Understanding Unhide Issues with Linked Models in Revit
When working with linked models in Revit, many users encounter complications in visibility, especially when trying to unhide elements. If you’re struggling with unhiding a linked model, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before attempting to unhide your linked model, it’s crucial to understand the common reasons why elements may be hidden. When referencing a model that includesNested CAD links, Revit automatically conceals these links by default. This behavior occurs in both Revit and Revit LT, prompting users to take specific actions to restore visibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unhide Linked Models
1. Access the Visibility/Graphics Settings
- Open your project in Revit.
- Navigate to the View tab on the ribbon menu.
- Click on the Graphics panel, and select Visibility/Graphics or simply press
VGon your keyboard. - In the dialog box that appears, locate the Revit Links tab.
2. Adjust the Visibility Settings
- Within the Revit Links tab, find the linked model you wish to unhide.
- Ensure that the Visibility checkbox is checked. If it’s unchecked, the linked model will not display in the view.
- After confirming the checkbox is selected, click OK to exit the dialogs.
3. Reveal Hidden Elements
- If visibility settings do not resolve the issue, switch to the Reveal Hidden Elements mode.
- Go to the Modify tab. You will notice options to Reveal Hidden Elements or Unhide Element.
- Once in this mode, any hidden elements in your view will show up in a slightly different color, indicating that they are currently hidden.
- Select the desired linked model and right-click; choose Unhide in View to restore the element to view.
Common Issues That Prevent Visibility
Distance from Internal Origin
In some cases, linked CAD files may not display due to their positional values exceeding Revit’s spatial limits. Revit has a geometry limit of 20 miles from the internal origin, which can affect visibility based on how the CAD file is referenced. Make sure the CAD file’s reference point lies within the acceptable range.
Layer Visibility
Another issue may arise from individual layer settings within the CAD file linked to your Revit project. Checking whether the specific layers of the CAD file that you want to display are turned on can often resolve visibility concerns.
Additional Steps to Manage Views
If the above steps don’t yield results, consider the following:
Check Worksets: If you’re working with workshared files, ensure the workset containing the linked model is active. Sometimes, different worksets may unintentionally hide linked elements.
Reload the Linked Model: Occasionally, the model may require reloading. Go to the Manage tab, click on Manage Links, select the linked model, and hit Reload.
- View Filters: Sometimes view filters can affect visibility. Ensure that any filters applied to your view do not hide the wished-for linked elements.
FAQ
1. What should I do if I still can’t see my linked CAD file after trying these steps?
If visibility issues continue, ensure that the linked CAD file is not located outside the 20-mile limit set by Revit. Check its origin and reference points and adjust as needed.
2. Can multiple users working on a Revit project affect visibility settings?
Yes, if multiple users are working on a project with Revit worksets, changes made by one user can affect visibility for others. Ensure everyone is aware of the current view settings.
3. How can I check which elements are hidden in my current view?
Use the Reveal Hidden Elements mode identified under the Modify tab. This allows you to see all hidden elements and gives you the option to unhide them directly from the view.
