How to Delete Temp File in Revit?

Understanding Temporary Files in Revit

Temporary files are essential for improving the performance of Revit, serving functions such as caching and storing backup data during software operations. However, managing these files is important, especially when they take up significant space on your computer.

Locating Temporary Files in Revit

Revit stores its temporary files in a designated location within your computer’s file system. Typically, these files can be found in:

• C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp
  This folder contains various files created by Revit during your sessions and can accumulate over time.

Steps to Delete Temporary Files in Revit

1. Open the Run Dialog: Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This will bring up the Run dialog box.

2. Access the Temp Folder: Type %temp% into the text box and hit Enter. This command will direct you to the Temp folder where your system stores temporary files.

3. Select All Files: Once inside the Temp folder, you can select all files by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard. This action highlights all temporary files in the directory.

4. Delete Selected Files: After selecting all files, press the Delete key. A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Click Yes to proceed.

5. Reboot Your Computer: For a complete clearing of residual temporary files, it’s advisable to restart your computer. This ensures that any files currently in use are no longer occupying space.

Changing the Temporary Files Directory in Revit

If you want to redirect where Revit saves its temporary files, you can change the TEMP and TMP environment variables:

1. Open the System Properties: Right-click on This PC or Computer on your desktop and select Properties. From there, click on Advanced system settings.

2. Access the Environment Variables: In the System Properties window, click on the Environment Variables button.

3. Modify the TEMP and TMP Variables: In the Environment Variables window, look for the TEMP and TMP variables. Here, you can change the paths to your preferred directory.

4. Restart Your Computer: After making these changes, restart your computer to allow Revit to create temporary files in the new location.

Managing Revit Journal Files

Sometimes, journal files can provide insights for troubleshooting in Revit. To delete these files when they are no longer needed, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Journal Files Location: Typically, Revit journal files can be found in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit [Version]\.

2. Select and Delete: Similar to the temporary files process, select the journal files you wish to delete and press the Delete key. Confirm the action when prompted.

Clearing Cache in Revit

Sometimes, cached files might cause performance issues. To clear the cache, you need to access the cache folder:

1. Access Revit Server Cache: Use remote access or physically access the accelerator server where Revit’s cache is stored.

2. Locate the Cache Folder: Typically, the cache folder can be found at C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Revit Server [###]\Cache.

3. Delete Cache Files: Select all the files within the cache folder and delete them. This action will free up space and might enhance Revit’s performance.

FAQ

1. Is it safe to delete all temp files?
Yes, temporary files can be safely deleted as they are not essential for the system’s operations. However, if files are currently in use, Windows will prevent their deletion.

2. How can I recover deleted Revit files?
If you accidentally deleted a necessary file, check the Recycle Bin. If it isn’t there, you might need to use data recovery software or restore from a backup, if available.

3. What should I do if I cannot delete certain files because they are in use?
If a file cannot be deleted, close Revit and any other applications that might be using it. Restart your computer to ensure no processes are holding onto those files, and then try deleting them again.