10 Linked \ Imported File Tips

Continuing the series of 10 quick tips, here are some topics for linked or imported files.  Please note any videos included below are for workflow reference and do not contain sound…

1.  TAB select \ copy linked objects

You can toggle object selection through a linked file using the “TAB” key to select, and open Element Properties as needed to view the object information.

Along with this, once selected you can copy & paste the object directly from the link into the host file using the clipboard copy and paste tools: Video Example

2.  Hosting component families on a linked file

Component families need to be of “face-based” type in order to detect a linked model as a host.

3.  Revit links instance count

For each instance of the linked file, Revit adds a number under "Revit Links" when expanded so they may be individually toggled for overrides: Video Example

4.  Deleting all instances of a linked file

If all instances of a linked file are deleted you should receive a warning.  However the link reference still appears in Manage Links, and can be unloaded \ reloaded.  If the file is reloaded and it is still not visible, there may not be any active references in the project and it should be removed \ re-inserted: Video Example

5.  Hide elements in view

You can hide portions of a linked Revit or CAD link as needed using the “TAB” key to select objects >Hide in View > Elements.  For a CAD file, select the instance > Query > Delete or Hide in View: Video Example

6.  Central file or local file link?

When linking a Revit project file into a host project, ensure the link was last saved as a central file.  Links that are considered local files will check for a related central file as they are loaded.  This can cause a performance hit which can be avoided by ensuring all links are central files.

7.  2 mile warning on import

If you receive the “Revit cannot import because it will create a Revit model that is larger than 2 miles across” warning and the CAD file contents are within 2 miles in size, there are 3 items to verify:

1.  Turn on all layers in the AutoCAD file and zoom extents to ensure there are no stray objects.
2.  Not only check a top view in AutoCAD but also open an elevation and 3D view to ensure the entire model placement is within a 2 mile area.
3.  If the CAD file contains AEC objects, ensure to set PROXYGRAPHICS to 1 in the CAD file.  This can reduce the occurrence of this warning when these objects are present to ensured they are properly displayed.

8.  View annotation through a linked file

If the linked file contains annotation such as room tags or dimensions, and you wish to show this in the host project, set the “Visibility \ Graphic Overrides” to “Linked View” or “Custom”: Video Example

9.  Selectively toggle linked files in a schedule view

You can toggle visibility and of linked files in a schedule table view: Video Example

10.  When to split apart your Revit project file?

There is a good explanation in our Model Performance Technical Note regarding when to split apart your project file which I have included below:

Consistent customer practice is to break up a large model into multiple files of about 160 MB each for
32-bit Revit, or 200 MB for 64-bit Revit, then link together the resulting project files. Such a procedure
will work best if the user can work on one file while the other links are unloaded for a majority of the
time.

Comments

[Peter Tranberg]

Add.: 7. 2 mile warning on import
I am working in metric units. That gives me 2,5 times larger numbers when entering distances. So my question is, do I then only have a 0,8 mile limit for importing, or is it still 2 miles.

Regards
Peter

[gabe cottam]

Very Cool. I have a question though. I can tab through linked objects and select them and copy/ paste as per tip #1, however all other options are "grey-ed out". I cannot hide in view by element or category. I can only override graphics by category, nor element.
I'm wondering if there are caveats that were not listed - like: This only works on links created "in-house". Or only on links that are NOT central files. Or only if the linked file visibility graphics are set "by host view"... Do you have any additional guidence?

thanks,
gabe

[Larry Summerfield]

Excellent post. Thank you. Do you know if there is any way to override graphics of a linked file BY ELEMENT. That would be very powerful.

Thanks

[Sanjeev Kumar]

Hello Sir, I have a query about Revit family files (.rfa files) that if we have created a subcategory and there are various elements of that subcategory than how can we count all the elements without selecting all the individuals. Please post the reply as soon as possible.
Thanking You,
Sanjeev Kumar.