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133 Export Links

Chris McKeown / July 1, 2025

Linking

~15 min read3,030 words
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Welcome to this demonstration on Bonus Tools – 133 Export Links. This tool exports detailed information about various link types in your Revit model to Excel, including support for Cloud (C4R) link repathing through External Resource References, providing comprehensive documentation and link management capabilities.

Table of Contents

Key Features

  • Multiple Link Types: Export up to 11 different link and reference types
  • Selective Export: Choose which link types to include
  • Excel Output: Professional spreadsheet format for analysis
  • C4R Support: Includes External Resource Reference details for cloud links
  • Comprehensive Data: Detailed link information for documentation
  • Quick Selection: Pre-check common link types
  • Persistent Settings: Remembers your selections between uses
  • Link Management: Support for link repathing and analysis

Requirements

Essential Components

  1. Valid Bonus Tools License: Active license key required
  2. Open Revit Project: Project with links to export
  3. Links Present: At least one link type should exist in model
  4. Microsoft Excel: For viewing exported data (or compatible spreadsheet software)

Recommended Setup

  • Clean Links: Ensure links are loaded and updated
  • Cloud Access: For C4R links, ensure cloud connectivity
  • Project Saved: Save project before exporting links
  • Write Permissions: Ability to save Excel file to desired location

Interface Guide

Link Type Checkboxes

The dialog presents a checklist of all available link types. Check the boxes for types you want to include in the export.

Available Link Types:

  1. Assembly Code Table ✓ (Default: Checked)

    • Assembly code classifications
    • Uniformat or similar coding systems
    • Reference tables for categorization

  2. CAD Link ✓ (Default: Checked)

    • Linked CAD files (DWG, DGN, DXF)
    • Import instances
    • Reference underlays

  3. Decal Bump Map (Default: Unchecked)

    • Material texture bump maps
    • 3D surface detail textures
    • Rendering material references

  4. Decal Cut Out (Default: Unchecked)

    • Material cutout textures
    • Transparency maps
    • Material masking images

  5. Decal Map (Default: Unchecked)

    • Material appearance images
    • Texture maps
    • Surface graphics

  6. DWF Markup (Default: Unchecked)

    • Linked DWF markup files
    • Review comments and markups
    • Coordination markups

  7. IFC Link (Default: Unchecked)

    • Industry Foundation Classes links
    • Building information exchange format
    • Open standard models

  8. Point Cloud (Default: Unchecked)

    • Linked point cloud data
    • Laser scan files (RCS, RCP)
    • Reality capture data

  9. Fabrication Configuration (Default: Unchecked)

    • MEP fabrication settings
    • Fabrication databases
    • Configuration files

  10. Keynote Table ✓ (Default: Checked)

    • Keynote text file references
    • Annotation keynote libraries
    • Standard notes database

  11. Revit Link ✓ (Default: Checked)

    • Linked Revit models (.rvt)
    • Most common link type
    • Building information models

Control Buttons

Export Button:

  • Processes checked link types
  • Prompts for save location
  • Creates Excel file with link details
  • Opens file automatically after creation

Dialog Controls:

  • ✓ Check: Enable link type for export
  • ☐ Uncheck: Exclude link type from export
  • X (Close): Cancel and close dialog (top-right corner)

Default Selections

The tool defaults to checking the most commonly used link types:

  • Assembly Code Table ✓
  • CAD Link ✓
  • Keynote Table ✓
  • Revit Link ✓

Rationale: These are the most frequently documented link types in typical projects.

Link Types Explained

Understanding Each Link Type

Assembly Code Table

  • What: Reference to assembly classification codes (Uniformat, MasterFormat, etc.)
  • Why Export: Document classification standards, verify code tables
  • Typical Use: Construction estimating, cost analysis

CAD Link

  • What: AutoCAD (DWG), MicroStation (DGN), and other CAD files
  • Why Export: Track reference drawings, manage underlays, coordinate updates
  • Typical Use: Background references, site plans, consultant drawings

Decal Maps (Bump, Cut Out, Map)

  • What: Image files used for material rendering
  • Why Export: Document material resources, manage render appearances
  • Typical Use: Rendering projects, material library management

DWF Markup

  • What: Design Web Format files with markup/comments
  • Why Export: Track review comments, document coordination issues
  • Typical Use: Design review processes, markup coordination

IFC Link

  • What: Industry Foundation Classes building models
  • Why Export: Track open standard exchanges, document interoperability
  • Typical Use: Open BIM workflows, international projects

Point Cloud

  • What: Reality capture scan data
  • Why Export: Document existing conditions, track scan file sources
  • Typical Use: Renovation projects, as-built verification

Fabrication Configuration

  • What: MEP fabrication database settings
  • Why Export: Document fabrication standards, track configuration files
  • Typical Use: MEP fabrication workflows, shop drawings

