Maximum Number of Linked Files

[jeff.richards]

Is there a limit to the number of files that can be linked into a Revit Architecture project? Does performance slip when you hit a certain number?

Thanks,

[sbrown]

Performance slips at 1 link, more with 2 etc. as for a limit I don't know of one.

[posickey]

The current project I'm working on has 12 linked CAD files and 5 linked Revit files. The total file size is closing in on 200MB and before I had a 3 gig switch put on my computer (Pentium IV 3.0ghz, 4GB RAM) Revit would shut down 4-5 times a day (without saving to central!!). Recently, we have stopped linking CAD files into the project and with the switch, Revit has been fairly stable, though quite slow.

Hope this helps.
Na zdrowie!

[NKramer]

Has anybody had experience with linking in cad details? We are currently planning on linking in all of our cad details (200+/-) so that they plot out of Revit but were drawn in CAD. I have been told that this is the way to go until we get our Revit detail library up, but I don't want to kill the file...

Nick

[chodosh]

Ouch, 200+/- might be too many. A link is a drag on your performance and will hog resources from your PC. Your file size can be tiny, but with a bunch of linked files (*.dwg or *.rvt or otherwise) you will see performance reduced dynamically. While I understand (completely) where you're coming from with the progress of transitioning over to Revit, I would think that for that many details that unless you want to batchplot for convenience from one location, that you keep them in CAD and batchplot the details from CAD and the rest of the set from Revit, it might save you from having to run out an buy memory mid-project, etc.
HTH,
LC

[dbaldacchino]

We linked close to 200 individual drawings for the structural project. Performance was pretty good, but you have to make sure to keep those files really clean. In some cases, some files had something in them which we couldn't identify and was slowing down the project when opening A LOT. I mean, the file wouldn't even be open after 20 minutes. Make sure you purge (and especially if using ADT/ACA dwg files, purge the styles). I would use linked dwgs as a crutch and start creating your standard details in drafting views immediately!

[aaronrumple]

I have been told that this is the way to go until we get our Revit detail library up, but I don't want to kill the file...
Nick

It isn't...

Set up a good clean import table. Use as few AutoCAD layers as possible.
Delete the leader in AutoCAD. Revit's work better.
Delete the dimensions in AutoCAD.
Delete AutoCAD Hatches -they could be left, but you'll want to eventually replace them with Revit fill patterns.
Eliminate any ADT objects with a aecobjexplode.
Use over kill on the drawings.
Purge the drawing.
Locate the DWG close to 0,0.
Import into Revit and explode.
Add the leaders and dimensions back in using Revit tools.It all goes very fast and you'll have a good set of basic details that keep the Revit file from bogging down. All the while you'll be building your Revit library.

You'll eventually want to go back over them and start using the Revit detailing tools and keynoting. But that can be done over time.

[adb]

Note that Aaron does not suggest exploding until step 9!

Don't take the easy shortcut and explode the link until all the previous steps are taken.

Otherwise you will bloat your file with stuff you can't get rid of like element id's etc.

Been there, done that.

BTW, thanks to Aaron and the rest of you guys for all your posts.