What is the difference in workflow between Revit Server and File-based Worksharing

Autodesk Support

Jun 28, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

What is the difference in workflow between Revit Server and File-based worksharing? What are the pros and cons of each solution?

Environment:

  • Revit Server
  • Local File-based Server

Solution:

The assumptions for File-based and Server-based worksharing are practically identical except that the first method was developed to work within a LAN where latency is low in the 1-5 ms range. The only difference between these worksharing methods is that Revit Server application enables server-based worksharing, in which geographically dispersed project teams can collaborate on the same model across a WAN. As shown below, multiple team members in different local sites use Revit Server Accelerators to connect to one or more Revit Servers across a WAN:

In addition, an advantage of Revit Server over File-based is the ability to manage project structures and administration from the Revit Server Administrator Panel. It can display the history of changes that have been made, including any comments made by team members.

If project members want to work from home and open and synchronize central models, it is necessary to set up a VPN connection to connect to the company network.

Note: Using VPN is not recommended for File-based worksharing, which can lead to serious problems and corruption of the central model.

Products:

Revit Product Family;

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