To Attach or Overlay Revit Linked Modles?

[Jason_S]

I have not been able to find any good information on what is best practice when it comes to linking in Revit models. Some prefer Attachment and others prefer Overlay. What is best practice?

I understand that Attachment will allow you to see models linked to it and Overlay will not.

Does one method allow easier data exchange between models?

Thanks for the advice.

[Anonymous]

there isn't a best practice as such.

one method will suit one persons workflow and another will suit someone elses workflow.....same as XREF's in AutoCAD.

usually from a data sharing point of view SIMPLE is usually best as this will facilitate other parties been able to understand how your data is structured which will allow them to utilize it more efficiently.......so i would go with overlay

[ali_jackson88NHL]

Great Question, the difference between Overlay & Attachment is the same as Overlay & Attachment in Autocad, Overlayed links in a file (Revit or Autocad) will not appear in your Project Model.

i.e. If there is a Steel Model made up of multiple links (say in phases) if these are Overlayed (not Attached) they will not appear in you Project Model.

[syman2000]

 It really depends on your scenario. If you have multiple files linking with each other, I recommend using overlay. If you use attachment, you have a higher chance of getting a circular reference warning. Also attachment will double count in your schedule if the same link is referenced in your current model and your Revit link contains the same attached file. Use it with caution.  

https://revitiq.com/attachment-vs-overlay-revit/

[imankassab2015]

I don't want to break the cycle but for worksharing point of view overlay will give you the first stand look to the file with no double weight on your host revit file but listen 

To this tip

I would use the linked file inside it attach path but in my file overlay option to get the benefits of both 

Accept my answer if it helps you