When you open a model from an earlier release of Revit, the model may need to be upgraded to the current release.
Important: Revit models are not backwards-compatible. After a model has been upgraded and saved, you can no longer open the model using the earlier release of the software.
Files that may require an upgrade include the following:
- Models (RVT files)
- Families (RFA files)
- Templates (RTE files)
Opening Models within the Software
When you start Revit and then open a model (or load a family) that requires an upgrade, the upgrade process begins automatically. A dialog displays an informational message, indicating the software release of the model and the release to which it will be upgraded. Depending on the size of the model, the upgrade process can take some time.
After the upgrade is complete, save the model to avoid the need to repeat the process. The model will open more quickly next time.
If you do not want to upgrade the model to the current software release, click Cancel Upgrade.
When you click Cancel Upgrade:
- The model is not upgraded, and it is not opened in the current software release.
- If you cancel the upgrade of a family that is being loaded, the family is not upgraded, and it is not loaded into the project.
- To open the model without upgrading, first start the appropriate release of Revit (indicated in the message), and then navigate to and open the model.
Note: The Cancel Upgrade button is available only to students and to Autodesk Maintenance and Desktop Subscription customers for Revit 2015 software releases.
Opening Models by Double-Clicking
To start Revit and open the model in one operation, you can navigate your file system and double-click a file. By default, the most recently installed release of the software starts. If the model is based on an earlier software release, the model requires an upgrade.
In this situation, a dialog displays. Select an option:
- Upgrade the model. The model is upgraded to the most recently installed software release, and then it opens in the software. Save the upgraded model to avoid the need to repeat the upgrade process. After the upgraded model is saved, you can no longer use it with the earlier release.
- Cancel the upgrade. The model is not upgraded or opened, and the most recently installed software release is not started. To open the model without upgrading, first start the appropriate release of Revit (indicated in the message), and then navigate to and open the model.
Note: The dialog is available only to students and to Autodesk Maintenance and Desktop Subscription customers for Revit 2015 software releases.