Copy Pasting from one file to another.

[jfjacques]

Copying a 3d model from a 3d view and bringing it into a new file within its 3d view. 

When I do this it seems the height of levels get messy. The model is pretty much destroyed. 

What can be done? 

[barthbradley]

You are copy/pasting geometry between projects? 

Copy/pasting Datums?  

What happened exactly with the Levels?  

[Anonymous]

When I do this I:

1. go to a 3D view and select everything, this assures I get all the geometry
2. I then shift into an elevation view or section and make sure to add all the levels to my selection
3. I then copy it all
4. I then paste into the new project in a 3D view or default level 1 plan view, this should bring everything over without messing up your geometry.

[ToanDN]

Link one file to another and bind.

[barthbradley]

...another option: Load as Group with Levels checked.  

[syman2000]

You need to becareful when you copy from 3d views. It has a set workplane. Your family objects host to a level and random 3d work plane can mess up the family hosting when you paste to another new project. Check and see what work plane it is set to. Change the workplane to the same family host level.

[jfjacques]

I think lots of the solutions here would work, unfortunately I now have another issue. 

When I try to paste, I get a warning indicating that I "cannot paste to a non-story level" 

How do I get around this? 

[syman2000]

Is the family you copied host to anything like wall, floor, roof & etc? Usually if it is hosted, copy the host object along with the family.

[barthbradley]

I think "cannot paste to a non-story level" means that there is no Plan View for the Level in existence yet.  Is the level black or blue in Elevation? If Black, create a Plan View.  

[jfjacques]

That's the thing, this is the first thing I checked and it's blue 😕

[ToanDN]

Link the old model in you file and bind it so that you are free of all the troubles you have been telling.  

[barthbradley]

What are you trying to clipboard copy/paste? 

[jfjacques]

I'm linking the model I want to bring in but it's a no go. 

Once I link the file I get a random selection of the linked building. 

Linking is not an operation I do often so I could be missing something. 

Can you link files that are a part of an option? I don't even know what model this is bringing in as when I click the link button things get linked instantly: I get a random import. 

The model i want to bring in is on an option. 

[barthbradley]

Option? As in Design Option? That's part of a Project -- not a separate Project.   

Also, what do you mean you get a "random selection of the linked building". Sounds like you have a Link with Links.  

[ToanDN]

Design Option?  That is a vital information that we should be made aware of before giving you the answers.  Need to think a bit more.

- make the chosen Design Option primary in the source file before linking

- open a view and set the design option you want active

- link the source file in, bind, and the imported elements will be under the active design option- 

[barthbradley]

I said Design Option, not the OP.

I'm seeking clarification.  

[ben96UGC]

Thank you so very much!