Import the same DWG to all levels - possible?

[steve922542]

Is there a way for an imported CAD drawing to be placed at multiple levels? For example, let's say we have a control lines drawing that needs to be shown at levels 1 through 10. If it is imported to level 1, it is halftoned for levels 2-10. It does not appear possible to override this graying out of underlay levels.

An obvious workaround is to import the same file to multiple levels but I feel foolish even thinking about doing that. And if Revit were designed to operate fully level by level then all imported files wouldn't appear in the visibility/graphics dialog... right? There must be a better way.

Steve Layne | Objective Design

[steve922542]

As a followup to this question, when we go to level 2 and make the underlay visible, all of the layers are turned on, instead of matching the layer status at import time, or on the imported level 1.

The obvious solution is to import using the 'visible layers only' method, but is there another way?

Steve Layne | Objective Design

[tomnewsom]

Import the file to your first level, then go edit-copy to clipboard. then go edit-paste aligned-choose levels (don't have revit open right now so that might not be the exact wording)

As a note, I tend to import cad files to individual views only (so they become drafting items, not model items), so that they don't show up on underlays.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

I'd also look at creating a grid line type to use as your control lines. This will keep it all in Revit and save the hassle of managing all the linked CAD files

[tomnewsom]

Indeed. In fact, aren't ref planes what you're after?