Keeping Revit Project Files Healthy.

1. At the start of each project, run a group Kick-off Revit/BIM Meeting.

2. Open Revit project files from within Revit only – do not ‘double-click’ in explorer to open.

3. Always work in a local file. Ie. ? Create new Local each time you go into your project.

4. Do not open multiple Revit Licenses – this costs money.

5. Close Revit License if not in use, so others can use it.

6. Fix and minimize Revit warnings. Less than 10 is ok – More than 1000 is not.

7. Pay attention to what Revit tells you in the alert and warnings dialogue box.

8. Audit the Revit file once or twice a week.

9. Compact the Revit file once or twice a week.

10. Do not move, copy or rename live Revit project files unless authorized.

11. Save/Synchronize with Central should be performed at regular intervals (eg. Hourly minimum).

12. Leave a note in the comments box upon synchronisation when a major change has been made.

13. Over complicated components – Keep them simple.

14. Ensure when duplicating materials that the material appearance ‘tab’ has also been duplicated.

15. Duplicate components / filled regions when creating new versions.

16. Shut down & restart Revit over lunch to reset cache (especially if file slows down).

17. Only have one project file open at a time.

18. Turn off shadows until you want to print.

19. Keep your template and your project files as clean and simple as possible.

20. Use Move command to move large numbers of objects, instead of dragging them.

21. Use View Cube (in 3d View) to quickly switch between views/elevations within the model.

22. Minimize number of Levels within the models.

23. Use Ref Planes/Lines to indicate secondary vertical reference levels (eg. Window head, cills).

24. Only use 2D detail lines & annotations for detailing views.

25. Minimize the use of 2D model lines as they appear in every view.

26. Revit Views: 1-Create, 2-Name View, 3-Apply View Template (always).

27. Unused views in the Revit file: Name it or delete it (see above).

28. To manage Views: Produce a Revit schedule of views that have a View Template applied.

29. To manage Views: Produce a Revit schedule to keep track of views placed on sheets.

30. Delete any rooms from the project that have not been placed.

31. Use Groups sparingly and reduce excessive groups.

32. Families require fewer resources than Groups. Use Families instead of Groups where possible.

33. To see a 3D Section View: Right-Click on View Cube: Orbit to View > Section > Select Section.

34. Section Box Grips: Wait for ‘control’ text to display before ‘pulling’ the grip handles.

35. Use 2D families in place of 3D families where the 3D object is not required for any other view.

36. Create family components instead of in-place families for repetitive components.

37. Check the Byes libraries prior to downloading an external unauthorized family.

38. Minimize the excessive use of parameters when creating families.

39. Importing images in Revit: reduce image size before importing.

40. Export rendered images to disk, instead of keeping them inside the project.

41. Perform rendering and walkthroughs in a separate file and then link the project to that file.

42. Once you are done using Design Options, accept the primary and delete unwanted Options.

43. Put linked models on their own Workset.

44. Worksets: ensure consideration has been given for the ‘Visible’ option in all views.

45. Unload Links if they are not being used and reload them when required.

46. Limit the locking of objects (unless necessary).

47. Check ‘Reveal Constraints’ for any locked elements in the drawing when modelling.

48. Pin an element to keep it from moving – refrain from excessive pinning.

49. Link CAD files instead of importing them, choosing “current view only” when linking.

50. CAD imports: make sure all unnecessary layers and blocks are deleted, purged and audited.

51. Only import ‘cleaned’ and un-exploded AutoCAD dwg files into Revit.

52. Zoom into the part of the view where you are working. This will reduce display calculations.

53. Revit file size should not exceed 150/200MB. Consider splitting the Revit models & Linking files.

54. Decision to split models should be made early in the design process by BIM design leads only.

55. Collate and document problems and challenges (set up a lessons learned doc on your pc).

56. IFC files: Always open in Revit, then save as a Revit file – then link back into your project.

57. For IFC exports (& imports) from Revit – refer to company-wide IFC Import/Export procedure.

58. Carry out interference checks between elements (in Revit) before BIM Coordination meetings.

59. Collaborate with other Revit users, discuss problems and implement suggestions.

60. If unsure – Ask!