Issue:
Users reported that they are experiencing performance issues in Revit and are looking for ways to improve or optimize model performance – Models may be slow to open and render, causing tools to fail.
Solution:
Optimize large Revit models by splitting the file into smaller linked models, auditing the file, and deleting unresolved warnings. Keep individual files under 500 MB, turn off unused worksets when not in active use, and purge the model to remove heavy, unused family types.
Here are steps to improve your Revit model’s performance:
Clean Up the Model
- Purge Unused: Go to the Manage tab and click Purge Unused to remove hidden CAD imports, unneeded family types, and materials.
- Remove CAD Links: Delete imported CAD files. Instead, use Link CAD so the geometry does not bloat your Revit file.
- Audit and Compact: Check the Audit box when opening the model to fix corrupted data. Save the file regularly with the Compact Central File option enabled.
Manage Views and Geometry
- Limit Details: Avoid over-modeling. Do not draw every bolt or hinge in 3D. Use Coarse detail levels for general modeling.
- Close Inactive Views: Open tabs slow down the software. Go to the View tab and click Close Inactive Views.
- Edit View Settings: Turn off shadows, ambient occlusion, and unused categories in your Visibility/Graphics (VG) overrides.
Optimize Worksets and Settings
- Split by Worksets: Divide your model by floor, building quadrant, or discipline (e.g., structural shell, partitions).
- Unload Worksets: Open only the worksets you need to work on. Keep heavy linked models closed in worksets when you are not actively referencing them.
- Disable Hardware Graphics: Go to File > Options > Graphics and enable Accelerated Graphics or change to a compatible driver to offload processing to your graphics card.
Revit Forums provide suggestions for how to improve the performance of a model.
- https://www.revitforum.org/forum/revit-architecture-forum-rac/architecture-and-general-revit-questions/22288-what-part-of-my-file-is-making-the-overall-size-so-large
Multi level nested families, Voids, Adaptive Components, overconstrained families or project model elements, Cadd imports, large Raster Images, Families with large file size can impact the model size and performance
Revit has a few suggestions here.
- https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Revit-2014-Performance-Technical-Note.html