Linked CAD files - Revit 2020.1

[Anonymous]

Very Confused here guys. 

My office is still in the transition to Revit and to satisfy my bosses I have suggested we do a hybrid approach where I carry the base model in Revit and they can keep the floor plans in AutoCAD. Don't even get me started on why there are issues related to this approach, because trust me I have fought a good fight. lol.

I like to create each unit in it's own project and link them in, mirror them around and what have you. So inside the "Unit plan project" I have linked in the CAD floor plan and it displays as shown in photo 1. I know have linked that "unit plan" into the "master project" and the CAD link that originated in "unit plan" does not display. However when I toggle on reveal hidden elements (shown in photo 2) the CAD shows up??? I have gone to a blank 3D view to reset all VG's and it still won't show up, but again I reveal hidden elements and Revit recognizes they are in that linked model.

Another strange thing is when I look at attach vs. overlay... This option does not exist for CAD files but does on Revit linked files, could this be my issue and is there a way to change it? (see photo 3 )

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

[SteveKStafford]

The linked DWG in the other file is "hidden" because you'll need to use By Linked View to see it. The DWG is effectively annotation in the other file.

I'm in favor of building bridges during the transition from AutoCAD to Revit but I'm not sure this kind of bridge is going to get anyone across it...this bridge is most likely going to drive their argument to stay in AutoCAD.

[martijn_pater]

Are you working with Revit LT 2020.1 or full version?

[Anonymous]

Working in Revit LT. I don't think linked by view is available unfortunately. 

Certainly open to suggestions on how to help my colleagues get over the bridge...

[SteveKStafford · Accepted solution]

Try importing the DWG into a family instead. Place the family. To update the DWG you'll have to replace it but it should appear.

[Anonymous]

This works, but again unfortunately you need to open the family manually to update the floor plan. I ended up linking the CAD directly into the model. I have to duplicate the CAD and also duplicate the model but at least they are showing up graphically correct and I can update everything from the master file.