Revit file size secrets

[clog boy]

Hi all,

Revit projects are undeniably large. We're talking about 30 MB at least for a small office building, while all we need to extract are floor plans, elevations, a section and an artist's impression.
There are many aspects that contribute to the file size, so there must (or should) be many ways to decrease file size.

This topic is intended as a knowledge base, up-to-date with Revit Architecture 2008. I'll post what I know as a proven and used fact, and you are next until we have gathered enough facts to decrease the usual final project size with 50% or more.

Temp files - Revit saves a backup file when saving. This is a failsafe for errors during saving. If the process may fail and the file gets damaged you at least have the previous version to work with.
Saves: 90 to 100% of the project file size for each deleted backup file.

The Undo log - when you specify 'save as' instead of simply click the disk icon, Revit creates a new file without the Undo history. This Undo-file makes for more or less than 10% of the total file size. We have yet to determine how long or big the Undo history is for typical Revit-projects.
Saves: 2 to 30% of the project file size, depending on the effectiveness of the work flow. Lots of trial&error seems to make for a big undo file.

I have left the most obvious answers for grabs, simply beause I don't really know how to define them best. If I'm at error on certain points please let me know and I'll make adjustments in red Italic print.

[brett05]

Obviously purging could be added to the list along with limiting the amount of imported images.

Cheers, Brett

[clog boy]

Yeah well, thought of it as well but I don't trust myself to describe it sufficiently for 'the nOOb' to take responsibility.
Also, I want to make this topic more interactive to gather maximum input.

Anyone would like to describe how and when he purges in a day-to-day fashion? (other bits of file size info are more than welcome too)

EDIT: not sure if this thread should be in Tips&Tricks.

[cphubb]

Eliminating or reducing Warnings will reduce file Size.
Bram. Note the saveas savings can also be achieved using the Compact file setting when saving.

[s.messing]

1. Archiving and then removing unnecessary design options makes a big impact.
2. Review warnings is huge, specifically duplicated instances, overlapping items like walls and room separation lines.
3. Unused or seldom used groups add up pretty quick...

These are a few for a start. You should read this thread about the same issue from a while back. It's title is Shrinking Down a File
http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=58197
Certainly this older post has a pretty solid list as well as some more recent additions. It is called Performance Optimization in Revit
http://forums.augi.com/showthread.ph...e+optimization

These will add and be helpful to others who are struggling with the same thing...

HTH
smess

[clog boy]

So this has been done already... I should've done a search first.
I'll add your input to the list anyway, and add any details I know off.

[twiceroadsfool]

Our base file might be about 6 Megs... But there is a lot even in there, than can be done to reduce the file size. I never thought about it until i went to strip down a project to host it here once, haha.

Get rid of unused and un-needed families via purge unused...
Deleting extra views and Sheets that arent needed...
Deleting extra Fill Patterns via Settings > Fill Patterns. (Im sure its minor, but its something...)
Deleting extra line styles in Settings > Line Styles (which then just default back to Thin lines, for us...)

[echo]

One example where the file size dropped dramatically was when the rooms on top of rooms in Design Options on top of one another were removed. Also, adding formulas will add to a file size. For example, a simple line-based arced family jumped in size when a formula was applied to control the radius across variable distances. Those are the two most recent things I can think to add to the discussion besides removing unnecessary linked DWG's...
HTH,
LC

[Teresa.Martin]

Also..do not save rendered images in the file. Always choose export after rendering. I know this is probably a no brainer...but still. Ten 5MB files adds up! When I am teaching my Revit 201 - Presentations class I always point this out to people. Most software (like Max and Viz) do not save rendered images within the program file so it is
not something people typically think of when doing renderings.


Best regards,