Keynote Table

  • What: Text file containing keynote definitions
  • Why Export: Document keynote standards, verify keynote file location
  • Typical Use: Drawing annotation, project standards

Revit Link

  • What: Other Revit model files linked into current project
  • Why Export: Track model coordination, document link structure, manage paths
  • Typical Use: Multi-discipline coordination, design coordination

Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Workflow: Export Common Links

  1. Launch the Tool

    • Go to Bonus Tools ribbon
    • Click "133 Export Links"
    • Dialog opens with default selections

  2. Review Default Selections

    • Assembly Code Table ✓
    • CAD Link ✓
    • Keynote Table ✓
    • Revit Link ✓
    • These cover most common needs

  3. Modify Selection (Optional)

    • Check additional link types if needed
    • Uncheck types you don't want
    • Only checked items will be exported

  4. Export Links

    • Click "Export" button
    • Choose save location in dialog
    • Enter filename (e.g., "Project_Links_2026-01-27.xlsx")
    • Click Save

  5. Review Output

    • Excel file opens automatically
    • Review tabs/sheets for each link type
    • Verify link information
    • Save or analyze as needed

Advanced Workflow: Complete Link Audit

Goal: Document all links in project for comprehensive audit

  1. Prepare Project

    • Ensure all worksets open
    • Load all links
    • Update CAD links if needed
    • Verify cloud connectivity for C4R links

  2. Select All Link Types

    • Launch tool
    • Check all 11 link type boxes
    • Include everything for complete audit

  3. Export Full Documentation

    • Click Export
    • Save with descriptive name
    • Include date in filename
    • Store in project documentation folder

  4. Analyze Results

    • Review each sheet in Excel
    • Note missing or broken links
    • Document link paths
    • Check External Resource References for C4R

  5. Document Findings

    • Create summary report
    • List any issues found
    • Document link structure
    • Archive export for records

Export Output

Excel File Structure

File Organization:

  • One sheet/tab per link type (if links exist)
  • Each sheet contains relevant link details
  • Column headers describe data fields
  • Rows contain individual link instances

Typical Columns (varies by link type):

  • Link Name: Filename or identifier
  • Path: File location or External Resource Reference
  • Status: Loaded, Not Loaded, Not Found
  • Type: Link type or category
  • Workset: Associated workset (if applicable)
  • Instance Count: Number of instances
  • Additional Details: Type-specific information

Sample Output Examples

Revit Links Sheet:

Name              | Path                              | Status  | Type      | Instances
------------------|-----------------------------------|---------|-----------|----------
ARCH_Level1.rvt   | RSN://Server/Project/ARCH...      | Loaded  | Overlay   | 1
STRUCT_Grid.rvt   | C:\Projects\Struct\STRUCT...      | Loaded  | Attachment| 1
MEP_Systems.rvt   | Cloud Path [External Resource]    | Loaded  | Overlay   | 1

CAD Links Sheet:

Name              | Path                    | Status    | Type      | View
------------------|-------------------------|-----------|-----------|------------
Site Plan.dwg     | C:\CAD\Site Plan.dwg    | Loaded    | Import    | Level 1
Details.dwg       | \\Server\CAD\Details... | Not Found | Link      | Multiple

Keynote Table Sheet:

Type              | Path                              | Status
------------------|-----------------------------------|--------
Keynote File      | C:\Standards\Keynotes_2024.txt    | Loaded

External Resource References

For Cloud (C4R) Links: The export includes External Resource Reference details necessary for repathing:

  • Server path information
  • Resource identifiers
  • Version information
  • Link relationships
  • Access credentials format

Why This Matters:

  • C4R links require special handling
  • Direct path editing may not work
  • External Resource References provide proper API access
  • Enables programmatic repathing

C4R Link Repathing

Understanding C4R Links

Cloud (C4R) Characteristics:

  • Hosted on BIM 360 or Autodesk Construction Cloud
  • Use server paths (RSN://)
  • Require External Resource References for management
  • Cannot be repathed like local links

Export Provides:

  • External Resource Reference details
  • Server and project information
  • GUID identifiers
  • Link relationship data

Using Export for Repathing

Manual Repathing Process:

  1. Export links with this tool
  2. Review External Resource Reference data
  3. Use Revit API or additional tools for repathing
  4. Update references based on export data
  5. Verify repathed links load correctly

When Repathing Needed:

  • Moving projects between cloud accounts
  • Changing BIM 360/ACC project structures
  • Migrating from local to cloud
  • Consolidating cloud projects
  • Correcting broken cloud paths

Important Note: This tool exports the necessary information. Actual repathing requires:

  • Revit API tools or add-ins
  • External Resource Reference manipulation
  • Cloud account access
  • Administrative permissions

