Autodesk Revit 2023 FAQ – Setting the default Revit Application to edit files upon double click action

By Dennis Collin

Question:

When double clicking on a Revit project or family file within Windows explorer, the wrong version of Revit opens the document. Is it possible to specify which version of Revit accesses the file?

Answer:

Yes it is, although this process is not generally recommended when working within a Revit Workshared environment, because Windows does not understand Worksharing and can result in file access permission issues if performed on a live project.

If this is a likely risk, then the user must access a file from the Revit software where a local copy will be created. If this is not the case, then it is possible to change the configuration with the Registry Editor.

Disclaimer:

This task should be performed by a competent user, familiar with the Regedit function who understands the importance of backing up the registry before any changes are made.

Backing Up System Registry

• Run Regedit
• Locate the following key:
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Revit.Project\shell\open\command
• Double click on (Default)
• Change the Value Data to the desired path within the quotes (do not change the /dde part of the Value Data). i.e., Replace the Value with C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit XXXX\Revit.exe /dde (Replace XXXX with the suitable version number e.g., 2020)
  
• Click OK and close the registry dialog box.

Now when double clicking a Revit file the appropriate version of software will run.