Choosing Between “Link” and “Workset” Modes When Collaborating with Revit Professionals
Revit offers two primary collaboration modes for multidisciplinary teamwork: Link and Workset. Each mode has its own unique features and advantages.
(1) Link Mode:
This approach is similar to external referencing in AutoCAD. It allows you to load model files as needed without directly modifying them. Adjustments across different disciplines remain relatively independent, making it especially effective for large models. This mode generally offers better software performance and responsiveness during collaboration.
However, since linked models cannot be edited directly, any changes require opening the original model. For example, in a project where separate models exist for the Main Building and the Building Core Tube, the Main Building model is linked into the project. If modifications are needed in the Building Core Tube model, it must be opened and edited separately. This process can slow down collaboration due to its less immediate update cycle compared to the Workset mode.
(2) Workset Mode:
Also known as the central file method, this mode divides work based on team members’ roles and permissions. Each participant works independently on their assigned scope, and all changes are saved to a central file, usually hosted on a shared server. Each team member maintains a real-time local copy of the central file, allowing them to view the progress of others seamlessly.
This centralized sharing system enables timely data exchange and collaboration but demands a high-performance server setup. For instance, in a project where the Main Building and Building Core Tube are modeled separately as worksets, team members responsible for each can modify their respective models directly if they have the appropriate permissions. This results in a more responsive and integrated collaboration experience compared to the Link mode.
In practice, projects may use either one method exclusively or both simultaneously. The choice depends on the project’s characteristics and the team composition. Typically, it’s recommended to use a hybrid approach:
- Use Link Mode for collaboration across different disciplines—such as architecture, structural, plumbing, heating, and electrical—by linking individual models to coordinate between specialties.
- Use Workset Mode within a single discipline—for example, architecture—where different team members handle components like Building Exterior Walls, Interior Rooms, and Core Tubes separately.
Files created using Workset Mode can also be integrated into a larger project through Link Mode to facilitate cross-disciplinary coordination.
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Revit Collaboration Modes and Principles
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