Opening Revit Best Practice

[Anonymous]

Hello 

I am a new Revit user and I am confused with all the messages that I see when I try to open a file.

1. is when I am opening a file 2017 version with 2018 version the message I get is 2017 model being upgraded to 2018 (and it takes a long time to open) will that happen everytime I open the file?

2. is it best to "detach form central" when opening the drawing?

3. or is it better to "create new local"? when the (create new local feature is disabled) what do I do?

thanks ken 

[Anonymous]

Make sure you open the file in the correct version.

If the project is made in 2017, open it in 2017. Revit is NOT backwards compatible. In short this means that you can't open a Revit 2018 project in an earlier version. If you save the model in a newer version you will either force all partners in the project to start using Revit 2018, or you will lose all the work you made in 2018 as they can't load it in and you will be forced to open an old backup and do all the rework.

Don't detach from central, as it makes the copy you're opening a stand alone model. You will be the only one working in it and your modifications will not be uploaded to the central, therefor you will not be collaborating with others in your firm.

When you select a workshared model, the option Create local will be checked by default. You only uncheck it if you need to do work on the central file, or if you have to make a detached model. If this checkbox is greyed out, you're not working on a workshared model. Workshared models make it possible for multiple persons to be active in the same file, working together on a single model. If the model isn't workshared it isn't possible to work with multiple people on the same model.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the quick response, Can I open Revit 2017 with Revit 2018

[Anonymous]

You will need to install revit 2017 first. There is no way to save in a previous version. To keep the integrity of the file, you need to open it in Revit 2017. You'll notice then that the file will open a lot quicker, due to not having to upgrade the files.

You should be able to download the correct version of Revit in the manage enviroment: https://manage.autodesk.com/cep

If you're a student, you should be able to find the educational license on 

https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/revit

There you are able to select the corresponding version for your project.

[Corsten.Au]

Every company should have their own File naming Standards..

Some includes Project name, Building name, Street etc.. but lets come down to

1. Central Files and 2. Revit Versions..

Every file name should end with these two important info so save everyones time

and open the project in correct order...

Ex :

Project name_Cen_V17.rvt ( its a Central file, Revit Version 2017)

Project name_V18.rvt ( Its not a central file, Revit version 2018 )

Family name_V16.rfa ( Revit Familiy, Revit Version 2016)

And further opening files..

one must open the corresponding Revit Version first and then open the files..

no drag and drop , and no double clicking... Double clicking will try to open the file 

in latest version of Revit...

there are always ways to set up default revit to open etc.. but needs to incorporate 

to entire office by BIM manager or IT guy.. but without those setups its a good practice

to know the basic how revit works...

Cheers

[barthbradley]

@Anonymous: Upgrading can take seconds...or minutes. It's no biggie; really. Once upgraded, save it and it'll open much faster next go-around.  Promise. Of course, once saved in the new version, it will no longer be able to be opened in the old version. Keep this in mind. 

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @Anonymous

A Revit file format is not backward compatible. See this forum post for more related information.

Please see articles:

Create a Local Copy of a Central Model

Open a Workshared Project Independent of the Central Model

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

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Good morning,

Viveka_CD Thanks for your response I think I get it, it's best to open a Revit file with the same Version as the Revit was created which makes sense.

But I didn't see an answer to my question about what do I do when the "create new local copy" is disabled and my only choice is to "detach from central copy" maybe the question was answered I just didn't see it please forgive my ignorance. 

Also on another note, as I mentioned in my earlier post that I'm new to the Revit software and I would like to start using it but my dilemma is I work in Audio Visual industry and a lot of the equipment that I deal with or use don't have Revit families, what is the recommended procedure for this issue thanks again for your help.   

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @Anonymous

Regarding local copy, It is good practice for users to create a local copy of the central model every day. This ensures a local copy is always on your hard drive each time you begin modifying a project. This can be helpful especially when a central file becomes corrupt.

Please see the links to articles I've sent in my previous post.

See forum thread:

Best Revit book and Learning Resources  

Beginner Workflows for Architecture

You can also post questions on the forum.

Regards,