Saving Revit model to older version of Revit
Parveen Sharma
CEO @ The BIM Engineers | BIM Staffing | Global BIM Operations | Leaders in BIM
Revit shows this warning when we try to open the Revit model in an older version:
Specially when multiple consultants/stakeholders are working on a live Revit project using different version of Revit (i.e. 2014, 2015, 2017 etc.) this issue has been a big challenge for more than a decade specially for small scale Architectural and Engineering practices who doesn't invest in software upgrade every year (Autodesk charges quite a lot of money for annual upgrade). Multiple people has suggested various work around to avoid this hassle. Export CAD and then importing that CAD/DWG file into latest version of Revit is one suggested solution.
After evaluating multiple option of export/import/scripting there is no consensus among Subject Matter Experts about a globally accepted solution, even Autodesk doesn't recommend any particular work-around method.
We also did some research on the subject and concluded that this suggested 'Jugaad' workaround may not serve the purpose 100% but is the closest possible solution.
Let's discuss the steps involved.
Export IFC file from the native Revit version:
Then save that IFC file on local computer.
Now open the older version of Revit software and directly select Open/IFC (Open an IFC file) option:
then select that IFC which you exported from later version of Revit:
Now Revit may show few warnings which we don't have any other option than simple accepting it.
Whoa..... you are done.
Remember this geometrically correct looking model can be used for shape, size, area calculations and of course Clash Detection and coordination. You may also use it for presentation, documentation/drawings production purpose BUT this can't serve the purpose of analysis, calculations, quantities and you can't edit/modify System families (walls, floors, ceiling, roof etc.) since it gets imported as a generic element.
Disclaimer: This solution may create some serious issues with certain geometrical shapes and need the be double checked before using it for live construction projects.
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Senior Technician@RBG-SJ | Revit & Construction Engineering Specialist | Expert in temporary works drawings & complex project modeling. Passionate about CAD/BIM, streamlining workflows in leading structural firms.
3 年It's the best workaround, but it's not perfect, the model won't be a proper Revit model anymore, it will be generic models, basically it's like a dumb non BIM model.
Freelance 3D Generalist with expertise in Environment, Materials, Animation
6 年This is really really helpful. Thank you?
Architectural BIM Manager, Digital Revolutionist (No_Outsourcing_Requests_Please!)
7 年Solution: auto desk has ALL its software on subscription, KEEP CURRENT!
As usual, AutoDesk develop software which are compatible with itself... Not other version, not other software... It is very difficult to understand why Revit has become one of the most used softwares in BIM projects. In my opinion a BIM software must be built on a strong and durable file format which is not influenced by versions of the software which is used to work on, or, we can dream, by the software itself... More opened a file format is, more BIM it is ! Also, IFC is NOT a file format conceived to "exchange" data by conversion. It is only a container to transmit informations to each other, not to work on it. IFC don't maintain parametric objects, relation between elements/objects,... All these informations are lost ! Last thing, IFC is a flat file. No data are organised. This is the reason why many softwares open these kind of files slowly...even very slowly for some of them...
Consultant Engineer - Water Supply, Sanitary, Fire Fighting & BIM
7 年Pranav Suthar