Revit Vault Add-in

A vault is a repository where documents and files are stored and managed. Autodesk Vault is a data management system that offers file security, version control, and multi-user support. Autodesk Vault integrates with Autodesk Revit Architecture, MEP, and Structure.

Autodesk Vault is both a server and a client interface.

• The server provides the following:
  • Centralized file store: Autodesk Vault server stores the master copies of all your documents and designs and keeps the master copies of all user files in a common, secure, and centralized location. By storing all of your data in a common, centralized location, you can easily share and manage all of your information with your design team. The files are stored on the server in such a way that they can be easily retrieved using the server console. However, this file store can reside on a different drive or even on a completely different server from the vault database.
  • Relational database: Autodesk Vault server contains a database that stores data about the files, such as file names, user names, properties, versions, and relationships between files. The database is managed using the server console.
  • Access and information: The Autodesk Vault Server software provides users with access to their files and maintains information about the status of those files including which users have permission to change and update the files. When changes are made to files, Autodesk Vault maintains a version history of all changes and provides a convenient mechanism for users to gain access to the latest versions as well as previous versions.
• The client consists of two components:
  • Autodesk Vault: Autodesk Vault is a stand-alone client providing full access to the vault. This is the user interface for managing all data within the vault.
  • Vault add-in for Revit: A client addition to the Revit user interface that allows users to perform common vault tasks without leaving the Revit environment.  

Autodesk Vault Concepts

Autodesk Vault software is a client-server application. In a typical installation, you install the server portion of the software on a shared computer, and then install the client software (Autodesk Vault and Revit add-in) on individual workstations. During installation, you have the option to install each of the components required for each workstation and, when applicable, for each server.

The vault server stores and maintains the files and metadata that make up the vault. The server software can be installed on a server or workstation that is shared by all users or, for a single user, the server can be installed along with the client on a single, isolated workstation. The database is managed by the Autodesk Data Management Server console.

The vault client consists of the Autodesk Vault stand-alone client and add-ins for most Autodesk design products including Revit. The clients are installed on all workstations that need to access the vault.

Revit Vault Add-in Concepts

There are two essential concepts to understand when working with the Revit Vault add-in.

1. Using Revit Server or work shared central files–The Revit add-in does NOT require a check out.  This behavior is unique and is unlike all other Vault add-ins where you must check a file out of the vault before you can modify it.  Copies of the project file are added to Vault at specified milestones or automatically after a Revit Synchronization with Central.
Note: Revit Server files and work shared central files can only be added to Vault using the Synchronize with Central command.
2. Using Vault with non-shared project files–The project file can be downloaded using the Open from Vault command. This will automatically check out the file for editing. Once you are done editing the file, check the file back into the vault by using the Save to Vault command.

Essential Vault Skills

Essential Vault skills are shared across many different add-ins as well as the Vault Client. Click on the link for the Command/Function in the list to go to that topic in the help.

Command/Function	Short Description
Launch Autodesk Vault	Launch the Autodesk Vault stand-alone client.
Log in to a vault	Log into the vault.
Log out of a vault	Log out of the vault.
Open from Vault	Open a file stored in the Vault.
Link from Vault	Link a file in the Vault to the current Revit Project.
Load Family from Vault	Open a family stored in Vault.
Load Group from Vault	Load a group stored in Vault.
Save to Vault	Adds a file or files to the Vault.
Add Files to Vault	Add files to a vault for the first time.
Add Folders to Vault	Add folders to a vault for the first time.
Add Sheets	Add Sheets allows the user to print all sheets in the active Recit file and place them directly into Vault.
Restore a Revit Project File	Restores a Revit project to the point at which the last backup was created. Note: This feature is available in Autodesk Workgroup, Collaboration, and Professional.
Vault Options	Launches the Vault Options dialog where you can configure your settings for the Vault add-in.