Issue:

• Unable to view uploaded Revit files on Autodesk Forma but files appear on Autodesk Forma Data Management.
• Uploaded files are greyed out and cannot be opened.

Causes:

• Users may confuse the difference in terminology between uploading a file to Data Management and initiating a file on Autodesk Forma.
• Users may lack proper subscriptions or permissions.

Solution:

To address this issue, it is important to understand the specific terminologies that differentiate between uploading and initiating files on ACC/BIM 360. These methods have distinct implications for accessing files within Revit.

Initiating a Revit file to the Cloud is a way to prepare the file for cloud worksharing, allowing multiple users to collaboratively work on a single project file. There are two ways to initiate a Revit project file on Autodesk Forma:

Initiating Revit file to Autodesk Forma

1. Save as Cloud Model:
   1. Create a project file from an office template and enable worksets.
   2. Use File > Save As > Cloud Model to initiate the project file on Autodesk Forma. 
2. Collaborate in Cloud:
   1. Create a project file from an office template and enable worksets.
   2. Save the file to the local network (hard drive space).
   3. Use Collaborate > Collaborate in Cloud to initiate the project file on Autodesk Forma. 

Once the Revit project file is initiated, users with proper subscriptions and permissions will be able to open the model from the Revit Home Screen. It is important to note that file initiation is only available for Revit project files.

There are also two different ways to upload files to Autodesk Forma Data Management. The first method involves using the Autodesk Desktop Connector, while the second method entails uploading files through the Autodesk Forma Data Management web portal.

Uploading the Revit File to Autodesk Forma Data Management

1. Uploading via Autodesk Desktop Connector:
   1. Create a new project file or open an existing one.
   2. Go to File > Save As > Project.                                   
   3. Navigate to Autodesk Forma using the scroll-down menu.
   4. Save the file to the project folder under Autodesk Forma.
2. Uploading via Autodesk Forma Data Management web portal:
   1. Create a new project file from a template and save it to the local drive. 
   2. Open the Autodesk Forma Data Management site using Microsoft Edge or Chrome browser.
   3. Navigate to the project folder in Autodesk Forma Data Management.
   4. Drag and drop the file onto the web portal or click the upload button to upload the file. 

Files uploaded in this manner are only visible on Autodesk Forma Data Management or Autodesk Desktop Connector from the Windows file explorer. They cannot be directly opened from Revit, and they are not available on the Revit Home Screen. To work with these files, use Autodesk Desktop Connector, which allows you to link the file as a reference. Please note that working directly with Revit is not possible using this method.

If Autodesk Forma Revit files appear greyed out on the Revit Home Screen, you can follow the steps provided in the link below:

Cloud models (Workshared or Non-Workshared) from BIM 360/Autodesk Docs are greyed out on Revit Home page

About the Author

Sr Technical Support Specialist<br><br> Skilled in AutoCAD, Mixed-use, Renovation, Revit, and Sustainable Design. Strong arts and design professional with a BA in Urban design focused in Architecture from University of Washington.

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