How to open Revit 2018 file in Revit 2017 or lower versions?

[sudhas]

dear sir,

how to open revit 2018 file in Revit 2017 or lower versions

regards

sudhakar

[Matt__W · Accepted solution]

Your only options are to export to IFC format or 2D DWG format and bring that data into an earlier release of Revit.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/B...

[Viveka_CD · Accepted solution]

Hi @sudhas

Thanks for posting on the Revit Architecture forum.

Please see this discussion for more resources

If you find posts have solved your problem, please click on 'Accept as solution' to help others with similar questions. Kudos welcome.

Thank you.

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @sudhas

I just wanted to follow up here, any progress on this issue?

Please mark any posts that help with "Accept as Solution" and thanks! Kudos welcome.

Regards,

[Sahay_R · Accepted solution]

@sudhas. You don't. Revit is NOT backward compatible. Exporting to IFC will result in the model losing data and intelligence.

[shreef_hassan]

HOW CAN I SEND THIS MASSAGE TO AUTODESK

You should make way to open newest version file to have ability to open in older version of revit

Also you shouldn't wait for small programing like autocad’s lisps files to correct like this issue

I think its issue when someone work with revit 2019 using his one laptop or workstation  (with good performance ) and then he can't send my his file as I will not be able to open his file in my older version revit 2018

I know it’s a marketing   idea to make this but please you should either make away to save file as older version or  make way to open newest version file

I wish this issue and my  opinion make this better

Good luck , keep going you on the right way

[shreef_hassan]

did you find the answer yet 

if not how to send this massage to Autodesk  

You should make way to open newest version file to have ability to open in older version of revit

Also you shouldn't wait for small programing like autocad’s lisps files to correct like this issue

I think its issue when someone work with revit 2019 using his one laptop or workstation  (with good performance ) and then he can't send my his file as I will not be able to open his file in my older version revit 2018

I know it’s a marketing   idea to make this but please you should either make away to save file as older version or  make way to open newest version file

I wish this issue and my  opinion make this better

Good luck , keep going you on the right way

[Avaris.]

Well, it does make no sense for a program that is constantly under development to make it backwards compatible. For example, railings are changed in how they behave a few years ago. It is just plain impossible to make that backwards compatible.

[shreef_hassan]

You should make way to open newest version file to have ability to open in older version of revit

Also you shouldn't wait for small programing like autocad’s lisps files to correct like this issue

I think its issue when someone work with revit 2019 using his one laptop or workstation  (with good performance ) and then he can't send my his file as I will not be able to open his file in my older version revit 2018

I know it’s a marketing   idea to make this but please you should either make away to save file as older version or  make way to open newest version file

I wish this issue and my  opinion make this better

Good luck , keep going you on the right way

[Avaris.]

I know it is easier for you, but I think it's not about marketing. It is about adding new features which can't be replicated by older versions. That is also why it is very important while collaborating to have the exact same build.

[shreef_hassan]

My issue to use and share my file with others they have older versions or old lab -tops

they should have way to solve this issue

[RobDraw]

We know what you think about this. You've made it clear many times.

[prithvi921991]

I had this Query for many days as I tried different options I found this partial solution please refer to the below steps. 1) Open the file in Revit 2018 then export it to IFC. 2) Open Revit lower version and open a default template. 3) Click the insert tab and link the exported IFC. (This will create a Revit file with .ifc extension) 4) Now go back to the folder where you exported the IFC. 5) You will find a Revit file with .ifc extension. 6) Rename the extension to .rvt 7) Just open the file in the lower version. Note: The elements in the file will not be editable but can be moved and will have all the properties of the element. You will lose all the views (levels, 3D, sections etc) You will get data like schedules etc. Please Like and accept if you find this useful.

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @prithvi921991

Thanks for sharing the steps you've tried. Can you share a screencast showing the steps, it will benefit the community seeking similar answers.

Regards,