When managing BIM projects in the cloud, few things are as frustrating as seeing your project file in the Revit home screen but being unable to select or open it. This specific “look but don’t touch” scenario is a common roadblock for users transitioning to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) or BIM 360 environments in Autodesk Revit.
The Core Problem: Visibility vs. Accessibility
In the Autodesk ecosystem, project visibility and file accessibility are governed by two different mechanisms. You might be added to a project as an Admin and see the folder structure in Autodesk Docs (the web interface), but that does not automatically grant you the rights to initiate or participate in Cloud Worksharing.
A common case: a user has full Admin rights, sees all project files in Docs, but finds them greyed out or unselectable in Revit.
The Primary Cause: Missing BIM Collaborate Pro License
The most frequent reason you can see a file but not open it in Revit is a missing BIM Collaborate Pro license (formerly BIM 360 Design).
License breakdown
- Autodesk Docs License Allows you to view, manage, and mark up files via browser or Desktop Connector. Included with the AEC Collection.
- BIM Collaborate Pro License Required to use Revit Cloud Worksharing. Without it, Revit blocks access to cloud workshared models, even for Project Admins.
How to fix it
- Verify entitlements Your account admin must confirm BIM Collaborate Pro is assigned to your user.
- Check service activation Ensure Revit Cloud Worksharing is active under your assigned products.
- Refresh session Sign out of Revit and sign back in to refresh entitlements.
Secondary Checks
If the license is correct but the issue persists, verify the following.
Revit Version Compatibility
Cloud models are version-locked.
- A model created in Revit 2024 will not appear or open in Revit 2023
- Revit will only display compatible cloud models in the Open dialog
Folder Permissions
Even Admins should verify permissions:
- View
- Download
- Publish
- Mark up
Permissions must be explicitly set on the folder containing the .rvt files.
Service Activation and Project Configuration
A valid license is not enough if the project is not correctly configured.
Check Document Management activation
In Project Admin:
- Confirm Document Management is enabled
- Ensure the project was properly initialized in ACC
Verify Cloud Worksharing setup
- The project must support Revit Cloud Worksharing
- Models must be created or published as cloud models, not just uploaded
User Assignment: Company and Role
ACC enforces access through company membership and roles.
Check that the user:
- Is assigned to the correct Company
- Has a role with sufficient permissions
A misconfigured role can result in:
- Files visible in Docs
- Files unavailable in Revit
Cache and Local Environment Issues
This is one of the most common causes in real-world setups.
Symptoms
- Files visible but greyed out
- Random access failures
Fix steps
- Sign out and back into Autodesk
- Clear local cache:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit XXXX\CollaborationCache
- Restart Revit
Desktop Connector
If you see a cloud icon with a strike-through:
- Update Autodesk Desktop Connector
- Reset or clear its cache
Migration Issues (BIM 360 to ACC)
Projects migrated from BIM 360 can introduce inconsistencies.
Typical issues
- Files visible but not properly linked to Cloud Worksharing
- Partial migration of metadata
What to check
- Project is fully upgraded to ACC
- Models are valid cloud models, not legacy references
Network and IT Constraints
Enterprise environments often block required services.
Symptoms
- Files visible in Docs
- Revit cannot open or list them correctly
Checks
Ensure the following domains are accessible:
*.autodesk.com*.autodesk360.com
Also verify:
- Proxy settings
- Firewall rules
- SSL inspection (can break authentication)
Cloud Model State and Integrity
Sometimes the issue is not permissions or licensing.
Possible causes
- Model is corrupted
- Model is processing or locked
- Publish failed
Actions
- Check Version History in Docs
- Try opening a previous version
- Republish if needed
Worksharing and Synchronization Issues
Less common, but relevant in multi-user environments.
Symptoms
- Model visible but cannot be opened
- Sync errors across team
Possible fixes
- Detach and re-publish model
- Create a new cloud model from a clean local file
- Check ownership and relinquish elements
FAQ: Troubleshooting Autodesk Docs Connectivity
Why can I see the project on the web but not in the Revit “Open” dialog?
This usually indicates a version mismatch. Revit only displays projects matching the current version. Check the project version in ACC/BIM 360 settings.
Does a “Project Admin” role bypass the need for a Pro license?
No. Permissions control access to folders. Licenses control access to services like Cloud Worksharing. You need both.
What is the difference between Autodesk Docs and Design Collaboration?
- Autodesk Docs: document management layer (storage, access, markup)
- Design Collaboration: workflow module inside BIM Collaborate Pro for team coordination and model sharing
Can I open a cloud file if I only have a trial license?
Yes, if the trial includes BIM Collaborate Pro and is correctly assigned to your Autodesk account.
Why is my file visible but shows a “Cloud” icon with a strike-through?
This typically indicates:
- Outdated Desktop Connector
- Corrupted local cache
Update Desktop Connector and refresh your cache.
What should I check if everything looks correct but it still doesn’t work?
Run through this checklist:
- License assigned (BIM Collaborate Pro)
- Revit version matches project
- Folder permissions confirmed
- Document Management active
- User assigned to correct company/role
- Local cache cleared
- Desktop Connector updated
- Network access verified
- Model integrity checked
If all of the above is validated, escalate to Autodesk support with:
- Project ID
- User email
- Revit version
- Screenshot of the issue