Functionality of Revit Links

[snowmannz]

This is sort of a wish for Revit, or perhaps it can be done and someone can shed some light on this or if not why it is not possible:

I don’t understand why Revit does not have the ability to load and or modify links from within the model you’re working on and or why it needs to "unload" the link as soon as you open it when the host model is also open.

It would be (in my opinion) better to have similar functionality to AutoCAD Xref, i.e. you can "right click" and choose open link/modify link in place/unload link etc.

It would be awesome if you could alter a link from within the host file, similar to "edit xref in place" from AutoCAD

For example, I have 3 zones to a large structure, each represented by a model which is all collaborated in one central model. I want to alter a member in one of the links (change its size or similar) so it would be ideal if I could just click the link, "make it live" alter the member and then "close" it and carry on.

Currently you have to close the file your in (to prevent the unlinking) the load the desired model, alter the member, close it, then open your other model again. Seems like such a slow way of doing things. Unless as I mentioned I’m missing something along the way.

Cheers
Corey

[Lance.Coffey · Accepted solution]

Revit is not currently able to open a linked file while the host file is also open (in the same session) without unloading the link.

However, as a workaround you can open a separate session of Revit, edit the link, and then reload (refresh) the link in the original Revit session. This should be easier than closing, and reopening the host project file. This workaround is described in part of the following thread:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Revit-Architecture/Linked-Revit-Files-Forced-Unloading/td-p/2...

Note: A request for this functionality (in place editing of linked files) is currently open with our Development group. If you would like to submit additional feedback on why this option would be useful in your situation, you can use the following link:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=1109794

[snowmannz]

Hi Lance thanks for your reply.

Yes running 2 copies or Revit certainly is not a bad work around. i hope Autodesk look into this for the next release. I would love it if Revit identified that you had changed a link (again sim to AutoCAD) and would prompt you to reload.

I know a lot of this is probably solved by using Revit Server; sadly our broadband is not good enough to work between cities.

Cheers

Corey