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131 Repath Revit Locally

Chris McKeown / July 1, 2025

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~16 min read3,109 words
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Welcome to this demonstration on Bonus Tools – 131 Repath Revit Locally. This streamlined tool provides quick and easy repathing of Revit and CAD links by simply browsing to the new file locations on your computer. Perfect for simple link moves and folder reorganizations.

Table of Contents

Key Features

  • Simple Interface: Two buttons - CAD or Revit
  • Direct File Selection: Browse to new file locations
  • Automatic Matching: Matches files by name automatically
  • Multi-Select: Select multiple files at once
  • Instant Repathing: No Excel editing required
  • Real-Time Feedback: Color-coded output shows results
  • Transaction Protected: Safe operations with automatic rollback
  • Local Files Only: Works with files accessible from your computer
  • Fast Operation: Ideal for quick link updates

Requirements

Essential Components

  1. Valid Bonus Tools License: Active license key required
  2. Open Revit Project: Project with links to repath
  3. New File Locations: Files must be accessible locally or on network
  4. Matching Filenames: New files must have same base names as existing links
  5. File Accessibility: Read permissions on new file locations

What "Local" Means

Supported Locations:

  • Local drives (C:, D:, etc.)
  • Network drives (\Server\Share)
  • Mapped network drives (Z:, etc.)
  • Accessible UNC paths

Not Supported:

  • Cloud (C4R) links - use tools 132/133 instead
  • Links requiring External Resource References
  • Server-based paths requiring special authentication

File Type Support

Revit Links:

  • .rvt files
  • Local file paths
  • Network file paths
  • Standard Revit link types

CAD Links:

  • .dwg files (AutoCAD)
  • Potentially other CAD formats supported by Revit
  • Local and network paths

Interface Guide

Initial Dialog

Simple Two-Button Interface:

Left Button: CAD

  • Click to repath CAD links (DWG files)
  • Opens file browser for CAD files
  • Filters for .dwg files only

Right Button: Revit

  • Click to repath Revit links (RVT files)
  • Opens file browser for Revit files
  • Filters for .rvt files only

Dialog Behavior:

  • Appears when tool launches
  • Choose CAD or Revit
  • Can't select both simultaneously
  • Dialog closes after selection

File Browser (After Button Click)

CAD File Browser:

  • Filter: DWG files (*.dwg)
  • Multi-select enabled
  • Shows file explorer
  • Navigate to new CAD location

Revit File Browser:

  • Filter: RVT files (*.rvt)
  • Multi-select enabled
  • Shows file explorer
  • Navigate to new Revit location

Output Window

Processing Feedback:

  • Green: "Link loaded: [Success] - Path: [FilePath]"
  • Red: "Failed to load: [FilePath]. Error: [Message]"
  • Summary dialog at end

Information Shown:

  • Each file processed
  • Success or failure status
  • Full file paths
  • Error messages for failures

How It Works

Processing Flow

1. Link Type Selection

  • User chooses CAD or Revit
  • Tool determines which links to process
  • Prepares appropriate file collector

2. Current Links Collection

  • Scans project for existing links
  • Extracts base names from link names
  • Example: "ARCH_Model.rvt : Building" → "ARCH_Model.rvt"
  • Creates list of names to match

3. User File Selection

  • Opens file browser (CAD or Revit)
  • User navigates to new file locations
  • Selects files to use as new sources
  • Can select multiple files

4. Automatic Matching

  • Compares selected filenames to existing link names
  • Matches based on base filename
  • Only processes matching files
  • Ignores non-matching selections

5. Link Reloading

  • For each matched pair:
    • Finds existing link in project
    • Loads from new file path
    • Reports success or failure
    • Continues to next link

6. Results Summary

  • Shows all successfully reloaded paths
  • Reports any failures
  • Transaction commits if successful
  • Rollback if errors

Matching Algorithm

Name Extraction:

Existing Link Name: "SitePlan.dwg : 1:100"
Extracted Base Name: "SitePlan.dwg"

