Revit's backup system is a crucial feature designed to protect your project data by automatically creating sequential copies of your model, enabling you to revert to earlier versions in case of errors, corruption, or unwanted changes.
How Revit Backups Are Created
Whenever you save a Revit model, the software automatically initiates a backup process. Instead of overwriting the previous version, Revit first saves the existing file as a backup before writing your latest changes to the main model file. This ensures that a usable previous version is always available.
Backup File Location and Naming
Revit backup files are conveniently stored in the same folder as your main Revit model. This makes them easy to locate when you need to access an older version.
The naming convention for these backup files follows a predictable pattern:
| Original Model Name | Backup File Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
MyProject.rvt |
MyProject.0001.rvt |
The first backup created. |
MyProject.rvt |
MyProject.0002.rvt |
The second backup, and so on. |
MyProject.rvt |
MyProject.000X.rvt |
The highest number represents the most recent backup. |
Each subsequent save creates a new backup file with an incremented number, ensuring a chronological history of your project.
Managing Backup Files
Revit provides control over how many backup files it retains for a single project. You can specify the maximum number of backup files that Revit saves. This setting helps manage disk space and the depth of your project history.
- Default Setting: Typically, Revit is configured to save a certain number of backups (e.g., 3, 5, or more).
- Purging Oldest Files: If the number of backup files exceeds the maximum limit you've set, Revit automatically purges the oldest files to make room for new ones. For example, if your limit is set to 3, once the fourth backup is created, the
0001.rvtfile will be deleted.
You can adjust this setting in the "Save As" dialog box when saving a project, under the "Options" button.
Restoring Your Project from a Backup
Restoring a previous version of your model from a backup file is a straightforward process:
- Locate the Backup: Navigate to the folder where your main Revit model is saved. You will find the backup files with the
.000X.rvtextension. - Open the Desired Backup: Open a backup file that corresponds to the project state you wish to restore. Choose the backup file with the numerical suffix closest to the desired point in time (e.g.,
0003.rvtfor an earlier version than0005.rvt). - Perform a Save As: Once the backup file is open, immediately perform a Save As to the original model name or a new name to restore the file to a previous condition.
- If you want to completely replace your current model with the backup, save it with the exact same name as your original main model, overwriting it.
- If you want to keep your current model and create a separate version from the backup, save it with a new, descriptive name (e.g.,
MyProject_Restored_Date.rvt).
Best Practices for Revit Backups
While Revit's automatic backup system is robust, combining it with other strategies enhances your data protection:
- Configure Backup Limits Wisely: Adjust the "Maximum Backups" setting based on your project's size, criticality, and the frequency of your saves. For critical projects, a higher number of backups is often preferable.
- Central Model Strategy: For workshared projects, Revit's central model and local file synchronization inherently provide a layer of backup, as the central model always contains the latest synchronized data from all users.
- Regular Manual Backups: Periodically perform manual "Save As" operations to create distinct versions of your project (e.g., at major milestones, before significant changes, or end-of-day). Store these in a separate location.
- Cloud Storage and Version Control: Utilize cloud storage solutions (like Autodesk Docs, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) that offer their own version history, providing an additional layer of redundancy and recovery options.
- Archiving: Upon project completion or at major phases, archive copies of the entire project folder, including all backup files, to long-term storage.
Understanding and leveraging Revit's backup mechanism is essential for maintaining project integrity and ensuring business continuity in BIM workflows.
