I have run into a similar problem (not as large file size that you have) but found that by detaching the central model, auditing, purging, and doing a save-as and overwriting the existing model, we were able to significantly reduce the size of the central model. We also deleted the local model and started new there as well.

It may be worth a try.

DWG's will do that. You should not be using anything from Max or CAD to model in Revit. If you are, its going to end badly. The file size isnt dropping because its still there, in the history of the file.

If you have to have the cad/ max stuff, link it into a sep. revit model that you link into your project. That way you can put that on a workset and unload it when you don't need to see it for production. See how much that shrinks your model. You've got me beat by a long shot for the largest file size. Something is crazy to be that big. You may need a linked model strategy. IE if you tell us what type of building it is, there maybe logical breaking points. IE for large hotel/casino projects with parking structures, podiums, towers, etc. we would break each of those into sep. models even though it was really "one" building. We documented each major section in each linked model, but could show overall building sections, elevations in on of the host models.

I encountered a project file that was a little over 2 GB. It was classical architecture so it had a LOT of detail and most of it was native Revit. However several complicated families had at one point or another imported CAD and or images to help do their modeling. Those families were VERY large on their own. I purged those families and managed to reduce their size considerably, for example one was around 30 MB and it ended up a little over 1 MB. When we reloaded these smaller versions and did a bit more routine maintenance the project ended up at around 200 MB total, a considerable reduction.

I'd also do what Scott suggests, segregate the heavy detail into manageable pieces you can only load when you really need them, like for printing etc.

One thing that creating a new central model does for you is to get rid of model issues that you may not even be aware of. I just googled 'Can't edit the element it was deleted in the central model' as we are experiencing this with a region currently. When all are out of the model tonight, I will audit and create a new central model per recommendation of a Revit Forum member.

What I thought was cool, google brought me right back to the Revit Forum,...imagine that!

Indeed, be careful of DWG's 'hidden' as nested elements within a Family. Actually, if you've made tons of custom families for the project, it's not a bad idea to just make certain that those families don't have unneeded nested elements (DWG or Revit) within them adding to the bloat. If someone was doing a 'save as' to make all those families, it's quite possible they have a lot of 'cruft' in them.

While it probably won't work with your Max reference files, if there was a way to get turn them into a solid .SAT file, and use that as a model reference instead (where it can sometimes be exploded into Revit-native-ish geometry) you may get better results. We've had much better luck working with .SATs then .DWGs whenever possible.

Another thing to watch out for is imported images that are just far too big for the needed DPI. When importing huge images and scaling them down, Revit keeps the original size in the Project IIRC. So importing in an image that's 10X or more the size you really need is also a source of 'bloat'. When we do interiors projects we'll have a ton of images on sheets showing furniture / ideas / finishes, and it can really add up.

Solution Ever




Hi Hans,

I had the same problem that what you re facing write now.The solution is too Simple. whenever we are importing anything/CAD into a family it ll go inside Import from Families. If you are asking technically "I Purged it why it is still there" The thing is import something Revit and never go Easily.Please Find the attachment For More Details


Please let me know If it is Not working.

Ram G
EDIT : Contact Details Removed
Ram, you really don't want to leave phone numbers or email addresses on an open forum.
-snowyweston (Moderator)

Like the If you have Some unwanted stuff with Import CAD delete every layer one by one. Your file size get reduced a lot.

Not a plug, but Ideate Explorer is a great tool for dealing with this sort of thing. They are our reseller, so we get it for free with our subscriptions, so I don't remember how much it costs. But it will let you find and delete any stray imports in a model.

We don't work with other's screwed up models enough to where we've had to use it much. But the few times I have used it, it's been helpful. You might check out getting a single copy for the BIM manager to use on problem projects (if it's not too expensive).