Export Data Usage

The export provides:

  • Documentation of current link structure
  • Reference data for repathing tools
  • Verification of link relationships
  • Audit trail for changes

Next steps require:

  • Separate repathing tools/scripts
  • API-based link management
  • Cloud administration access
  • External Resource Reference handling

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Project Handover Documentation

Goal: Provide complete link documentation to client or team

Steps:

  1. Open project
  2. Load all links
  3. Launch Export Links tool
  4. Check all relevant link types:
    • ✓ Revit Link
    • ✓ CAD Link
    • ✓ Keynote Table
    • ✓ Point Cloud (if used)
  5. Export to descriptive filename
  6. Review Excel output
  7. Add to project handover package
  8. Document link management instructions

Deliverable:

  • Complete link inventory
  • Path documentation
  • Link relationships
  • Reference for future work

Workflow 2: Link Path Verification

Goal: Verify all links are properly pathed before milestone

Steps:

  1. Before major deliverable
  2. Export Revit and CAD links
  3. Review Status column
  4. Check for "Not Found" or "Not Loaded"
  5. Review paths for accuracy
  6. Fix any broken links in Revit
  7. Re-export to verify
  8. Document in transmittal

Quality Check:

  • All links show "Loaded"
  • Paths are accessible
  • Cloud links functioning
  • No broken references

Workflow 3: C4R Migration Planning

Goal: Plan migration from local to cloud-hosted project

Before Migration:

  1. Export all Revit Links (current local paths)
  2. Document current path structure
  3. Note link relationships
  4. Save export for reference

After Migration:

  1. Export links again (new C4R paths)
  2. Compare before/after exports
  3. Verify External Resource References
  4. Document migration results
  5. Create repathing guide if needed

Documentation:

  • Before/after link comparison
  • Path transformation notes
  • External Resource Reference details
  • Migration validation checklist

Workflow 4: Multi-Discipline Coordination Review

Goal: Document links across all disciplines for coordination

Steps:

  1. Coordinate with all disciplines
  2. Request link exports from each model
  3. Collect exports:
    • Architectural model links
    • Structural model links
    • MEP model links
    • Site/Civil model links
  4. Compare link structures
  5. Verify coordination path consistency
  6. Identify any discrepancies
  7. Create consolidated link map

Analysis:

  • Link relationship diagram
  • Path consistency check
  • Missing links identification
  • Coordination verification

Workflow 5: Legacy Project Analysis

Goal: Document existing links in older project for modernization

Steps:

  1. Open legacy project
  2. Note Revit version
  3. Export all link types (check all boxes)
  4. Review comprehensive output
  5. Identify outdated link types
  6. Document obsolete references
  7. Plan modernization strategy
  8. Create update checklist

Findings May Include:

  • Old CAD file versions
  • Outdated keynote files
  • Obsolete decal references
  • Legacy IFC links
  • Unused link instances

Workflow 6: Standards Compliance Audit

Goal: Verify project links comply with company standards

Standards Check:

  1. Export Revit Links and CAD Links
  2. Review paths against standards:
    • Correct network locations
    • Proper naming conventions
    • Approved file locations
    • Standard workset assignments
  3. Compare keynote table path to standards
  4. Verify assembly code table compliance
  5. Document non-compliance issues
  6. Create remediation plan

Compliance Report:

  • Conforming links (count/percentage)
  • Non-conforming items (list with issues)
  • Required corrections
  • Timeline for compliance

Tips and Best Practices

Selection Strategy

Common Link Types (Usually Include):

  • ✓ Revit Link (almost always needed)
  • ✓ CAD Link (very common)
  • ✓ Keynote Table (for annotated projects)
  • ✓ Assembly Code Table (for cost analysis projects)

Specialized Link Types (Include When Relevant):

  • Point Cloud (renovation/scan-to-BIM projects)
  • IFC Link (open BIM workflows)
  • Fabrication Configuration (MEP fab projects)
  • Decal Maps (rendering-heavy projects)

Rarely Needed:

  • DWF Markup (unless active markup workflow)

Export Timing

Best Times to Export:

  • Before major milestones
  • After significant link changes
  • Before project handover
  • During regular audits (monthly recommended)
  • Before migration/move operations
  • After discipline coordination updates

Include in Project Workflows:

  • Pre-submission checklist
  • Coordination meeting preparation
  • Monthly model quality checks
  • Version control documentation

File Management

Naming Conventions:

ProjectName_Links_YYYY-MM-DD.xlsx
Example: Hospital_Links_2026-01-27.xlsx

Organization:

Project Folder
├── Documentation
│   ├── Links
│   │   ├── Links_Export_2026-01-15.xlsx
│   │   ├── Links_Export_2026-01-27.xlsx
│   │   └── Links_Export_2026-02-10.xlsx

