Understanding Visibility Controls in Linked Models
Handling visibility of elements in linked models can often be a challenge within Revit. If you are unable to hide elements in a linked model, it usually stems from understanding the proper methods to manage these settings effectively.
Steps to Hide Elements in a Linked Model
To hide elements within a linked model, you will need to follow a systematic approach.
Access the Host Model: Begin by opening the project file that contains the linked model. Ensure you are in the relevant view where you wish to adjust visibility.
Open Visibility/Graphics Settings:
- Navigate to the View tab on the Ribbon.
- Click on the Graphics panel and select Visibility/Graphics or simply use the shortcut
VG.
Locate the Linked Model:
- In the Visibility/Graphics dialog window, click on the Revit Links tab.
- Find the name of your linked model in the list provided.
Adjust Visibility Settings:
- You will see a checkbox in the Visibility column next to the linked model. Uncheck this box if you want to hide the entire linked model.
- For more granular control, select the linked model and adjust the display settings. This can be found under RVT Link Display Settings. Here, you can choose settings such as displaying elements by the linked view, which may help you manipulate visibility better based on your needs.
- Finalize Your Changes:
- Click OK twice to apply the changes. The elements in the linked model should now reflect your visibility settings.
Common Issues When Hiding Elements in Linked Models
Even with the right steps, you may still encounter issues when trying to hide elements. Here are some common reasons and their solutions:
Linked Model Settings: If the linked model has specific visibility settings that override your host model settings, you may need to adjust them directly in the linked model file.
Revit Link Display Options: Ensure you aren’t using a display option that prevents individual visibility adjustments, such as ‘By Linked View’. Switching to ‘By Host View’ or ‘Custom’ may give you better control.
- View Filters: Sometimes, view filters might be applied that interfere with visibility. Check the Filters tab in the Visibility/Graphics settings to see if any active filters can affect the model’s presentation.
Working with the Reveal Hidden Elements Tool
In situations where elements unexpectedly remain visible, using the Reveal Hidden Elements tool can help identify which elements are hidden and how they can be managed:
Activate Reveal Hidden Elements: Go to the Modify tab and select the Reveal Hidden Elements panel.
Inspect Hidden Elements: Once activated, elements that are hidden will be outlined in a color indicating they are masked.
- Unhide if Necessary: Select the elements you want to unhide, and use the provided options to bring them back into view. You can choose to unhide either the specific element or all instances of that category.
Addressing Visibility Issues in Various Views
It’s crucial to remember that visibility settings can vary between different views. Therefore, it’s important to verify each view’s individual settings. If changes are made in one view, they might not automatically apply to others unless you adjust the view templates or settings accordingly.
FAQs
What do I do if I can’t see elements in the linked model after unhiding them?
First, ensure that you have selected the correct visibility settings in both the host and linked models. Secondly, check the Revit Link Display settings to see if elements are set to display by a linked view, which can limit visibility.
Can I hide categories of elements within linked models?
Yes, you can hide entire categories of elements within linked models by using the Visibility/Graphics settings and unchecking specific categories under the Revit Links tab.
What happens if I need to see an element again after hiding it?
You can use the Reveal Hidden Elements feature to find hidden elements and subsequently unhide them. You can also go back to the Visibility/Graphics settings to manage visibility preferences for various elements and categories.
