How to Restore a Backup File in Revit?

Understanding Revit Backup Files

Backup files serve as a safety net for your projects in Revit, providing a way to restore lost work or recover from unexpected issues. Knowing how to locate, manage, and restore these backups is crucial for efficient project management and integrity.

Finding Your Backup Files

1. Access the Journals Folder: The backups for non-workshared Revit projects are stored in a specific location on your computer. Navigate to:

   • C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\\Journals
   • Replace <your_username> with your actual Windows user name and <version> with the Revit version you are using.
2. Locate the Backup Files: In this folder, you will find files with a .rvt extension, which are your backup files. The folder may also contain journal files that record your actions in Revit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring a Backup File

1. Identify the File You Want to Restore: Browse the backup files in the Journals folder. Identify which version you’d like to restore by checking the timestamp of each file, as it indicates when the backup was created.

2. Create a Copy of the Backup File: Before proceeding, right-click on the file you wish to restore and select “Copy.” This ensures that you have a backup of the backup in case something goes wrong during the restoration process.

3. Rename the Copied File: It’s often helpful to rename the copied file to avoid confusion. Use a clear naming convention such as “Project_Name_Restore_Date.rvt” for easy identification.

4. Open Revit: Launch Revit and go to the main interface.

5. Open the Backup File: Click on the “Open” option from the File tab. In the dialog that appears, navigate to the location where you saved the renamed backup file. Select the file and click “Open.”

6. Detach from Central (if applicable): If the backup file was originally created from a workshared model, it may prompt you to detach. Choose “Detach from Central” to ensure you are working on a local copy rather than affecting the central model.

7. Save the Restored File: After the backup file opens in Revit, save it immediately under a new name to avoid any potential overwrite issues, specifying a location that is easy to access.

Disabling Auto-Save for More Control

Sometimes you may want to manage when backups are created. To adjust the auto-save settings:

1. Open Revit and go to the “Options” dialog found in the File tab.
2. Navigate to the “General” settings.
3. Here you can disable auto-save or adjust the frequency, giving you control over how and when backup files are created.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I permanently delete backup files without losing my work?
Yes, if you are confident that you won’t need to refer to the backup files, especially after successful project completion, you may delete them. However, it’s advisable to keep them for a reasonable period as a precaution against unforeseen issues.

2. How can I ensure that Revit always saves a backup?
Adjust the backup file settings by going to File > Save As > Options. Here you can specify the number of backup files Revit maintains. Increasing this number can provide additional security for your work.

3. What should I do if I encounter a corrupt backup file?
If you realize that a backup file is corrupt and fails to open, check if there’s an earlier backup file available in the Journals folder. Follow the same restoration process to recover your work from that version. If multiple backups are corrupt, consider using file recovery software or consulting Autodesk support for further assistance.