Retention:

  • Keep exports at milestones
  • Archive with project documentation
  • Include in handover packages
  • Maintain for reference/audit

Analysis Best Practices

Excel Analysis:

  • Use filters to find specific links
  • Sort by Status to find issues
  • Create pivot tables for summaries
  • Highlight broken/missing links
  • Compare exports over time

Documentation:

  • Add comments in Excel
  • Create summary sheets
  • Calculate statistics
  • Note action items
  • Track resolution

Cloud Link Management

C4R Considerations:

  • Export includes External Resource References
  • Save exports before cloud migrations
  • Document cloud path structure
  • Keep pre/post migration exports
  • Use for repathing planning

Best Practices:

  • Regular exports for C4R projects
  • Document cloud project structure
  • Track External Resource Reference changes
  • Coordinate with BIM 360/ACC admins
  • Test link loads after changes

Common Use Cases

Project Management

Link Inventory:

  • Complete project link documentation
  • Reference file management
  • Consultant coordination
  • File location tracking

Quality Control:

  • Link status verification
  • Broken link identification
  • Path compliance checking
  • Standards enforcement

Documentation

Project Records:

  • Milestone link documentation
  • Handover packages
  • Archive documentation
  • As-built records

Audit Trail:

  • Link change tracking
  • Version documentation
  • Migration records
  • Compliance evidence

Coordination

Multi-Discipline:

  • Link relationship mapping
  • Coordination verification
  • Consultant file tracking
  • Model federation documentation

Standards Compliance:

  • Path verification
  • Naming convention checking
  • Location standard compliance
  • Workset assignment verification

Migration and Moves

Cloud Migration:

  • Pre-migration documentation
  • External Resource Reference capture
  • Post-migration verification
  • Repathing planning

Server Moves:

  • Current path documentation
  • Repathing preparation
  • Verification after move
  • Update tracking

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem: "Export button does nothing"

  • Cause: No link types checked or no links exist
  • Solution:
    • Check at least one link type box
    • Verify model has links of selected types
    • Check for links in Manage → Manage Links
    • Try different link type selections

Problem: "Excel file is empty or has no data"

  • Cause: Selected link types not present in model
  • Solution:
    • Check which links actually exist in model
    • Review Manage Links dialog
    • Try selecting different/all link types
    • Verify links are loaded

Problem: "Cannot find exported file"

  • Cause: File saved to unexpected location
  • Solution:
    • Check save dialog location
    • Search for filename
    • Check default document folder
    • Check recent files in Excel

Problem: "Some link types missing from export"

  • Cause: Those link types not checked or don't exist
  • Solution:
    • Verify checkboxes before exporting
    • Confirm those links exist in project
    • Re-run export with corrected selections
    • Check if links are unloaded

Problem: "Cloud (C4R) link paths look different"

  • Cause: This is expected for cloud-hosted links
  • Solution:
    • C4R links use RSN:// or cloud paths
    • External Resource Reference data included
    • This is normal and correct
    • Use data for repathing planning

Problem: "External Resource Reference data confusing"

  • Cause: Technical API information included
  • Solution:
    • This data is for advanced/API usage
    • Required for C4R link repathing
    • Document for future reference
    • Consult API resources if repathing needed

Problem: "Export very slow"

  • Cause: Many links or large project
  • Solution:
    • Be patient (this is normal)
    • Export fewer link types at once
    • Close other applications
    • Consider model optimization

Problem: "Some links show 'Not Found'"

  • Cause: Actual broken or missing links
  • Solution:
    • This indicates real problem in model
    • Review in Manage Links
    • Reload or repath links in Revit
    • Re-export to verify fixes

Problem: "Keynote or Assembly Code table missing"

  • Cause: Not configured in project
  • Solution:
    • Check if keynote file is set
    • Verify assembly code table loaded
    • This is expected if not configured
    • Configure in Revit if needed

Problem: "Point Cloud data incomplete"

  • Cause: Point cloud not fully loaded
  • Solution:
    • Ensure point clouds loaded
    • Check point cloud manager
    • Verify file accessibility
    • Re-export after loading

Export Issues

File Won't Save:

  • Check write permissions on target folder
  • Ensure filename is valid (no special characters)
  • Close file if already open
  • Try different save location

Incomplete Data:

  • Verify all selected link types checked
  • Ensure links are loaded in model
  • Check if using correct Revit version
  • Review Revit warnings/errors

Performance Issues

Slow Processing:

  • Normal for projects with many links
  • Reduce number of link types selected
  • Close other applications
  • Wait for completion

Excel Opens Slowly:

  • Large exports may take time
  • Computer performance dependent
  • Consider opening manually if auto-open slow

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

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