How do you use Revit files effectively? How many file formats are there and how do you convert between them?
In this guide, I am going to cover the following topics:
- Worksharing: Understand how to create and use central and local files, synchronize with central, use worksets to divide the project, and coordinate with other disciplines.
- File Formats: Learn about the four main types of Revit files and what they are used for.
- Conversions: Find out how to convert RVT files to other formats such as PDF, DWG, IFC, XSL, ACAD, SKP, and VR.
- Viewers: Discover how to view and explore your Revit models online or offline using Autodesk Viewer or Autodesk Construction Cloud.
- Management: Get tips on how to name, compress, backup, and revise your Revit files.
Let’s get started!
File Worksharing
Details: Work with team members on the same project file at the same time.
Step 1 – Create A Central File
The central file acts as the hub for your project and contains all project data. All changes to the project are made here, and all users synchronize with the central file to stay up to date on project changes.
To start sharing project files:
- Go to the Collaborate tab > Manage Collaboration panel > click Collaborate.
- Select “Within your network”.
- Click OK.
Now the file you are using has become a central model.
Step 2 – Create a Local File
These are copies used by individual users to make changes to the project.
- Go to the File tab > Drop-down Save As menu > click Project.
- Assign a name to the new local file.
- Click Save.
- Go to the File tab > Drop-down Open menu > click Project.
- Select the local file.
- In the Open window, Check “Create New Local” > click Open.
Step 3 – Synchronize with Central
This updates a local copy and makes your project “workshared”.
- Go to the Collaborate tab > Synchronize panel.
- Drop-down Synchronize with Central menu > click Synchronize Now.
If your synchronization option is grayed out, you may have detached the local file from the central project. Create a new local file and uncheck the “detach” option in the options before saving.
Step 4 – Use Worksets to Divide the Project
Worksets help break a large project into smaller, more manageable parts and allow multiple team members to work on different parts of the project simultaneously.
Step 5 – Use Coordination
Track your structural grids and levels in other project files. Copy monitoring tools provide real-time updates and notifications.
It is recommended to track only elements that affect more than one discipline.
File Formats
Details: Each format has a specific purpose.
1. RVT – Project File
Contains all the project data, including architectural, structural, and MEP information. These are central files for all other formats.
2. RFA – Family File
Pre-designed building components, such as doors, windows, and furniture, that can be inserted into projects. These contain the geometry, parameters, and materials of the components.
3. RTE – Project Template File
Pre-configured project files that can be used as a starting point for new projects. These contain the project settings, worksets, families, and other data.
4. RFT – Family Template File
Pre-configured family files that can be used as a starting point for new families. These contain the family settings, parameters, and other data.
To create an RFT file, change the extension by renaming the file from “Filename.RFA” to “Filename.RFT”.
Conversions
Details: Integrate your project with other software.
Some of the most common conversions are:
PDF – Documents
The classic way to share your 2D and 3D views with anyone who has a smart device.
DWG – CAD
Exchange model information with other CAD software.
IFC
A neutral, open file format used in the construction industry to exchange BIM data between different software applications.
Learn more about IFC conversions
XSL – Excel
Organize and analyze large amounts of data, such as quantities and specifications, and create reports, schedules, and estimates.
ACAD – ArchiCAD
Exchange model information with other BIM software.
SKP – Sketchup
Learn how to share project information with other modeling software.
VR
Turn your models into VR experiences to improve design review and collaboration in the AEC industry.
Viewers
Details: Online viewers for projects and families.
Autodesk Viewer
A free viewer that allows users to interact with the project without having access to the software. This viewer supports almost all existing 2D and 3D data formats.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
A cloud-based platform that allows users to view and share project data.
For scheduling, cost management, document management, resource planning and mobile collaboration.
Management
Details: The main steps to manage Revit files.
Naming
Naming conventions ensure that files are easily identifiable and searchable. It should contain information such as the project name, date, and revision number. For example, “Project_Name_Revision_1_Date”.
Compression
Clean up and audit project files to optimize their organization and size.
Backups
Keep multiple versions on a regular basis to ensure that data is not lost in the event of system failure or corruption.
Revisions
Keeping a revision log is important to track changes made to the project and ensure that everyone is working with the latest version of the file.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to work with Revit worksahring. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.
Mohamed Fakhry has helped thousands of architects and designers find their next project with step-by-step guidance on his blog, mashyo.com. About Mohamed
His journey began during his university years when he recognized the need for information-rich 3D models to accelerate learning and improve production processes. Now, Mohamed shares his expertise through Revit tutorials that are accessible to all.
