Copy/Monitor

[Kbreedon]

I have heard some good and bad things about Copy/Monitor. I've never used it before and was wondering if anyone had much experience with this command. What should I copy/monitor from the linked file? Some say copy/monitor just the levels, some say the whole project, some say don't copy/monitor at all. What do it do exactly and how can it benefit my project?

Any opinions would be great

Thank you

[dzatto]

I want to know as well. I've never used it, but have seen some people talking about it. Is it just for linked files??

I guess I could search the help file, but I learn more from you guys. :thumbsup:

[Kbreedon]

As far as I know I know it is only for linked Revit files. I have not heard of anyone using it in any other situation but I could be wrong. Im glad I am not the only one with this question. I have two projects approaching my schedule. One is for an addition to an elementary school and the other is a 16 story residential building. I will really like to know the best way to use this command before these projects hit my desk.

I thought about searching the help file, but I have found that personal experiences that others can share are more helpful that reading what something is suppose to do, so I agree with you.

[mdradvies]

Copy/Monitor basically allows you to copy elements from the linked files into your own and keep a lifeline with the original. You select elements from certain categories which you copy into your project. Changes to that element in either your project or the linked file are then pushed/pulled through. This isn't totally automated: depending on the kind of element and change the "owner" needs to approve the changes.

Is it useful? Well, that depends. The useability got less when you became able to tag linked files (copy/monitor would let you copy walls or columns for instance and have them tagged). But it's still great when you get a structural model in which you need to place windows/doors or any other opening as an architect. With a linked file, you couldn't do that. With C/M you can since the Wall will go "live" in your project.

Do I use it a lot? No. It has some major backdrafts.

For instance: if I were to use it to pull in structural elements and still keep the link with the original structural project file, it would be nice to be able to C/M ALL structural elements. But you can't. You can C/M Walls, Floors and Columns. But not Roofs, Beams, Trusses, etc.
Another: In the C/M Options Dialogue box, you need to specify a translation from linked file to your file. This means that for all wall types in the linked project you'll need to assign a Wall Type in the Host Project. But it doesn't recognise duplicates, nor is there the batch option "keep all original types". And it doesn't even filter out used wall types. So you'll need to purge the linked file first or pray the other person doesn't believe in "one template fits all".

It is good for two things:

- keeping the Grids in sync.
- When you need to apply changes to structural walls/floors/columns from the linked file.

[Kbreedon]

Thank you so much. I think for right now I will only do levels and column grids. I have one more question for you.
Would it be better to just monitor rather than copy and monitor? I've heard this is also an option.

[mdradvies]

Well, I always used Copy too. Feels kind of dumb not too. Draw your own, and only monitor the other... What's the gain in that?

[Alex Cunningham]

On small/simple projects where a project team is only 1 or 2 people Copy/Monitor works very well for all the objects you can copy/monitor.

In my experience and large or complex projects where there are dozens of people working on it. It can become a handfull, expecially if there are inexperienced revit users working on the project. On projects like this I would recomend only copying the datums of your project.

Things like stacked walls, or even just mirroring a wall can cause havoc with copy monitor.

Play around with it, try to break it. Thats the best way to learn.

[mdradvies]

LOL, and fairly easy to do to be honest...

btw: large projects with dozens of people ALWAYS require a lot of coordination work. Never mind which way you go, C/M, worksets, etc.

[Kbreedon]

Thank you guys