Steps to Save a Revit File in an Older Version
When needing to utilize a Revit model created in a newer version of the software and you wish to save it in a previous version, there are specific steps to follow. Revit does not allow direct downgrading of project files, but here is a comprehensive process to effectively achieve this.
1. Open the Newer Version of Revit
Start by launching the newer version of Revit in which your project file was originally created. This version is necessary as it contains functionalities that allow the file to be exported properly.
2. Load Your Project File
Once the software is open, navigate to the home screen and click on “Open” to find your project file. Browse to its location and select the file to load it into Revit.
3. Export the File
To convert your project into a format compatible with earlier versions, you’ll need to export it:
– Go to the “File” tab at the top-left corner.
– Select “Export”.
– Choose either “IFC” or “DWG” as your desired output format. The IFC format is typically recommended for Revit files due to its broad compatibility with different software versions.
Follow the prompts to complete the export process. Make sure to select the appropriate settings for the export to ensure all necessary elements of the design are captured properly.
4. Open the Older Version of Revit
Now, launch the older version of Revit where you want to save the project. This is crucial because you will need to import the exported file into this version.
5. Import the Exported File
With the older version open, follow these steps:
– Click on the “File” tab.
– Select “Open” and choose “Import”.
– Locate the exported IFC or DWG file you saved earlier and select it to import it into the older version of Revit.
Allow the software to parse the file during the import process. Once completed, review the imported elements to ensure everything appears as expected.
6. Save the Imported File
After you have successfully imported the project, it is now necessary to save it in the older version’s native format:
– Click on the “File” tab again.
– Choose “Save As”.
– Ensure that the file type is set to Revit Project (.rvt) and select a location for storage.
– Name your project file appropriately and click “Save” to finalize.
Even with these steps, some elements may not transfer perfectly due to the differences in functionalities between versions. It’s prudent to check for discrepancies after saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you directly save a Revit file in an older version?
No, Revit files cannot be saved directly to an older version. Exporting to a compatible format such as IFC or DWG is necessary to achieve this.
Is it possible to recover older versions of saved Revit files?
Yes, if you have backups or use the Autodesk cloud services, you may have access to previous versions of your files, but they must be restored from the backup system.
What should I do if my exported file doesn’t open properly in the older version?
If issues arise, verify that all elements are supported in the older version and check if the export options were set correctly. If problems persist, consider revisiting your project in the newer version for adjustments before re-exporting.
