Can you work on the same Revit file with a colleague at the same time?

Short Answer

Yes — in Autodesk Revit, multiple users can work on the same revit file at the same time by using Worksharing, which is the standard professional method for team collaboration on a central model. Each user opens a local copy and synchronizes changes back to the central file. It does not work properly unless the model is enabled for worksharing first.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If two users open the same model without proper worksharing setup, one user can end up editing a detached or outdated file, causing lost changes or sync conflicts. A central file stored on an unstable network location is also a common source of model corruption.

How to Do It

• Command: WORKSHARING

• Shortcut: None

• Quick Steps:

  1. Open the Revit model, then go to the Collaborate tab on the Ribbon and click Worksets to enable worksharing.
  2. Save the model as the central model in a shared network location or Autodesk Docs, then have each user open the file with Create New Local checked.
  3. Work normally in assigned worksets, then use Synchronize with Central from the Quick Access Toolbar or the Collaborate tab to push and receive updates.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Create New Local

• Expert Setting: This option creates a personal local copy linked to the central model. If users open the central file directly instead of using a local file, file locks, sync errors, and performance issues are much more likely.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): Two users edit the same element, group, or owned workset at the same time, creating borrowing conflicts or edit requests.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The central file is read-only, stored in an unreliable network folder, or blocked by permissions, preventing proper synchronization.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Worksharing was never enabled, or a user opened a detached model or the central file itself instead of creating a local file.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Enable Worksharing, recreate clean local files, and make sure every user opens the model with Create New Local enabled before using Synchronize with Central regularly.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use worksharing for any live team revit project, but avoid casual file-sharing by email or copied RVT files because that breaks ownership tracking and increases the risk of version conflicts.

FAQ

Can two people edit the same revit family at the same time?
No, not safely in the same family file unless you manage ownership and reload timing carefully.

Do all users need to open the central model directly?
No, they should open a local copy connected to the central model.

Can Revit collaboration work over Autodesk Docs?
Yes, Autodesk Docs is a common and reliable professional method for shared Revit models.

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