Linking Multiple Revit Discipline Files Together

[kieraGU56Z]

What is the best way to work with multiple models all linked into each other? For one building, we typically have separate models for architecture, structure, and maybe MEP if the scope is large enough. The problem is that one person might need to have all models open at the same time to make changes (we are a small firm so each of us can end working in multiple disciplines when needed). With 2 models linked together and set to overlay in both, there isn't a problem. As soon as the 3rd model is added/linked, opening all 3 gives an error about having a Revit link open in more than 1 model. 

Instead of each model having 2 overlay model links, should one be set to attachment? Should they all be attached? Knowing that most jobs only have an architecture and structure model, how would you incorporate the MEP model?

P.S. we keep the disciplines as separate models so we can use linked views as underlays 

[kieraGU56Z]

What is the best way to work with multiple models all linked into each other? For one building, we typically have separate models for architecture, structure, and maybe MEP if the scope is large enough. The problem is that one person might need to have all models open at the same time to make changes (we are a small firm so each of us can end working in multiple disciplines when needed). With 2 models linked together and set to overlay in both, there isn't a problem. As soon as the 3rd model is added/linked, opening all 3 gives an error about having a Revit link open in more than 1 model. 

Instead of each model having 2 overlay model links, should one be set to attachment? Should they all be attached? Knowing that most jobs only have an architecture and structure model, how would you incorporate the MEP model?

P.S. we keep the disciplines as separate models so we can use linked views as underlays 

[barthbradley]

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Revit-Cloud-Work-S....

[barthbradley]

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Revit-Cloud-Work-S....

[kieraGU56Z]

I probably should have mentioned that our models are hosted on BIm360 and linked together using External Resource like your link suggests. They aren't placed on separate worksets but I don't see a reason to. Each link should be visible while we are working to properly coordinate and since the problem is the link being referenced in more than one open model, I doubt making a workset invisible would fix that. Otherwise, we are already following the advice of the Model Linking section.

[kieraGU56Z]

I probably should have mentioned that our models are hosted on BIm360 and linked together using External Resource like your link suggests. They aren't placed on separate worksets but I don't see a reason to. Each link should be visible while we are working to properly coordinate and since the problem is the link being referenced in more than one open model, I doubt making a workset invisible would fix that. Otherwise, we are already following the advice of the Model Linking section.

[barthbradley]

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@kieraGU56Z wrote:

 Otherwise, we are already following the advice of the Model Linking section.

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So you're saying that you did "change the reference type of linked host file inside Revit link from ‘Attachment’ to ‘Overlay’"? I must have misunderstood your OP then.  

[barthbradley]

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@kieraGU56Z wrote:

 Otherwise, we are already following the advice of the Model Linking section.

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So you're saying that you did "change the reference type of linked host file inside Revit link from ‘Attachment’ to ‘Overlay’"? I must have misunderstood your OP then.  

[SteveKStafford · Accepted solution]

Run separate sessions of Revit for each model and move between those sessions. You just can't copy/paste between different sessions of Revit, different memory allocation for each session.

Workset assignment gives you the opportunity when you open a file to close the workset the link is assigned to. This means you can get the file opened faster if you really don't need to load the link for structure or MEP initially. It also ensures that the file gets open faster since the file open loading links process is the most "dangerous", passing the most data across the net.

[SteveKStafford · Accepted solution]

Run separate sessions of Revit for each model and move between those sessions. You just can't copy/paste between different sessions of Revit, different memory allocation for each session.

Workset assignment gives you the opportunity when you open a file to close the workset the link is assigned to. This means you can get the file opened faster if you really don't need to load the link for structure or MEP initially. It also ensures that the file gets open faster since the file open loading links process is the most "dangerous", passing the most data across the net.

[kieraGU56Z]

By default it is set to Overlay but I was wondering if Attachment should be used since a lot of the workflows I found explaining the difference assume there is a host model that everything gets linked into vs everything linking into each other. Not sure if your link also assumes that though it certainly seems to prefer overlays. The answer to my question might be to keep doing what we're doing and there isn't really a better way.

[kieraGU56Z]

By default it is set to Overlay but I was wondering if Attachment should be used since a lot of the workflows I found explaining the difference assume there is a host model that everything gets linked into vs everything linking into each other. Not sure if your link also assumes that though it certainly seems to prefer overlays. The answer to my question might be to keep doing what we're doing and there isn't really a better way.

[kieraGU56Z]

I see. I hadn't thought about running separate instances of Revit! That does allow me to have all 3 open without Revit complaining. In trying to pull up the error, I found that it only happens when reloading the link. "The link cannot be reloaded because it is loaded into another open document." Apologies, I thought it was happening when I opened the model.

As for load times, our models tend to be small enough that there isn't a noticeable slowdown from linking in models. We do have a project with a massive model from an outside firm that always makes our models open several minutes slower because it's linked in. I'll try adding it to a workset!

[kieraGU56Z]

I see. I hadn't thought about running separate instances of Revit! That does allow me to have all 3 open without Revit complaining. In trying to pull up the error, I found that it only happens when reloading the link. "The link cannot be reloaded because it is loaded into another open document." Apologies, I thought it was happening when I opened the model.

As for load times, our models tend to be small enough that there isn't a noticeable slowdown from linking in models. We do have a project with a massive model from an outside firm that always makes our models open several minutes slower because it's linked in. I'll try adding it to a workset!

[SteveKStafford]

Keep in mind that the linked model has both a Type and Instance workset parameter. Make your linked model workset active before linking and both parameters will be assigned to the active workset. If you don't do that then just select the link afterward and assign the same workset to each parameter. If there is just one instance of the link required then both parameters should be the same workset. Different workset assignment for each facilitates having multiple copies of the link that you want to control separately.

Attached links should be avoided in general. Use Overlay.

If the architecture model links the structure model (attached)...the structure team does not need to see their own model showing up as part of the architecture model when they link it into theirs. An attached link follows its parent model when the parent is linked into another model. Each discipline model should be linked as an Overlay.

The only time an attached link makes sense is if you are doing modular design of a repeating element and those modular elements are combined into a master model. Then when another discipline links the master/combined model into their model...all the modular models are brought in too.

[SteveKStafford]

Keep in mind that the linked model has both a Type and Instance workset parameter. Make your linked model workset active before linking and both parameters will be assigned to the active workset. If you don't do that then just select the link afterward and assign the same workset to each parameter. If there is just one instance of the link required then both parameters should be the same workset. Different workset assignment for each facilitates having multiple copies of the link that you want to control separately.

Attached links should be avoided in general. Use Overlay.

If the architecture model links the structure model (attached)...the structure team does not need to see their own model showing up as part of the architecture model when they link it into theirs. An attached link follows its parent model when the parent is linked into another model. Each discipline model should be linked as an Overlay.

The only time an attached link makes sense is if you are doing modular design of a repeating element and those modular elements are combined into a master model. Then when another discipline links the master/combined model into their model...all the modular models are brought in too.