Selected File: "C:\NewLocation\SitePlan.dwg"
Extracted Filename: "SitePlan.dwg"

Match: YES → Repath this link

Matching Rules:

  • Must contain the base name
  • Case-sensitive matching
  • Extension included in comparison
  • Partial matches accepted

Example Matches:

Link Name          | Selected File                    | Match?
-------------------|----------------------------------|--------
ARCH.rvt           | C:\New\ARCH.rvt                 | YES
Site.dwg           | \\Server\CAD\Site.dwg           | YES
Floor_01.dwg       | C:\Project\Floor_01.dwg         | YES
Detail.dwg         | C:\CAD\Details.dwg              | NO

Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Workflow: Repath Revit Links

Scenario: Moved Revit link files to new folder

1. Prepare Files

  • Move link files to new location
  • Note new paths
  • Ensure files accessible
  • Verify filenames unchanged

2. Launch Tool

  • Go to Bonus Tools ribbon
  • Click "131 Repath Revit Locally"
  • Dialog appears with CAD/Revit buttons

3. Select Link Type

  • Click "Revit" button
  • File browser opens
  • Navigate to new location

4. Select Files

  • Browse to folder with moved files
  • Select all relevant .rvt files
  • Use Ctrl+Click for multiple selection
  • Click Open

5. Monitor Progress

  • Watch output window
  • Green = success
  • Red = failure
  • Note any errors

6. Review Results

  • Summary dialog shows reloaded files
  • Check Manage Links for new paths
  • Verify links load correctly
  • Save project

Basic Workflow: Repath CAD Links

Scenario: Updated CAD files moved to new server

1. Prepare Files

  • Move or copy CAD files to new location
  • Keep filenames identical
  • Verify accessibility
  • Check file permissions

2. Launch Tool

  • Bonus Tools → 131 Repath Revit Locally
  • Dialog appears

3. Select CAD

  • Click "CAD" button
  • DWG file browser opens

4. Select DWG Files

  • Navigate to new CAD location
  • Select all relevant .dwg files
  • Multiple selection supported
  • Click Open

5. Monitor Output

  • Output window shows progress
  • Green messages for success
  • Red messages for failures
  • Note specific errors

6. Verify

  • Check Manage Links → CAD Formats
  • Verify new paths shown
  • Test CAD link visibility
  • Save project

Advanced Workflow: Mixed Link Update

Scenario: Some links moved, some stayed

Preparation:

  1. Identify which links moved
  2. Note new locations
  3. Separate by type (Revit vs CAD)

Process Revit Links:

  1. Launch tool
  2. Click "Revit"
  3. Select ONLY moved Revit files
  4. Process and verify

Process CAD Links:

  1. Launch tool again
  2. Click "CAD"
  3. Select ONLY moved CAD files
  4. Process and verify

Final Verification:

  • Review all links in Manage Links
  • Check both updated and non-updated
  • Verify paths correct
  • Test link loading

File Matching Rules

Critical Matching Requirements

Base Name Matching:

  • Tool extracts base filename from link name
  • Compares to selected file names
  • Must have matching base name to repath

Example Breakdown:

Existing Link in Project:
  Full Name: "ARCH_Model.rvt : Attached"
  Base Name Extracted: "ARCH_Model.rvt"

Selected File:
  Full Path: "C:\NewProject\Links\ARCH_Model.rvt"
  Filename: "ARCH_Model.rvt"

Comparison: "ARCH_Model.rvt" == "ARCH_Model.rvt"
Result: MATCH - Will repath

What Must Match

Required to Match:

  • Base filename
  • File extension
  • Must contain the link name

Examples:

Link Name: Site.dwg
✓ C:\New\Site.dwg                    (exact match)
✓ \\Server\Project\Site.dwg          (exact match)
✗ C:\New\Site_Plan.dwg               (different name)
✗ C:\New\Site.dxf                    (different extension)

