Link Multiple CAD plans into Revit Model

[vaughnbenson5595]

I'm currently using Revit 2017.  I'm not a frequent user but I have done some modeling in Revit within the last 5 years.  I'm trying to convert a project that was completed in AutoCAD into a Revit model.  It's a multi-story building but the exterior walls do not all extend the entire height of the building.  In the past I could load each individual CAD generated plan into its respective level in the Revit model.  I could also see the floors below so that I could line the plans up correctly when creating my walls.  I've loaded the second floor plan in this new model but I can't see the first floor or any objects created below for reference.  Is there a setting that has changed in more recent versions of Revit that will allow me to see the floors below and align my CAD links?

[barthbradley]

Is the Link in all views or just one?

Is Underlay turned on in view? 

[vaughnbenson5595]

The link is only in one view and underlay is turned on.  I've included some images of the properties that are available to edit when I select the link CAD file.  I opened an older model in the same 2017 version of Revit and when I select the linked file I'm still given the option of changing the base layer that the file is associated with.  However in the new model I created this option no longer exists.

[barthbradley]

Are you saying these are BOTH LINKS? You sure? From the properties screenshots, Bottom image looks like a LINK, but Top one does not.

[vaughnbenson5595]

Yes they are both links.  One from an older model that I upgraded and opened in 2017.  The other is a new file I created in 2017 trying to link CAD files to the model.

[barthbradley]

I think I may have misunderstood. You saying you want to reference a Link in an underlay? In other words, the link you want to reference is outside of your current view - in another view? And you are trying to align one Link with another Link that is at a different level?

If so, that is not my workflow. I stacked the links on top of each other in the same view and control their Visibility through VG>Imported Categories. 

[ToanDN]

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@vaughnbenson5595 wrote:

The link is only in one view and underlay is turned on.  I've included some images of the properties that are available to edit when I select the link CAD file.  I opened an older model in the same 2017 version of Revit and when I select the linked file I'm still given the option of changing the base layer that the file is associated with.  However in the new model I created this option no longer exists.

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If the link is only in one View then they are detail lines, and re not going to show when you underlay the level in another view.  It needs to be linked in as a model element by unchecking the Only current View box.

[barthbradley]

Toan: how the do you link ACAD in as a "Model" element? The only thing this is being done when you uncheck "Current View Only" is placing a copy of it in all project views. Or did I misunderstand, Sir Mentor?  

[vaughnbenson5595 · Accepted solution]

I just created a brand new project from scratch and tried to link the CAD files in the exact same manner as I did before and now it works.  I'm not sure what the issue was but its working exactly as it has in the past.  First floor is only visible on level 1.  Second floor is visible on level 2 but I can see level 1 below it so I can align my walls correctly.  Just some strange glitch I guess, but thank you for attempting to help.

[ToanDN]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Toan: how the do you link ACAD in as a "Model" element? The only thing this is being done when you uncheck "Current View Only" is placing a copy of it in all project views. Or did I misunderstand, Sir Mentor?  

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[Current View only] box checked:  DWG lines = Detail lines

[Current View only] box unchecked:  DWG lines = Model lines.  Model lines appear in all Views, including 3D views.  You can test it by bind a CAD link, explode it, and check a line properties.  It will say model line.

[barthbradley]

Please explain Vaughn. You have separate Links on different layers (e.g. you Linked them in using "Current View Only") -- And your underlay includes the CAD Link that is on the underlay level? 

[barthbradley]

Well, I'll be damned! Learn something new everyday. I got to test this, but if you said it - it must true. Thanks for sharing.

[vaughnbenson5595]

No, I linked the files at different levels but the "current view only" option is not selected.  I've included a 3D screenshot that shows what I'm doing.  The blue highlighted object is my 2nd floor cad drawing inserted on the 2nd level which is 14' high. 

[barthbradley]

DUHH! I knew this! That's the only way Revit knows how to display a Link in 3D View - by using Model Lines! 

[barthbradley]

Yes, I get what you're saying now. This exactly how a lot of our projects' 3-D virgin states look. I was confused. I thought you were talking about trying to view a Link as an underlay in a Plan View - a link that is only in one view.  You can't do this; at least as far as I know.   

[chrisplyler]

I link DWG floor plans into each of my Revit Floor Plan views using the this-view-only option.

I put an exterior wall intersection on the first floor that's really tall...on a corner that I know is common up through all the floors. Then I align the DWGs on the higher floors using that corner.