Allow half-tone / transparency for PDF and images

[HVAC-Novice]

When importing or linking PDF it would be nice to keep them in the background and only show them in a semi-transparent manner. It could use the normal "half-tone" feature or have a dedicated transparency setting. 

Same for images. 

[Anonymous]

Linking PDFs has been a God-send. Thanks for implementing it.

Unfortunately, for most cases in which I need PDF overlays, I also need to be able to also see what's underneath (Revit geometry and annotations, another linked PDF, or a raster image). Revit's current linking process seems to create a solid white background behind all PDF geometry. It affects both vector and raster PDF content.

I'd like to request that this solid white area be traded out for an transparent one if the PDF is designed that way. It would be great if it could also switch between transparent and solid for the times masking is needed. Less desirable - but still workable - would be a transparency setting for the overall PDF. 

Thank you!

[matheuspalmd]

Override graphics by element doesn't work on this?

[HVAC-Novice]

I never responded, sorry. Override shows a "halftone". but it is grayed out and can't be checked.

HVACNovice_0-1705494979105.png

I'm not sure if that already "override" was an option in 2021 when I created this idea. but now in R2024.2 is still isn't a functional option. 

[Lance.Coffey]

You can get a similar effect to transparency by placing a masking region to white out the image, and then make the masking region transparent.

[dholsapplePD66A]

Revit would benefit greatly from a built-in transparency control for inserted images and PDFs (including JPEG, PNG, and PDF files). Currently, these elements are treated as fully opaque, limiting their usefulness in documentation, design coordination, and presentation workflows. The ability to adjust transparency would give users far more flexibility — for example, allowing background reference drawings or logos to be visible without overpowering model elements, making overlay comparisons clearer, and improving the visual hierarchy of sheets and views. This feature is already standard in many design and visualization tools, and adding it to Revit would streamline workflows, reduce reliance on external editing software, and significantly enhance the clarity and quality of visual communication within projects.