Common Matching Scenarios

Scenario 1: Simple Rename Won't Work

Old Link: "Floor_Level_1.dwg"
New File: "Floor_Level_01.dwg"
Result: NO MATCH - Names don't match
Solution: Rename file to "Floor_Level_1.dwg" first

Scenario 2: Link with Type Suffix

Link Name: "STRUCT.rvt : Type_A"
Base Extracted: "STRUCT.rvt"
Selected: "C:\New\STRUCT.rvt"
Result: MATCH - Will repath

Scenario 3: Multiple Instances

Link "Site.dwg" appears 3 times in project
Tool will update path for all instances
All instances will point to newly selected file

Name Matching Tips

Before Using Tool:

  1. Check exact link names in Manage Links
  2. Ensure new files have identical base names
  3. Don't rename files between move and repath
  4. Verify file extensions match

If Names Don't Match:

  • Rename new files to match existing link names
  • Or use tool 132/133 for more control
  • Or manually repath in Manage Links first

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Simple Folder Move

Goal: Moved all links to new folder, same filenames

Situation:

Old: C:\OldProject\Links\
  - ARCH.rvt
  - STRUCT.rvt
  - Site.dwg

New: C:\NewProject\Links\
  - ARCH.rvt
  - STRUCT.rvt
  - Site.dwg

Steps:

  1. Launch tool
  2. Click "Revit"
  3. Navigate to C:\NewProject\Links\
  4. Select ARCH.rvt and STRUCT.rvt
  5. Click Open
  6. Review output (both should be green)
  7. Launch tool again
  8. Click "CAD"
  9. Navigate to C:\NewProject\Links\
  10. Select Site.dwg
  11. Click Open
  12. Verify all links updated

Result: All links now point to new folder

Workflow 2: Network to Local

Goal: Copy network links locally for offline work

Preparation:

  1. Copy link files from network to local drive
  2. Maintain same filenames

Process:

From: \\Server\BIM\Project\Links\*.rvt
To: C:\Local\Project\Links\*.rvt

Steps:

  1. Copy all link files locally
  2. Launch 131 Repath Revit Locally
  3. Click "Revit"
  4. Browse to C:\Local\Project\Links\
  5. Select all copied .rvt files
  6. Click Open
  7. Repeat for CAD if needed

Benefits:

  • Work offline with links
  • Faster link loading
  • No network dependency

Remember: Re-repath to network before syncing!

Workflow 3: Updated Consultant Files

Goal: Replace consultant CAD files with updated versions

Scenario:

  • Consultant provided updated DWG files
  • Files have same names as existing links
  • Located in different folder

Steps:

  1. Save new consultant files to accessible location
  2. Verify filenames match existing link names
  3. Launch tool
  4. Click "CAD"
  5. Navigate to consultant file location
  6. Select all updated DWG files
  7. Click Open
  8. Verify green output for all files
  9. Check drawings show updated information

Verification:

  • Review link paths in Manage Links
  • Check file dates/sizes
  • Verify updated content visible
  • Test all views using CAD links

Workflow 4: Project Reorganization

Goal: Reorganize project into standard folder structure

Old Structure:

C:\Project\
├── ARCH_Model.rvt (main)
├── STRUCT_Model.rvt (link)
├── Site.dwg (link)
└── Details.dwg (link)

New Structure:

C:\Project\
├── ARCH_Model.rvt (main)
└── Links\
    ├── Models\
    │   └── STRUCT_Model.rvt
    └── CAD\
        ├── Site.dwg
        └── Details.dwg

Process:

  1. Create new folder structure
  2. Move link files to new locations
  3. Keep main model in original location
  4. Open main model (links will be broken)
  5. Repath Revit links to Models folder
  6. Repath CAD links to CAD folder
  7. Save and verify

Workflow 5: Temporary Link Swap

Goal: Temporarily use different version of link for comparison

Scenario:

  • Need to compare design options
  • Have two versions of same link file
  • Want to quickly swap between them

