Force Revit Structure 2011 to start in Demo Mode?

[StevenBaldridge7780]

We have 3 licenses for about 20 people. Usually not a problem because engineers don't really need to use Revit for editing, so they can always go to viewer when all licenses are in use. But every so often, we'll have an engineer open Revit Structure 2011 to view a file and a drafter will come along later trying to get a license and get denied. Then either myself or the person shut out has to hunt down the engineer that is using Revit and get them to close out to free up the license. Not a huge problem, but definitely obnoxious and a time-waster.

So, is there a way to force Revit Structure 2011 to start in Demo Mode that I could apply to engineers? And something that would be easy enough to turn off in the event they actually do need to edit something? This isn't a problem with 2012 since a viewer was added, but still persists with models that were built in 2011.

[DarrenP]

the person that is trying to just view a file is it the same person or is it just random?

i am thinking if its the same person you can create an options to block them from taking a license

[TravisNave]

Agreed.  An options file would give you the maximum control on who gets a license and who doesn't.  I guess you could also disable the network connection, launch the software in demo mode, then reconnect. 

[Joe.Charpentier · Accepted solution]

This is possible in r2012.

The correct shortcut/ command switch is:

"D:\MyFiles\Windows System Files\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Structure 2012\Program\Revit.exe" /viewer

Unfortunately, this feature did not exist in r2011. 

However, for r2011, you can go to the workstations of the people who rarely need to edit and from the Menu  (Big "R") choose "Licensing" and in the Product and license information dialog, switch the license to "Demo/Viewer".

They will not be using a license when they start in that mode. 

If they need to edit, you can switch it again later. 

Joe