Autodesk releases a new version of Revit every year, often with exciting new features. But what happens when you need to open a project created in an older version?
Updating Revit files may seem automatic but doing it wrong can lead to frustrating issues. Here’s how to avoid that.
Revit files are not backward-compatible. A file created in Revit 2021 won’t open in 2019 or earlier. But newer versions can open older files—after updating them.
When you open a file, Revit detects the version and begins the update process automatically. You’ll see a loading bar, and after a few minutes, your project should be ready to go.
But proceed with caution — without the right approach, you might run into corrupted families, broken parameters, or missing phases.
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Always keep your Revit fully updated with service packs and patches
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Open files through the Revit app, not by double-clicking them
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Check the file version in the Open dialog before loading it
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Use the "Audit" checkbox when opening older files. This helps clean up errors
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Keep a backup of the original file in its original version — once updated, it can’t be opened in older versions again
If you’re updating across multiple years (e.g. 2020 to 2023), the best (though rarely possible) strategy is to go version by version: 2020 → 2021 → 2022 → 2023
This reduces the risk of breaking features or losing data. However, this often depends on having access to all intermediate versions.
Each Revit version introduces changes that can affect how older files behave once opened. Here’s what to watch out for:
Revit 2017
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Text formatting changes might affect notes and tags
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Topography, railings, and structural connections may need checking
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Rendering settings are now mapped to Autodesk Raytracer
Revit 2018
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Files might get 10% bigger
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Some project phases and beam systems might not transfer cleanly
Revit 2019
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Many issues resolved with regular updates—install the latest service pack
Revit 2020
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Analytical surfaces now use new materials—visual updates might occur
Revit 2021
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Realistic view settings may need adjusting due to the new rendering engine
Revit 2022
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ASHRAE 90.1 updates affect system analysis points
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Check tables: new categories and shared parameter issues may appear
Revit 2023
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Edited floor shapes display new graphic lines
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Pipe centerlines no longer show in part lists—double-check your assemblies
Revit 2024
- New Toposolid elements replaced traditional Toposurfaces in Revit 2024, which may require updates to existing Toposurface elements
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