Setup:

Original: \\Server\Project\MECH_Option_A.rvt
Alternate: \\Server\Project\MECH_Option_B.rvt
Link Name in Project: "MECH_Option_A.rvt"

Problem: Names don't match (A vs B)

Solution:

  1. Copy MECH_Option_B.rvt
  2. Rename copy to MECH_Option_A.rvt
  3. Place in separate folder
  4. Repath to renamed file
  5. Compare results
  6. Repath back to original when done

Alternative: Use Design Options in Revit instead

Workflow 6: Emergency Recovery

Goal: Restore working links after accidental repath

Situation:

  • Links accidentally repathed incorrectly
  • Original files still exist at old location
  • Need to restore quickly

Recovery:

  1. Locate original link files
  2. Note original paths if possible
  3. Launch 131 Repath Revit Locally
  4. Select appropriate type (CAD/Revit)
  5. Navigate to original location
  6. Select original files
  7. Repath back to originals
  8. Verify links restored

Prevention:

  • Save project before repathing
  • Document link paths regularly
  • Use tool 133 to export link info
  • Keep backups of link locations

Comparison to Other Tools

Tool 131 vs 132/133

131 Repath Revit Locally (This Tool):

  • ✓ Simple and fast
  • ✓ No Excel editing
  • ✓ Direct file selection
  • ✓ Best for simple moves
  • ✗ Local files only
  • ✗ No C4R support
  • ✗ Limited to name matching

132 Reload From Links + 133 Export Links:

  • ✓ Handles cloud (C4R) links
  • ✓ Bulk editing in Excel
  • ✓ External Resource References
  • ✓ More link type support
  • ✗ More complex workflow
  • ✗ Requires Excel editing
  • ✗ More setup time

When to Use Each Tool

Use Tool 131 When:

  • Simple folder move
  • Local files only
  • Few links to update
  • Filenames unchanged
  • Quick turnaround needed
  • No cloud links involved

Use Tools 132/133 When:

  • Cloud (C4R) links
  • Complex repathing scenarios
  • Many links to update
  • Need detailed control
  • Bulk editing beneficial
  • External Resource References needed

Use Manage Links (Native Revit) When:

  • Single link to repath
  • Custom path needed
  • Link type change required
  • Manual control preferred

Tips and Best Practices

Before Using Tool

Preparation Checklist:

  • Backup project file
  • Move link files to new location
  • Verify filenames unchanged
  • Check new paths accessible
  • Note current paths (for rollback)
  • Close unnecessary applications

File Verification:

✓ Link files exist at new location
✓ Filenames exactly match existing links
✓ File extensions correct (.rvt or .dwg)
✓ Files not corrupted
✓ Read permissions available

During Processing

Selection Tips:

  • Select all links at once (multi-select)
  • Verify correct folder before selecting
  • Double-check filenames match
  • Use output window to monitor
  • Don't interrupt process

If Tool Doesn't Find Files:

  • Check Output window for clues
  • Verify filename matching
  • Ensure file names haven't changed
  • Confirm extensions correct
  • Try selecting files again

After Processing

Verification Steps:

  1. Review output window (green = success)
  2. Check Manage Links for new paths
  3. Verify link count matches expected
  4. Test loading links
  5. Check views using links
  6. Save project if successful

If Some Links Failed:

  • Review red error messages
  • Check those specific file paths
  • Verify file accessibility
  • Try those links individually
  • May need manual repath

Naming Best Practices

Maintain Consistent Names:

  • Don't rename files during move
  • Keep extensions unchanged
  • Avoid special characters
  • Match case exactly
  • No extra spaces

If Names Must Change:

  • Repath before renaming
  • Or rename to match existing
  • Or use tools 132/133 instead
  • Document name changes

Performance Tips

For Many Links:

  • Process Revit and CAD separately
  • Select all at once (faster than individual)
  • Close other applications
  • Ensure network stability
  • Be patient with large files

