Add in manager?

[MuirEng]

Hi, is anyone using the Revit Addin Manager?
https://github.com/chuongmep/RevitAddInManager

As I understand it this tool should let me unload an application so that I can rebuild the dll and then let me reload it. I can't seem to accomplish this using any of the tools provided. For example, in the Load App screen if I deselect my custom plug in it is still available on the ribbon and the DLL file is still locked. The documentation seems a bit incomplete...

[ricaun]

In general is not possible to unload an application, if you load an assembly that gonna stay in the AppDomain until you close Revit, that's the reason the dll stays blocked, Revit is using that file.

I don't think that RevitAddInManager support loading App in the ribbon, loading is kinda easy, the problem is 'unload' and remove all the references to reload the same/new assembly.

I have a plugin AppLoader that allow load/reload IExternalApplication with ribbons and stuff.

It has some limitations, but it's worth it, developing Revit plugins with Revit open is much easier.

[seyoumhgs · Accepted solution]

If your add-in is still available on the ribbon, it means it is loaded from your .addin file when Revit was first opened. Here’s how you can use the RevitAddinManager to test your add-in without needing to unload and reload:

1. Remove the .addin File: First, close Revit and remove the .addin file from the Addins folder. This prevents Revit from loading your add-in from the .addin manifest file.

2. Load the DLL in RevitAddinManager: After opening Revit, open the RevitAddinManager and load your DLL file once.

3. Test Commands in RevitAddinManager: Test your commands directly from the RevitAddinManager. Double-click on the commands listed under your application to test their functionality.

4. Rebuild and Test: After making changes to your add-in, simply rebuild the DLL. You don’t need to unload or reload anything. Just build again and test your commands directly from the RevitAddinManager.

[MuirEng]

oh wow, fantastic. I'll try this. Thanks!

[MuirEng]

This procedure has saved me a ton of time over the past few days. Thanks for this idea!

[LucasJonnedeJong]

Is there one available for Revit 2025?

[gruizking]

Yes it comes built-in with Revit 2025.3! (https://help.autodesk.com/view/RVT/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-648D9DD3-3933-4105-AB48-90A5D10FA8D0) 

[LucasJonnedeJong]

That is not what I am looking for. I am not looking to manage add-ins.  I am looking for a way to run a .dll file on the spot without having to close and open revit after every change.  Which I found here: https://github.com/chuongmep/RevitAddInManager/releases

Thanks

[donnia.tabor-hanson]

@gruizking that link is broken.