While Revit doesn't feature a traditional "autosave" option that automatically overwrites your current working file at set intervals, it excels in data recovery through its robust system of backup files and journal files. This system ensures that previous versions of your project are saved, allowing you to revert to an earlier state if needed. Revit's primary method for safeguarding against data loss involves automatically creating backup files every time you manually save your project, effectively providing automatic version control.
Understanding Revit's Automatic Backup System
Instead of a time-based autosave that overwrites your live file, Revit generates sequential backup copies of your project. When you save your work, Revit first renames the previous version of your project file to a backup file (e.g., ProjectName.0001.rvt, ProjectName.0002.rvt), and then saves your current work as the main ProjectName.rvt file. This continuous creation of backup files is Revit's built-in mechanism for automatic recovery, providing a safety net against accidental deletions, file corruption, or design changes you wish to undo.
Configuring the Number of Backup Files
To manage how many of these automatic backup versions Revit retains, you need to adjust the "Maximum backups" setting. This crucial setting dictates the depth of your project's version history, offering more recovery points but also consuming more disk space.
Follow these steps to configure your backup settings:
- Navigate to the File menu, select Save As, and then choose Project.
- In the Save As dialog box that appears, click on the Options... button.
- The File Save Options dialog box will open. Here, locate the setting for Maximum backups.
- Specify the desired number of backup files you wish Revit to save. A common recommendation is between 3 to 10 backups, depending on your project's size and the frequency of changes.
Example:
If you set "Maximum backups" to 5, Revit will keep the five most recent backup files. When you save a sixth time, the oldest backup (.0001.rvt) will be deleted to make room for the newest one (.0005.rvt), with the existing backups renumbered.
Why Adjust Maximum Backups?
Adjusting the number of maximum backups is a balance between recovery capability and disk space management.
| Aspect | More Backup Files (e.g., 10+) | Fewer Backup Files (e.g., 1-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | - Greater flexibility to revert to older project states. | - Saves disk space. |
| - Enhanced protection against data loss or design errors. | - Faster save times (marginally). | |
| Cons | - Consumes significant disk space, especially for large projects. | - Limited options for reverting to past project states. |
| - Can clutter project folders. | - Higher risk of losing data if recent changes are critical. |
Utilizing Backup Files for Recovery
Should you need to revert to a previous version of your project, you can easily access these backup files:
- Open the folder where your Revit project is saved.
- Look for files with the
.rvtextension followed by a four-digit number (e.g.,ProjectName.0001.rvt). - To open a backup, simply select the desired file and open it as you would any other Revit project. Consider saving it with a new name to avoid overwriting your current work.
Journal Files: Another Recovery Layer
Beyond backup files, Revit also creates journal files (.txt files located in C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit <version>\Journals). These files record every command and action performed during a Revit session. While not directly opened like .rvt files, they can be invaluable to Autodesk Support for diagnosing crashes and potentially recovering data from highly corrupted projects.
Best Practices for Revit Data Management
To ensure maximum data integrity and efficient workflow in Revit:
- Regular Manual Saves: Get into the habit of saving frequently (e.g., every 15-30 minutes), especially after significant changes. This triggers the creation of new backup files.
- Worksharing with Central Models: For team projects, always work on local copies synchronized with a central model. This distributes the burden of saving and provides a robust collaborative environment. Learn more about Revit Worksharing.
- External Backup Solutions: Supplement Revit's internal backup system with external solutions like cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive, Autodesk Docs) or network drive backups.
- Purge Unused Elements: Regularly purge unused families, materials, and other elements to keep project file sizes manageable, which can indirectly improve save performance.
By understanding and effectively configuring Revit's backup file system, you can ensure a robust recovery strategy and protect your valuable project data.