For Large Files:

  • Verify file integrity first
  • Check adequate disk space
  • Ensure network bandwidth
  • Consider off-hours processing

Common Use Cases

Project Management

File Reorganization:

  • Standardize folder structure
  • Consolidate scattered links
  • Implement naming conventions
  • Improve project organization

Location Changes:

  • Server migrations
  • Network drive changes
  • Local to network (or vice versa)
  • Temporary local copies

Workflow Scenarios

Offline Work:

  • Copy links locally
  • Work without network
  • Repath back when online

Updated Files:

  • Replace with newer versions
  • Same names, new content
  • Quick update process

Cleanup:

  • Consolidate link locations
  • Remove duplicate paths
  • Standardize locations

Team Coordination

Shared Project Setup:

  • Set up links for new team member
  • Point to team server locations
  • Standardize across team

Consultant Updates:

  • Replace consultant files
  • Maintain same link names
  • Quick turnaround

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem: "No files reloaded"

  • Cause: Filenames don't match existing links
  • Solution:
    • Check exact link names in Manage Links
    • Verify selected file names match exactly
    • Ensure base names extracted correctly
    • Try renaming files to match
    • Check file extensions match

Problem: "Some links show green but still broken"

  • Cause: File path correct but file has issues
  • Solution:
    • Verify file not corrupted
    • Check file can open in Revit directly
    • Verify file version compatibility
    • Try manual reload in Manage Links
    • Check file permissions

Problem: "Red error: Failed to load [path]"

  • Cause: File inaccessible or incompatible
  • Solution:
    • Verify path exists and is accessible
    • Check file permissions (read access)
    • Confirm file not open elsewhere
    • Verify Revit version compatibility
    • Check network connectivity for network paths

Problem: "Tool completes but links still point to old paths"

  • Cause: Name matching failed or file selection wrong
  • Solution:
    • Review output window for clues
    • Check if any files actually matched
    • Verify file names exactly match links
    • Try again with correct files
    • Check Manage Links to see actual changes

Problem: "Can't find new files in browse dialog"

  • Cause: Navigation or path issue
  • Solution:
    • Verify files actually exist at expected location
    • Check network connectivity
    • Try UNC path instead of mapped drive
    • Verify permissions to access folder
    • Copy files to local drive if needed

Problem: "Multiple links with same name, only one updates"

  • Cause: Tool may process first match only
  • Solution:
    • Check output for number processed
    • Verify in Manage Links
    • May need to manually check instances
    • Consider unique naming for links

Problem: "CAD button does nothing"

  • Cause: No CAD links in project
  • Solution:
    • Verify project has CAD links
    • Check Manage Links → CAD Formats
    • Use Revit button if no CAD links
    • Confirm link type correct

Problem: "Revit button does nothing"

  • Cause: No Revit links in project
  • Solution:
    • Verify project has Revit links
    • Check Manage Links → Revit tab
    • Use CAD button if no Revit links
    • Confirm link type correct

Problem: "Network path not accessible"

  • Cause: Network connectivity or permissions
  • Solution:
    • Check network connection
    • Verify path in Windows Explorer
    • Confirm permissions to access
    • Try UNC path format
    • Contact IT if persistent

File Selection Issues

Wrong File Selected:

  • Tool bases on name only
  • Can't detect if content is wrong
  • Verify files before selecting
  • Test by opening files manually

Multiple Files with Similar Names:

  • Tool will match based on contains
  • Be specific with selections
  • Verify only intended files selected
  • Check output window confirms correct files

Performance Issues

Slow Processing:

  • Normal for large files
  • Network files slower than local
  • Many links take more time
  • Be patient, watch output

Network Timeouts:

  • Check network stability
  • Try copying locally first
  • Process during off-hours
  • Verify sufficient bandwidth

Need Help? Contact support or refer to additional Bonus Tools documentation.

Thank you for using Bonus Tools - 131 Repath Revit Locally!