Weather Import/Link CAD in Revit

Use Link CAD for below options

1. If the CAD drawing you want to import is only for reference or to verify information & is not part of project use Link CAD option, this will allow the cad drawing to be removed afterwards
2. If the CAD file you want to import is getting updated frequently for any purpose use Link CAD option because when we link a CAD drawing, Revit maintains a “live” link to the CAD drawing. Any changes made to the drawing will reflect in the project when the link is reloaded or the model is reopened.

 Cons: Note that linking many cad drawing in to a Revit model will significantly reduce performance. There is also a known bug where sometimes the graphical appearance of a linked CAD drawing won’t update even when path is correct and the drawing is re-loaded. The only solution is to remove the links and reinsert them, not a feasible solution if you have many links.

Use Import CAD for below options

1. If the CAD drawing is going to be used permanently like details, diagrams or schedule.
2. If the CAD drawing is a part of the project & you need to send along with Revit, with this there will be no more missing links message.

Cons: When you import a CAD drawing, there is no link between the CAD drawing and the Revit project. If the source CAD drawing changes, the changes will not reflect back in Revit