A new Revit version is here! Should you upgrade?
Practical guidelines for deciding when to upgrade the Revit version.
Each spring, Autodesk releases a new version of Revit, prompting firm leaders and project teams to ask: Should I upgrade my projects?
Here is a clear guide to help you decide, ensuring your upgrade process is smooth, informed and aligned with your firm’s goals.
Why should you consider upgrading?
Version Support: Autodesk officially supports only four most recent versions, currently:
Revit 2026, Revit 2025, Revit 2024, Revit 2023.
If your are still using Revit 2022 or earlier, you’re outside of the support window which could cause compatibility issues, increase risk of model instability and provide limited technical support. Take the preventive approach and upgrade before these limitations impact your workflows.
Project Timeline and Phase: Projects in early design, likely to span multiple years can benefit from starting in the latest version to avoid the need for mid-project upgrades.
Workflow Improvements: If a new feature or tool significantly improves your workflows, especially in modeling, collaboration or documentation, it may justify an upgrade, even mid-project.
Timing and Strategy
Best Time to Upgrade: We recommend upgrading early in the following year, rather than immediately after Autodesk spring release. Example: upgrading to Revit 2026 in January 2026.
Wait for the Hotfix: If upgrading is needed sooner, wait for Autodesk to release the first hotfix, which addresses know bugs and improves stability.
Assign a Lead Reviewer: If your firm has a BIM lead, they should test the new version and assess its impact. If not, asking the tasks to a senior Revit user familiar with the firm’s standards and workflows.
Key Upgrade Steps to Know
Run a Model Test Upgrade: Use a detached copy of the model, run a test. Review all warnings (which may be ignore) but resolve all errors. If jumping more than two Revit versions, test every other version at a time.
Export Error Report: Save it for reference post-upgrade. Use the report to confirm there was no lost geometry. Search by Element ID when applicable.
Backup the Current Model: Always create a backup file before upgrading. This ensures you have a fallback in case anything goes wrong.
Coordinate with Consultants: Confirm all team members agree to upgrade and the required Revit version installed.
Verify Software Builds: Ensure all collaborators have the latest build/update of the new Revit version.
Schedule the Upgrade: Coordinate a date with both internal and external teams.
Run the Upgrade: Perform the actual upgrade to the new Revit version.
Audit the Model: Open with “Audit” enabled. Cross-check flagged issues from the earlier error report and resolve if needed.
Upgrading to a new Revit version sounds scary, however, it is a common process and practice, everyone has to experience it sooner or later.
Here are three final considerations:
Upgrading every two years to avoid fragmentation across too many Revit versions, while reducing the burden of yearly transitions.
As important as projects, don’t forget to upgrade Revit tempalte(s) and Revit families.
Review any scripting or add-ins part of your workflows as these can be affected by new Revit versions.
If you are unsure on how to proceed, reach out to the 4iD team, we’re happy to evaluate your specific case and recommend the best path forward.