Linking to Files with Fixed Filepaths (e.g. Material Images)
Some features in the Revit application refer to specific filepaths and folders. So, working together with a team (where not every computer will have the same filepaths) can create challenges.
One example of this challenge is working with materials image files:
When you work with the images in the Autodesk Material Library (which is installed in the same location on every team member’s computer), the images are typically found in the same place — so, no problems are seen.
When you create a new folder for your team to share image files, the key to success is to be able to use the same filepath on every team member’s computer. No changes — the text string that specifies the filepath must be the same for everyone.
We can use cloud-based file sharing services (like Google Drive and Autodesk Construction Cloud) to make the files available on every team member’s computer. But, we still need to implement a scheme for everyone to be able to access this shared cloud drive using the same filepath.
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Strategy 1: Using a shared folder on Autodesk Construction Cloud
If everyone on your team is using an x86-based computer (no Apple Silicon Macs), you can set up the Autodesk Desktop Connector on every team member’s computer to enable Revit to access a shared folder on Autodesk Construction Cloud.
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Set up Autodesk Desktop Connector to create a synced copy of the ACC shared folder on your desktop
Download the Autodesk Desktop Connector software here:
Open Autodesk Desktop Connector, and select the projects to be synced from ACC to a folder on your local computer.
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This creates an Autodesk Docs folder on your desktop that you can use like other Windows folder to specify the filepath for a file.
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Update the custom Materials in your Revit project to point to the image file stored at this Autodesk Desktop Connector-provided location.
Use the Material Browser to tool to open the definition for your custom material, then switch to the Appearance tab and click on the link to select the material image (or BMP) file.
Navigate to the shared folder under Autodesk Docs.
Select the image file.
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Strategy 2: Using a shared Google Drive folder
If using the Autodesk Desktop Connector is NOT an option for your team, you can use a shared Google Drive folder.
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This strategy is the only way to go if your team includes any Apple Silicon-based Mac users (because Autodesk Desktop Connector cannot be installed).
The key to making this strategy work is to set up a special link in Windows that allows every member of the team to access this shared Google Drive folder using the same filepath.
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Set up the Google Drive for Desktop app to enable you to access your Google Drive folders from your desktop
Create a Google Drive folder for all the shared files and images, and share this folder with everyone on your team.
Install the Google Drive application to enable Google Drive folder to be accessed directly from you desktop.
Make sure that every team member sets up Google Drive to use the same drive letter.
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This creates a Google Drive folder on your desktop that you can use like other Windows folders to specify the filepath for a file.
Navigate into the My Drive folder to find the filepath to your shared folder of files and images.
Click in the titlebar above the file list to copy the filepath to your shared folder.
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Update the custom Materials in your Revit project to point to the image file stored at this Google Drive filepath.
Use the Material Browser to tool to open the definition for your custom material, then switch to the Appearance tab and click on the link to select the material image (or BMP) file.
Navigate to the shared folder under Google Drive.
Select the image file.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The key to making this work is that every member of the team must use the same Google Drive filepath. No changing the path on individual computers — so, define a file organizing scheme for your team and stick with it!
