Understanding Central Files in Revit 2021
Creating a central file in Revit is critical for effective collaboration among team members. This process involves making a master project model from an existing design, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on the project. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to establish a central file in Revit 2021.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Central File
1. Prepare Your Project File:
Begin by opening the Revit project file (with the .RVT extension) that you intend to designate as the central model. Ensure that the file is finalized and ready for collaborative work.
2. Enable Worksharing:
Navigate to the Collaborate tab located in the ribbon at the top of the interface. In the Manage Collaboration panel, click on the Worksets option. This action opens the Worksharing dialog box, where you can set up the necessary parameters for collaboration.
3. Customize Worksets:
If necessary, you can rename the worksets to reflect the different areas or tasks within the project. This customization helps team members identify their responsibilities more easily. Once you’ve made the required adjustments to the worksets, click OK to proceed.
4. Confirm Worksets Setup:
After the initial configuration, the Worksets dialog displays additional settings. Review these settings and, when ready, click OK to finalize the worksharing configuration.
5. Save Your Project as a Central Model:
Proceed to save the project by navigating to the File tab and selecting Save As, then Project. This action opens the Save As dialog where you will manage your file information.
6. Set the Central Model Option:
Within the Save As dialog, look for the Options button. Click it, and in the File Save Options dialog, find the option labeled "Make this a Central Model after save." Ensure that this option is selected to designate the file as a central model after saving.
7. Select Workset for Local Copies:
In the same dialog, choose a default workset for local copies. This selection informs Revit how to manage the worksets when team members create their local versions of the central file.
8. Save and Finalize:
After configuring the options, click Save in the Save As dialog. Your project file is now saved as a central model, allowing others to use it as a base for their individual worksets.
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of a central file in Revit?
A central file serves as the main repository for a project where all changes, ownership information, and collaborative updates are stored. It allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously while keeping the data organized and consistent.
Q2: How can team members create their local copies from the central file?
To create a local copy from the central model, team members should go to the File tab, select Open, and navigate to the central file. They need to ensure that the “Create New Local” checkbox is selected before clicking Open to generate their personal local file for modifications.
Q3: How do I detach a local file from the central model?
To detach a local file, go to the File tab, select Open, and choose the workshared model. In the Open dialog, select the “Detach from Central” option, click Open, and specify whether to retain or discard worksets in the task dialog that appears. This action creates a detached version of the project.
