Disable showing linked models by default

[HVAC-Novice]

I'm working in a central model with another person (architect). For this project I'm doing the mechanical and lighting design. 

Now I see the architect has linked the structural model into our central model.  That is fine, except the structural model now shows up in my views by default. it looks like I have to go to each of my view templates and uncheck that linked model to not see it in my views. 

my questions:

- is there a way for me to hide them in all views/view templates with just one click instead of un-checking in every view template? 

- does the architect have an option to link it in a way so they don't show up by default? 

[chubbard]

Did the Architect link attachment or overlay? If the latter it should not show in your model unless you link it in. You can tell if there is a + next to their model in the links portion of the project browser and you see the structural under the arch link. 

You can suggest the architect change it to overlay and it will not appear in your model. 

[HVAC-Novice]

Linked and we both work on the same central model (work in our own local copies, of course). So whatever the architect shows and sees, is what I see. 

I just need an easy way for us so what the architect links (for his onw purposes) only shows up for him, but not in my views. For now and this project I just manually hide the link in my templates. but he may link more models later. so getting a game plan would be good. 

I forgot to mention. This project started as a 1-person project and wasn't set up to be a shared central model. So we don't have work-sharing and other fancy features used (that will be something for a new project where it is clear from the beginning this will be shared). Sharing the model was a late-in-design decision. Not sure if that would help not seeing the linked models. 

[chubbard]

Well if you are in the same model your options are limited. 

While some find it convenient to work in the same model, Revit was designed for different disciplines to be in different models and linked. Firms that all work in the same models typically have pre-built view templates that limit what is shown so different disciplines all work well. 

The Arch probably has similar issues with your equipment and such showing in their drawings. 

Also for future you should assume ALL models will be shared. Much easier to remove Worksets than add later. 

You might also look at reducing your view templates to make changes like this easier.  

[HVAC-Novice]

I didn't see a way to set the view template to not show linked models. The linked model shows up after it is linked. 

Since we work in the same office, we found it easier to work in the same central model. We also have people that just start with Revit. So in a Central model it is easier for me to just fix something for them.  And we don't need to manually make fake sheets. The architect (or anyone else) still can decide what and how they show.  This actually is the first project I don't do 100% on my own. So we still have to work out some things. What is linked, is from a 3rd party (Structural designer in this case) and 3rd party always will be linked. 

I'm separately working on reducing view templates (like using one template for all M views, and not separate floor, ceiling, 3D etc.). That way any changes are easier. But I may design in multiple disciplines (M, P, Lighting, E), and also have specific design views (like colored pipe friction views etc.). So I still may have 10 view templates. Ideally I don't have to edit all of them to NOT show a linked model. 

[chubbard · Accepted solution]

There are multiple ways to get a link to hide. From most simple to most complex:

1. Create a workset for the link and hide it in the workset portion of the view template

2. Open the links dialog of the view template and turn the link off. 

Both of these will turn the entire link off for all views that use the template. 

More complex you can edit your template to hide all the structural elements (Model tab) and set linked models to be "By Host view" and then the link will behave the same as the view its in. You can maybe see columns or beams but hide structural walls rebar etc. 

[HVAC-Novice]

Thanks. I'll try out the worksets and better view templates on the next project. 

For this one, I'll just manually edit my view templates. 

[ToanDN]

You can go to Insert > manage links menu and unload the structural link for yourself only.

[RobDraw]

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@chubbard wrote:

Revit was designed for different disciplines to be in different models and linked.

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Gonna have to disagree.

Revit "wants" everything in the same model. There is a lot of information that cannot pass through links.

[chubbard]

Managing multiple disciplines in the same model requires good housekeeping and constant management of all the assets. 

There is very little that cannot be easily brought through from a linked model. using tags, schedules view controls or dynamo. 

Models can generally be bound to create a composite if one is needed.

Link allows each model to be specialized for its discipline while allowing global controls for the other models. (on, off, discipline specific views etc.) While that can occur in a composite model it does require good templates, proper categories and general neatness on the part of the users. 

[RobDraw]

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@chubbard wrote:

There is very little that cannot be easily brought through from a linked model. using tags, schedules view controls or dynamo. 

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All good points but none prove that Revit was designed for multiple models. In fact, you kind of proved that it wasn't by saying the above.