Hey there, amazing architects! 👋 Ever wondered how to seamlessly transition your awesome Autodesk Revit Central Model into a shiny new Autodesk ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) project? Well, grab your favorite coffee mug, put on your most creative thinking cap, because we’re about to embark on a fun journey!

Moving your Revit Central Model to the cloud isn’t just about clicking a few buttons; it’s about setting up a powerful collaborative hub for your entire project team. So, let’s dive into the “Cloud Nine” workflow with some easy-peasy steps!

You’ve got your meticulously crafted Revit Central Model, humming along beautifully on your local server. Now, imagine giving it superpowers by launching it into the Autodesk Construction Cloud! This isn’t just for fancy presentations; it’s about real-time collaboration, streamlined workflows, and saying goodbye to those “who has the latest version?” headaches.

Here’s how we turn your local hero into a cloud champion:

Step 1: The “Ready, Set, Sync!” Pre-Flight Check! 🚀

 

Before we blast off, let’s make sure your Revit Central Model is in tip-top shape.

  • Audit & Compact: Open your Revit Central Model (yes, the local one!) and perform a good old “Audit” (File > Open > navigate to your central model, check “Audit” before opening). Then, do a “Compact Central Model” (File > Save As > Project > Options > check “Compact Central Model”). This tidies things up and makes for a smoother upload.
  • Synchronize & Relinquish: Ensure all worksets are synchronized to central, and everyone has relinquished their worksets. You want a clean slate before uploading! No stragglers left behind!
  • Purge, Purge, Purge! Get rid of any unnecessary families, views, or links. A lighter model is a faster model! Think of it as spring cleaning for your digital masterpiece.
  • Check for Warnings: Review and resolve any critical warnings in your Revit model. A healthy model makes for a happy cloud experience!

 

Step 2: ACC Project Creation: Your Cloud Canvas Awaits! 🎨

 

Now, let’s set up the stage in Autodesk ACC.

  • Log in to Autodesk ACC: Head over to https://www.google.com/search?q=acc.autodesk.com and log in with your Autodesk ID.
  • Create a New Project: On the ACC homepage, you’ll see a big, friendly “Create project” button. Click it!
  • Fill in the Blanks: Give your project a clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Awesome Skyscraper Project – Phase 1”). Fill in the required project information – type, start/end dates, address, etc. The more detail, the better!
  • Activate Services: This is where the magic happens! Make sure to activate “Docs” (formerly BIM 360 Docs) and, if you’re planning on using it for collaboration, “Design Collaboration.” These are your essential tools for managing and collaborating on your Revit models.

 

Step 3: Uploading Your Masterpiece: The “Cloud Migration” Has Begun! ☁️

 

Time to bring your Revit Central Model into the cloud!

  • Navigate to Docs: Once your ACC project is created, you’ll be taken to its dashboard. Click on “Docs” from the left-hand navigation panel.
  • Create a Folder Structure: Before uploading, create a logical folder structure within Docs. A common practice is to have a “Revit Models” folder, perhaps with subfolders for different disciplines (e.g., “Arch,” “Struct,” “MEP”). This keeps things organized and easy to find!
  • Upload Your Revit Model:
    • Click the “Upload” button (usually a blue button with a cloud icon and an arrow pointing up).
    • Select your Revit Central Model file (.rvt).
    • Crucial Step – Initiating Cloud Worksharing: When you upload a Revit model to ACC Docs that you intend to use for cloud worksharing, ACC will automatically prompt you to initiate worksharing. Make sure you say YES! This is what transforms your uploaded .rvt file into a cloud-enabled central model. If it doesn’t prompt you right away, don’t worry, you can always go to the “More Actions” (…) menu next to the file in Docs and choose “Initiate Worksharing” or “Open in Revit” which will trigger the worksharing process.
    • Wait for the upload and processing to complete. Grab another coffee, this might take a few moments depending on your model size and internet speed.

 

Step 4: Revit Integration: Connecting the Dots! 🔗

 

Now, let’s link your local Revit software to this shiny new cloud central model.

  • Open Revit (2018.3 or later): Make sure you’re using a Revit version that supports cloud worksharing (Revit 2018.3 and newer are generally compatible, with later versions offering more robust features).
  • Open a Cloud Model: Instead of going to “File > Open > Project,” you’ll now go to “File > Open > Cloud Model.”
  • Navigate to Your Project: You’ll see a list of your Autodesk ACC projects. Select the project you just created, then navigate through your folder structure to find your uploaded Revit model.
  • Create a Local Copy: When you open the cloud model, Revit will automatically create a local cached copy of the central model on your computer. This is your personal sandbox to work in!
  • Start Collaborating! You’re now connected! From here, it’s business as usual with worksets, synchronizing, and relinquishing, but all happening seamlessly through the cloud.

 

Step 5: Inviting Your Dream Team: Collaboration Time! 🤝

 

What’s a cloud project without your team?

  • Back in Autodesk ACC: Go back to your ACC project in your web browser.
  • Project Admin: Click on “Project Admin” in the left-hand navigation.
  • Members: Go to the “Members” tab.
  • Add Members: Click “Add members” and invite your team members by their email addresses. You can assign them different roles and permissions (e.g., Project Member, Project Administrator).

Bonus Tip: The “Design Collaboration” Power-Up! 🌟

 

If you’re working with multiple disciplines or external consultants, seriously consider using the “Design Collaboration” service within ACC. It provides:

  • Packages: A structured way to share model updates between teams.
  • Change Visualization: Easily see what changes have been made between different versions of models.
  • Timelines: Track the evolution of your project models over time.

It’s like a superhero headquarters for your design team, ensuring everyone is on the same page and potential clashes are caught early!

 

You’re a Cloud Collaboration Guru! 🎉

 

And there you have it, architects! You’ve successfully launched your Revit Central Model into the Autodesk Construction Cloud, transforming it from a local file into a powerful collaborative hub. Get ready for smoother workflows, better communication, and a whole new level of project efficiency.

So go forth, design magnificent structures, and build beautiful things – now with the power of the cloud by your side! Happy building! Contact us for more information.