About Importing vs. Linking for Xrefs

Before using a DWG file that contains xrefs, consider whether you should import it or link it to a Revit project.

Suppose you use AutoCAD to generate a DWG file that contains external references (xrefs). When you import or link the DWG file, Revit displays the geometry from the nested xrefs. The decision to import or link a file to a Revit project affects what you can do with the xref information:

• If you import the file, you can explode the nested xrefs to Revit elements. However, if the xref file is updated after the import, Revit will not automatically reflect changes to the xref file.
• If you link the file, Revit automatically updates the geometry to reflect changes to the xref files. However, you cannot explode the nested xrefs to Revit elements.