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How to Remove a Link from CAD in Revit

Published in Revit CAD Links 3 mins read

To remove a linked CAD file in Revit, you simply use the Manage Links command. This tool allows you to control all linked files within your project.

Revit provides a straightforward method for managing external files like CAD drawings that are linked into your project. The Manage Links dialog is your central hub for this task.

Steps to Remove a Linked CAD File

Removing a linked CAD file is a quick process using the built-in Revit tools. Follow these steps:

  1. Access the Manage Links Command:

    • Go to the Manage tab on the Revit ribbon.
    • In the Manage Project panel, click on Manage Links.
  2. Navigate to the CAD Formats Tab:

    • In the Manage Links dialog box that appears, select the CAD Formats tab. This tab lists all CAD files currently linked into your Revit project.
  3. Select the Link:

    • From the list of linked CAD files, select the specific file you wish to remove.
  4. Remove the Link:

    • Once the desired file is selected, click the Remove button located at the bottom right of the dialog box.
    • Revit will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the link. Click OK to confirm.
  5. Close the Dialog:

    • Click OK or Cancel to close the Manage Links dialog box.

The CAD file is now permanently removed from your Revit project. It will no longer appear in any views.

Using the Manage Links Dialog: Beyond Removal

As mentioned in the reference, for linked CAD elements, simply use Revit's Manage Links command to view, select, unload or remove individual files. This highlights the versatility of this tool.

Besides removing, you can also:

  • Unload: Temporarily hide the linked file without permanently removing it. This is useful for improving performance or clarity while working on other parts of the model. You can reload it later from the same dialog.
  • Reload: Update the linked file if the original CAD drawing has been modified.
  • Reload From: Point the link to a different file or a new location if the original file has been moved or renamed.
  • Add: Link new CAD files into your project.

Understanding the Manage Links dialog is crucial for efficient management of external data in your Revit projects.

Types of CAD Links

While the process for removing is generally the same, it's worth noting that Revit handles various CAD formats, including:

  • .DWG
  • .DXF
  • .DGN
  • .SAT
  • .SKP (SketchUp)

All these linked files are managed through the same CAD Formats tab within the Manage Links command.

Action Description Purpose
Remove Permanently disconnects the link and removes the CAD geometry from the project. Eliminate the CAD file from the project entirely.
Unload Temporarily hides the CAD geometry in all views. Improve performance or view clarity temporarily.
Reload Updates the link with changes from the source file. Ensure the latest version of the CAD file is used.

By utilizing the Manage Links command effectively, you maintain control over the external references in your Revit model, ensuring your project remains organized and manageable.

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