A vault is a repository where documents and files are stored and managed. Autodesk Vault is a data management system that
offers file security, version control, and multi-user support. Autodesk Vault integrates with Autodesk Revit Architecture,
MEP and Structure.
Autodesk Vault is both a server and a client interface.
- The server provides the following:
- Centralized file store: Autodesk Vault server stores the master copies of all your documents and designs and keeps the master copies of all user files
in a common, secure, and centralized location. By storing all of your data in a common, centralized location, you can easily
share and manage all of your information with your design team. The files are stored on the server in such a way that they
can be easily retrieved using the server console. However, this file store can reside on a different drive or even on a completely
different server from the vault database.
- Relational database: Autodesk Vault server contains a database that stores data about the files, such as file names, user names, properties, versions,
and relationships between files. The database is managed using the server console.
- Access and information: The Autodesk Vault Server software provides users with access to their files and maintains information about the status of
those files including which users have permission to change and update the files. When changes are made to files Autodesk
Vault maintains a version history of all changes and provides a convenient mechanism for users to gain access to the latest
versions as well as previous versions.
- The client consists of two components:
- Autodesk Vault: Autodesk Vault is a stand-alone client providing full access to the vault. This is the user interface for managing all data
within the vault.
- Vault add-in for Revit: This is a tool that performs the common vault tasks within Revit.
Autodesk Vault basics
Autodesk Vault software is a client-server application. In a typical installation, you install the server portion of the software
on a shared computer, and then install the client software (Autodesk Vault and Revit add-in) on individual workstations. During
installation, you have the option to install each of the components required for each workstation and, when applicable, for
each server.
The vault server stores and maintains the files and metadata that make up the vault. The server software can be installed
on a server or workstation that is shared by all users or, for a single user, the server can be installed along with the client
on a single, isolated workstation. The database is managed by the server console.
The vault client consists of Autodesk Vault and add-ins for most Autodesk design products including Revit. The clients are
installed on all workstations that need to access the vault.
Key Revit add-in concepts
The essential concepts to understand when working with Revit add-in are:
- When using Revit Server or work shared central files: The Revit add-in does NOT require a check out. This behavior is unique
and is unlike all other Vault add-ins where you must check a file out of the vault prior to modification. Copies of the project
file are added to Vault at specified milestones or automatically following each Revit Synchronization with Central.
- When using Vault with non-shared project files: The project file can be downloaded using the Vault check out command through
the Vault Client prior to opening with Revit. When using the Vault Check Out command to download the Revit file, the file
should be checked in and the Read Only option should be changed to Read / Write through windows explorer before opening the
file in Revit. After the edits are complete, the file may be checked in using the Revit add-in Save to Vault command.
Autodesk Vault
Autodesk Vault is a stand-alone application that you use to perform most vault tasks in a file management environment and
makes it easy to find existing designs, like family files, so you can reuse them.
Autodesk Vault is the interface for viewing and manipulating vaulted files. You can view each version of a file along with
its dependencies with other files in Vault. Vault also displays properties for each file, such as user name, date, and comments,
as columns in a list view.
You use Autodesk Vault to add non-Revit files to the vault.
Refer to the Help in Autodesk Vault for more information.
The Server Console
Use the server console to manage create and remove vaults, and to manage databases. Start the server console from the Autodesk
Data Management menu on the Start menu.
The vault is a secure database. Before a user can access the vault, you must add an account for the user and grant that user
access to a vault.
To manage the files and data, you need to understand the various components of the software and where each component is stored.
Refer to the help in the server console for more information.
Essential Vault Skills
Essential Vault skills are shared across many different add-ins as well as the Vault Client. Click on the link for the Command/Function
in the list to go to that topic in the help.
