linking cad file to revit drafting view doesnt show full file

[tteter]

I am trying to import a projects existing building cad file into a drafting view to create a demo plan. When I go to link the .dwg file to the drafting view I set the colors to B/w with all layers/levels turned on and the import units set to inches (the cad file is the same way). If I try and manually place the file it thinks for a few seconds and then stops. When I try and find the file in the manage links screen the file isn't there. Its as if it just gave up before trying to link the file. The same happens if I try and import the cad file. If I try and use auto - origin to origin positioning the cad file then is linked to the revit file drafting view (it isnt shown in any other view as is supposed to happen with drafting views), but only a small portion of the file is displayed. Upon further inspection after un-pinning the file the whole file is there but an uncontrollable crop region is preventing me from viewing the full file. Nothing I can think of will fix this issue. Any suggestions? 

[barthbradley]

Can you post the DWG?   

[ToanDN]

Before getting into the bottom of it, why did you choose to use a drafting view and not a plan view? Linking the CAD in a floor plan view gives you the ability to crop the view as you wish, which cannot be done with a drafting view. Plus, you can mix in model elements, room separation lines, rooms and room tags if need be.

[barthbradley]

I trying to make sense out of what you said.  You say you are trying to import a project's existing building cad file into a drafting view, and then you say that when try and find the file in the manage links screen, the file isn't there. 

First of all, Imports don't show under "Manage Links".  They show under Object Style's "Imported Categories" tab.  However, if you have multiple instances of the same CAD Imported into your Project, each one will be separately listed under the "Imported Categories" tab.  

Second, if you Link in a CAD file that you already have Linked into in the Project, as you indicate you do, Revit makes a copy of that Link.  So, "Manage Links" still only show one Link, even if you have placed multiple instances of that Link in the Project.   

Still, this doesn't really help explain your underlying issue, but you should be able to Import or Link an existing Link or Import into a Drafting View.   Again, if you want to post your files, we can test for you.  

[tteter]

The issue is present with a few different cad files not just the original file mentioned. The issue seems to be with Revit.

[tteter]

The drafting view method was chosen due to Revit not allowing cad files to be phased, and with this plan being a demo plan and will only be used on one sheet I didn't want to have to hide the cad in my other views. The content of the cad file is sufficient on its own with a few notes thrown on top to describe demo work.

[cbcarch]

-Link the Cad file into a Floor Plan View--not a Drafting View. (Drafting Views do not have Crop Regions.)

Make sure to uncheck the box for appears in all views"

-Make sure the Cad file's Origin is not a large distance away from Revit's internal origin--i.e. more than 20 miles, or problems may occur.

-Place the Cad file on its own Workset.

-Use a View Template in your view to control visibility settings of the Cad file.

-Consider modeling the existing building, and using Revit's Phasing for Demo, New Construction ,etc.--instead of relying on a Cad file.

[barthbradley]

Sounds like you really want your CAD to behave more like Revit.  Why not import the CAD into another Revit Project and then link that hybrid CAD-Revit Project into your current Project?