Dimensions on linked DWG file gets lost after updating the dwg file

[schlueter]

Hi,

we did a supportrequest last year about dimensions on linked dwg file get lost if we reload the changed dwg file in the project. Still there is no way of preventing this behavior.

So lets do another idea-post.

We do alot of project development and we build alot in existing buildings (sorry don't know the correct english term). So there are always dwg files of the building and its not economically to redraw the building in revit. So we work with linked dwgs in our project (sometimes with a container .rtv for dwg files).

But if you make changes in the dwg file and reload it into revit all the dimensions on the dwg file get lost.

I made a screencast of it:

http://autode.sk/1WKxeSN

So it does not matter what you change in the dwg its always losing every dimension on it.

Would be nice if the dimension would still exist after updating the dwg file. At least give us the chance to see what dimension gets deleted or what dimension need a new reference. At the moment you can just hit delete and like we say in german look for the needle in the haystack.

Found this fourm post. Its the same behavior but in other disciplins and with civil 3d.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/revit-loses-dimensions-annotations-when-link...

But to be honest.... the marked solution can't be the solution. We want to make money with our projects and not lose it in time wasting work we need to do because revit can't handle dwg files.

schlueter

[galanis]

This issue is still happening in Revit 2022. I seriously cannot believe this an issue that exists. I thought merging Revit and Autocad would make a PT project I am working on easier, then I find out this happens. What a **** waste. Autodesk should be ashamed that this is still an issue. 

[RECArchi]

We still face this issue in 2022.

A simple exemple of this issue on the attached file.

Please solve this problem !

Sincerely 

[Cordelia54WUB]

Why is this still a problem? My firm is switching from AutoCad to Revit and we need to be able to dimension to linked files. And to be able to update them without losing hours of work. 

WHY DO AUTOCAD AND REVIT NOT WORK SEAMLESSLY TOGETHER GIVEN THAT THEY ARE MADE BY THE SAME COMPANY?! YOU KNOW YOUR USER BASE AND YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ISSUES TO FIX BY NOW!!!!!

Would a double import be easier to manage than the stupid detail lines? Meaning, link the file and import the same file. Dimension to the imported file. Use the linked file to track changes? Hm... Probably not. Nevermind. This is dumb. 

[l1102BWHJ]

For our company, in RVT 2021.1.7 most of the dimensions stays to the linked files (you just need to remember to "UNLOAD" the links and never "REMOVE") but problem especially persist to the ARC dimensions, of course even though the elemenst were not modified at all. Is that any particular reason for that?

Of course I do not need to say that dimensioning to the detail line/reference plane is not an option for the big projects when you have many links and subcontractors involved, no? (I can imagine keeping all links always loaded hidden on specific worksets could help but I could accept that as a temporary solutions, not final please).

[rmc9WR3X]

At the very least, Autodesk, you need to build a dedicated "GRAPHICS WINDOW" that can lead the user through a checklist of every missing dimension they must replace. If we cannot keep our linked dimensions then we need a way to step through and view every dimension ID in the model in its state before it was turned to ashes and be able to repair/replace it as we go down the list. Destroying them all and providing a vague warning message that things were destroyed is like an arsonist telling a homeowner that their house burned down.

[Andrej.Licanin]

There are significant inefficiencies when working with links and dimensions. On reload, if something is not at the same position or is deleted in a link the dimension would get lost. Our current workaround is to make invisible lines and always dimension from them.

It would be great when we get the dialogue that dimensions are getting deleted because references are lost, to have a button that will keep the dimensions at the same place but put a small line or a point so it can attach to something( maybe add a parameter that will signify if this item is rehosted this way).

This would conserve time when tagging and dimensioning.

[mhiserZFHXS]

I dunno, this seems like it could easily do more harm than good by creating a bunch of inaccurate dimensions. You'd have to go an manually change them anyway. I feel like its easier to notice that a dimension is missing than that its wrong.

[Andrej.Licanin]

Thats why i said it can be an option when they are detected as orphaned, if I had I would use it gladly. Other users in our company feel the same. We tried to make it via the api , but it not that easy.

[_fperez]

Still a problem with Revit 2024. Wow Autodesk! Agreed with previous posts, the detail lines idea is NOT an option, and Autodesk own both AutoCad and Revit and it should work great together, solving this is a MUST!

[jcontrerasMWUAS]

this is still a problem in 2025 AUTODESK PLEASE SOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!! I JUST LOST 237 DIMENSIONS

[caseyk]

I don't Understand why the dimensions can't just disassociate like a room tag or ceiling tag. Give me a warning that a hosting element no longer exists. Throw a hosting error warning on it, but remember the coordinate where the dimension handle was. This would at least give users working with CAD backgrounds (or linked Revit model where a wall or something changed type) an option to see where the dimensions were and re-associate them if necessary. 

[rmc9WR3X]

Revit could flag the missing dimensions by placing a special model element where each dimension handle attached and a mock version of the dimension, along with a new dialog panel that lists all orphaned dimensions where the user can jump to each flag in the model and sheets.