Revit Copy/Monitor Tool to Help Improve Collaboration with Other Disciplines

The Autodesk Revit software offers several time-saving tools to streamline collaboration across different disciplines. Among these tools is the Copy/Monitor tool, which enables users to duplicate elements from one model to another while keeping track of any modifications made to those elements in the original model. This can be useful when working on large projects or when collaborating with other designers. The tool also allows users to monitor changes made to those elements in the original model, which ensures that all copies of the element are kept up to date. This functionality proves highly beneficial in saving time and enhancing collaborative workflows. 

One way I like to utilize the Copy/Monitor tool is when I am working with a linked architectural Revit model, and I need to be notified of any changes in the architect’s levels. I also reference this tool in another blog titled What to Do with All the Orphaned Revit MEP Elements, and I would like to show you how I would utilize this tool to monitor the floor above for any ceiling height changes. This can also be useful with any equipment or fixture you want to stay a certain distance from a level.  

1. In my test model, I have an architectural model linked into my HVAC model. My air terminals are hosted to a level that I created. I want to monitor the architectural linked models Floor 2 against my 01 Mech-Ceiling level so I can keep the plenum space necessary for my design work. 

2. From the Collaborate tab>Coordinate panel, expand Copy/Monitor and click on Select Link. 

3. Select the architectural linked model.  

Hint: Make sure that on the Status Bar, Select Links is turned on (red X over the icon means it is turned off). 

4. From the Copy/Monitor tab>Tools panel, click Monitor. 

5. Select the level in your model that you want to monitor, then click the architectural link models level that you want to monitor against. 

6. From the Ribbon, click Finish. 

Now that the level is monitored in your project, any modifications to the level in the linked architectural model will give you a warning dialog box upon opening your project. 

7. After clicking OK, go to the Collaborate tab>Coordinate panel, expand Coordination Review, and click Select Link. Select the architectural linked model. 

8. In the Coordination Review, you can review the changes that have been made. The best part about this is that any elements you hosted to your model’s levels will not be affected without you first reviewing what the update would do to your mechanical equipment, air terminals, and duct systems. 

I hope you enjoy this blog and find it useful. If you're not using the Copy/Monitor tool in Revit, it's worth exploring how it can benefit your design process. 

About the Author

Learning Content Developer<br><br>Cherisse is an Autodesk Certified Professional for Revit as well as an Autodesk Certified Instructor. She brings over 19 years of industry, teaching, and technical support experience to her role as a Learning Content Developer with ASCENT. With a passion for design and architecture, she received her Associates of Applied Science in Architectural Drafting and Design with a four-year core curriculum in Interior Design and has worked in the industry assisting firms with their CAD management and software implementation needs as they modernize to a Building Information Modeling (BIM) design environment. Cherisse continues to expand her knowledge in the ever evolving AEC industry and the software used to support it.

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