topic Re: Underlay not working in linked file in Revit Architecture Forum

Underlay not working in linked file

linkboy — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 22:26:08 GMT

I made a file struct.rvt with two objects above level 1 view range. I can underlay and check the structure above, like a ceiling plan view. Picture below:

However, linked file seems ignore underlay objects in the host file view.

(struct.rvt was linked into Arch.rvt, the image below is from the host file, Arch.rvt)

Can we possibly get a underlay view from a linked file?

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

Redrunner92 — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 22:39:49 GMT

In your V/G menu, in the Revit Links tab, check the "Underlay" option for your link. Then it will show up as an underlay.

Link shown as underlay

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

linkboy — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 23:11:37 GMT

It works for looking down. In the sample file I posted, I have "beams" above level 1 view range. If you check off underlay link in host file, the beams won't show. Can you send a screen shot showing beams from host files view?

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

Redrunner92 — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 23:50:14 GMT

I'm unable to make it work, unfortunately. It seems only certain family categories in linked views are visible as part of an underlay. The closest workaround I can think of is to make a plan region which will show the beams, then override their category in the Link's V/G menu. But I'm aware this is not what you are trying to accomplish.

It looks like there is an idea for this which has gotten quite a bit of support. You can vote for it here:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-ideas/underlay-capabilities-for-linked-revit-files/idi-p/6329090

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

Alfredo_Medina — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:35:54 GMT

The word Underlay is used in two features, different from each other. The "first" Underlay" is that feature that you activated in the nested model, which is for projecting edges of elements that are in another level, to the current level.

The second "Underlay" is that feature that you see in the Visibility Graphics window > Revit Links > to the right side of "Halftone". That Underlay is to have the ability to adjust the brightness or tone of the lines of a linked model. Instead of of just a fixed half tone. If you apply that Underlay, you can adjust the tone of linked models in Manage > Additional Settings.

The first Underlay feature does not work with linked models, only in the same model.

Solution: go back to the nested link. Go for example to "Level 1" plan view. Activate Underlay, with base at Level 1, up to Level 2, looking up. You will see the projection of beams or edges of slabs. Then use the Linework tool > Overhead line style, and click on the edges that you want to see. Then turn off the Underlay feature of the view.

Now go back to the host model. Go to Level 1. Go to VG > Revit Links > select the nested link > By Linked View > Level 1.

Now you will see in the Level 1 view of the host model the projected lines of the Level 1 view of the linked file.

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

purvigirwin — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:19:14 GMT

I had this same problem and I solved it by changing the view range bottom and view depth to the level below and then set the plan to wireframe. In my example, we just needed to turn it on to coordinate something and then we set it back to normal.

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

a.farga — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:17:57 GMT

Hi,

Any other options,

I am using a revit link for my electrical project but I can't see the projections of the roof on my floor plans,

Any advise?

Thanks!

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

ejacksonP3FKR — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:05:39 GMT

I tried all of these things, including editing the linked model to show the underlay, but nothing worked. I ultimately went back to my original model and went to the floor I want to see, created an overhead line on the outline of my floor, and copied/pasted aligned to the views I wanted to see it at.

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

mbeauvais5RH76 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:18:48 GMT

Yeah. Wish they would find a fix for this. We do townhome projects sometimes and link in the unit types. In a normal, non-link, project we'd have an RCP and have the plan for that level as an underlay to ensure the lighting works with the furniture and casework. Since the units in our townhome projects are links, the typical underlay feature doesn't work because the links don't behave the same. It's frankly infuriating. Has anyone found a good work-around? We need to see the link as the standard RCP and see an underlay of the link for furniture.

Re: Underlay not working in linked file

zakiur — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:01:15 GMT

The workaround to this is to change your cut plane for the view temporarily and then using linework override to override the linetypes for the objects above and then changing your view range cut plane back to your plan level. This works for linked model elements in Host View not for Linked Views obviously. Hope this helps out someone. Also one trick is to use wireframe view to be able to pick the lines you want to override.