When working with other team members or companies, you have different ways to collaborate on a project. Revit offers multiple collaboration methods, allowing users to work together whether locally, over a network, or through Autodesk Construction Cloud. In this blog, we’ll explore these approaches, highlighting their significance and how they function.
Linking Different Disciplines in Revit
For smaller projects, you can share models or files from other disciplines using non-Autodesk cloud storage services. When using this approach, it's crucial that all parties communicate any changes, especially if your elements are hosted on surfaces within a linked Revit model.
Revit linking facts:
- It is best to avoid working directly within another discipline’s model. For example, the pipe designers should not create their pipe design directly inside the architect's model.
- When you use linked models, clashes between disciplines can be detected, and information can be passed between disciplines.
- Revit models are always linked. They cannot be imported.
- When linking or importing a CAD file, you can specify a level or a named horizontal reference plane in the project to position the CAD file at.
Worksharing
Revit worksharing allows multiple team members connected on the same network to co-author a single project model (one .RVT file). A designated team member creates a central model containing multiple worksets, such as element interiors, building shell, and site. Team members open and work in a local copy of the model that is linked back to the central model through saving and synchronizing. Worksharing can occur locally for team members on the same network or through Revit Server, which enables team members in different geolocations to collaborate on the same project.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk Construction Cloud provides a unified platform for design collaboration that will help members of a design/build project team better understand the design intent and resolve any issues in a timely manner. Revit cloud worksharing enables you to establish a collaborative work environment within Autodesk Construction Cloud, centralizing all project designs and data. Users from different geolocations can work on a single model or link in other disciplines. Once a model is shared to the cloud, collaboration shifts entirely to the cloud model, eliminating the need for a local version. 
Collaboration in Revit is essential for seamless project execution, whether working locally, over a network, or in the cloud. Understanding these approaches helps teams choose the best method for their workflow, improving coordination, reducing errors, and enhancing project efficiency.
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