Guide · Revit
How to link Revit models and fix broken links
A federated Revit model starts with links: architecture, structure, MEP and site in one coordination file. This guide shows Revit's own way to link a model and the three choices that matter, then links six models in one run and repairs them after the project folder has moved.
The models in the examples
Everything below was done in Revit 2027 with Autodesk's Snowdon Towers sample: six discipline models (architectural, structural, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and site) linked into an empty coordination project. LinkHub sits on the AEC Pilot ribbon and runs with the mouse; no AI is involved.
Revit's way: one model at a time
In Revit you link a model with Insert › Link Revit: pick a file, choose how to place it, and repeat for the next one. Three choices decide whether the federation works later.
- Positioning. Use By Shared Coordinates when the models share a site. When they don't, use Internal Origin to Internal Origin; in the example the sample models carry no shared site, so that is what was used.
- Overlay or Attachment. An Overlay link stays in this model only; an Attachment link is carried along when this model is itself linked somewhere else. For coordination, use Overlay.
- A workset per link. With each link on its own workset, you can show, hide and load each discipline on its own.
Link a whole folder at once
LinkHub takes the whole folder: add it and every model in it is listed and checked before anything is linked.
Set the options once for all of them: positioning, Overlay or Attachment, a workset per link and pinning. Then save them as a link set, so the next project gets the same federation in one click.
Result: six models linked in one run, each on its own workset.
The same window also links IFC, CAD and point clouds, from local folders or from Forma and ACC.
Fix broken links after the folder moves
The problem: the project folder was moved to a new place. Revit opens with six unresolved links, and its own fix, Manage Links › Reload From, points one link at a time to the new file.
The fix: in LinkHub every broken link shows red. Repair, point it at the new folder, and every link that is found there is loaded again.
Result: all six loaded again in one step.
To keep it from happening again, store the paths as relative: the links then survive the next move of the project folder.
Getting LinkHub
- LinkHub is in AEC Pilot for Revit 2023 to 2027, set up by one installer.
- Free for 14 days, with every tool and no card.
- The same licence also brings Pilot AI, an assistant inside Revit, if you want one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Overlay and Attachment in Revit?
An Overlay link stays in the model it was linked into. An Attachment link is carried along when that model is linked into another one. For coordination models, Overlay keeps nested links out of the way.
Which positioning should I use when linking a Revit model?
By Shared Coordinates when the models share a site; Internal Origin to Internal Origin when they don't. If linked models land far apart, the shared coordinates are not set up the same way in each model.
How do I fix broken links in Revit after moving the project folder?
Revit's Manage Links › Reload From re-points one link at a time. LinkHub's Repair takes the new folder once and reloads every link it finds there. Storing paths as relative keeps the next move from breaking them.
Can I link several Revit models at once?
Revit's own Link Revit command links one file at a time. LinkHub links a whole folder in one run with the same positioning, Overlay or Attachment, worksets and pinning for every model.
Which Revit versions are supported?
Revit 2023 to 2027. Revit LT does not load add-ins.
Link and repair your own federation.
Free for 14 days — every tool, no card required.