cleaning up old versions before installing a new LiveSync version prevents connection issues:
Close Revit completely (Revit LT is not supported).
In Windows, use "Add/Remove Programs" to uninstall the following components: Lumion LiveSync for Autodesk Revit, Revit To Lumion Bridge, Lumion LiveSync, Lumion Plug-In.
If you encounter installation issues, delete the following folder:
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\LumionLiveSync.bundleThen delete all files and folders containing "Lumion" or "LiveSync" from the following folder:
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Revit\Addins\Download and install the current plugin from the Autodesk App Store or Lumion's website; restart Revit.
Open LiveSync in the Add-ins tab, open the relevant project in Lumion, make sure you are in a 3D view, and press the Play button to start synchronization.
There is a notable discrepancy regarding version compatibility: Lumion's own knowledge base states that the current LiveSync plugin (26.1.8) supports Revit 2023-2027 and Lumion 12.0 and above, while the Autodesk App Store product page states that the plugin works with Revit 2021-2027 and Lumion 8.5 and above. Since Autodesk no longer supports versions before Revit 2023, it is noted that users of Revit 2016-2022 may encounter limited support.
| Revit Version | Lumion Version | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2027 | 12.0 and above | Current plugin (26.1.8), full support |
| 2016-2022 | 12.0 and above | Autodesk support ended, limited support |
| 2016-2025 | 10 and 11 | Uses LiveSync 3.60.544 |
Installation steps for SketchUp
The current Lumion LiveSync for SketchUp plugin supports SketchUp 2025 and above with Lumion 2025 and above, and can be downloaded via the Trimble Extension Warehouse or from Lumion's website. Older combinations require different plugin versions:
| SketchUp Version | Lumion Version | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-2027 | 2024.4.3 and above | LiveSync 26.2.1.55162 or .SKP import |
| 2025 | 2024.0-2024.4.3 | LiveSync 3.60.786 |
| 2024 | 2024.0 and above | LiveSync or .SKP import |
| 2024 | 2023.0-2023.4.4 | .SKP import only |
| 2022-2023 | 12.0 and above | LiveSync or .SKP import |
The plugin is installed through SketchUp's Extension Manager; if issues arise after installation, it is recommended to contact Lumion Technical Support via the support form.
Why does the LiveSync connection drop?
Lumion uses the same file-recognition logic for Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Rhino, and Vectorworks:
If the file name and location haven't changed, the LiveSync connection continues automatically.
If the first 5 characters of the file name have changed and/or the location has changed, the model must be re-imported into the Lumion project (via
.DAEexport for Revit, ArchiCAD, Rhino, Vectorworks).If at least 5 consecutive characters of the file name still match the old one in the same location, Lumion offers a reconnection option via the "Re-connect to LiveSync" button in the "Object Options" panel.
What it means for architecture and archviz offices
LiveSync provides significant time savings, especially for architecture and interior design offices that need rapid iteration before design presentations; every change made to the model is instantly visible in Lumion without requiring a separate export. However, even though the plugin is free, a Lumion license must be purchased separately, and attention must be paid to version compatibility; offices working with pre-2023 Revit versions in particular need to take support limitations into account. Additionally, since the Lumion View feature that used to come bundled with LiveSync in previous versions has now moved to a separate product called Axogram, teams may need to evaluate Axogram separately for model sharing/viewing within the team.
Common mistakes
Installing a new version without removing the old LiveSync version: This can cause conflicts and connection errors in the Add-ins tab.
Renaming the file and expecting automatic reconnection: If the first 5 characters have changed, Lumion will not automatically recognize the model, and re-import is required.
Trying to work with Revit LT or unsupported versions: LiveSync does not support Revit LT.
Using SketchUp 2024 with Lumion 2023.x and expecting LiveSync: In this combination, only
.SKPimport is possible, with no live synchronization.
Sources
3 sourcesSource texts are not republished; short quotes are marked, everything else is our own summary and commentary.
For offices in Turkey, LiveSync is a practical, free tool that shortens the model-to-render cycle before presentations; it saves time especially for teams that want to show instant material and camera changes during investor presentations. However, the plugin being free doesn't mean a Lumion license isn't required; a powerful GPU is essential on the hardware side for real-time rendering.
Care must be taken regarding version compatibility: since Autodesk no longer supports pre-2023 Revit versions, offices working with older Revit licenses may encounter limited support in LiveSync. Not knowing the file naming rules is also the most common practical issue; teams that rename a model and don't understand why the connection dropped end up losing time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Revit and SketchUp versions does Lumion LiveSync support?
According to Lumion's knowledge base, the current LiveSync for Revit plugin (26.1.8) supports Revit 2023-2027 and Lumion 12.0 and above; the Autodesk App Store page, however, states compatibility with Revit 2021-2027 and Lumion 8.5 and above. The current version of LiveSync for SketchUp supports SketchUp 2025 and above with Lumion 2025 and above.
Why does the LiveSync connection drop when the file name changes?
Lumion recognizes models based on file name and location. If the first 5 characters of the file name change, or if its location changes, Lumion no longer automatically recognizes the model and re-import is required; if at least 5 consecutive characters still match in the same location, the 'Re-connect to LiveSync' option is offered.
Is the Lumion LiveSync plugin free?
Yes, the LiveSync plugin can be downloaded for free from the Autodesk App Store and Lumion's own website; however, a valid Lumion license is required for it to function.
