For those of you using Revit Server, it is still important to maintain the central file. Keeping the central file healthy is critical to keeping the project running smoothly and to avoid causing file corruption.
It is also VERY important that all users, all models, including consultants all be on the same build of Revit to also avoid corruption issues...trust me on this one =).
Below are best practices that need to be done routinely on the central file to keep it clean. Routinely is going to depend on how active the project is. The more active the project is, the more often it should be maintained. This should be done on all models since links impact model performance as well.
Note: For Revit Server models they have a unique GUID, so saving over the file maintains that GUID.
I highly recommend that you make an archive copy prior to creating a new central file and append it with the current date or version.
1. Have all users synchronize and save to central, make sure all worksets are relinquished, close the local files.
2. Have one user Open the Central file. From the Open dialog box, clear the check box Create New Local, place a check in the boxes for Detach from Central and Audit (you will see a warning like below)
3. Select the Yes button from the Audit Warning dialog box and then click the Open button
4. You will see the following Detach Model from Central dialog box, select Detach and preserve worksets
5. In Revit, go to the Application Menu
and click on Save as, Project and name it the same as the original Central file name and in the original location. Using the same name will insure that the links will resolve properly.
Note: If you select Options you will notice that Make this a Central Model after save and Compact are greyed out and pre-checked.
6. After the file is properly saved, go to the Manage tab on the ribbon, click on the Purge Unused tool, and from the dialog box delete all or specify the items you want to delete then select OK
I recommend that you also do the following prior to having users create new local files:
- Review and resolve warnings
- Purge unused
- Verify items are on the correct worksets
- Delete unnecessary views
- Verify cad files are linked rather than inserted
7. Synchronize and modify settings
Check everything that can be checked including compact. You can add a comment if you like; this shows up in History under comments.
After the save is complete, close the project
This Step is CRITICAL:
Before having users create new local files make sure they delete or archive/rename their old local files and their back up folder
For those of you not using Revit Server, the process for Central File Maintenance can be found here.
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