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🕒 Clean Revit Temp. Files

Clean Revit Temp. Files removes accumulated temporary files, journal files, and collaboration cache to free up significant hard drive space and improve system performance.
Version 1.4 | Cleaners

Overview​

Revit generates various temporary files during normal operation that accumulate over time, consuming valuable hard drive space. This tool provides comprehensive cleanup of three main file types: journal files that log Revit actions, collaboration cache from cloud models, and temporary installation files. Regular cleanup can free up gigabytes of space and improve system performance.

Key Features​

Usage includes:

  • Comprehensive File Cleanup: Removes journal files, collaboration cache, and temporary installation files.
  • Selective Cleaning Options: Choose specific file types or clean all categories simultaneously.
  • Significant Space Recovery: Free up multiple gigabytes of hard drive space in seconds.
  • Fast Processing: Complete cleanup operation in seconds with immediate results display.
note

Cleaning up General Temporary Files requires restarting the Revit session.
Cleaning up Installation Files will require re-downloading files when updating Revit minor versions.

Requirements​

Before using Clean Revit Temp. Files, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:

 Autodesk Revit: From version 2020 to newest.
 NonicaTab: NonicaTab Pro.
 Administrative Access: Requires admin rights for system file cleanup.

Video​

Usage​

Understanding Temporary File Types​

  1. Journal Files (.txt):
    • Automatically created log files recording all Revit actions
    • Used for troubleshooting fatal errors and crashes
    • Safe to delete if no recent issues or ongoing troubleshooting needs
  2. Collaboration Cache Files:
    • Downloaded cloud models from BIM 360 or BIM Collaborate Pro
    • Stored locally for faster access to cloud-based projects
    • Safe to delete but may require re-downloading when opening cloud models
    • Models will be automatically re-downloaded by Revit as needed
  3. Temporary and Installation Files:
    • Installation files kept for Revit updates and patches
    • General temporary files used by various software applications
    • Safe to delete but will require re-downloading to update Revit versions
    • Includes general system temporary files no longer in use

Basic Cleanup Workflow​

  1. Navigate to NonicaTab Pro → Clean Revit Temp. Files.
  2. Select Cleanup Options: Choose which file types to clean using the options below.
  3. Execute Cleanup: Run the selected cleanup operations.

Cleanup Configuration Options​

  1. Selective Cleaning:
    • Journal Files Only: Clean only Revit action log files
    • Collaboration Cache Only: Remove only cloud model cache files
    • Temporary/Installation Files Only: Clean only temp and installation files
  2. Comprehensive Cleaning:
    • Clean All: Remove all three file types simultaneously for maximum space recovery
    • Custom Selection: Mix and match file types based on your specific needs
  3. Processing: Click to begin cleanup operation (typically completes in seconds).

Results and Space Recovery​

  1. Cleanup Results Display:
    • Journal Files: Number of .txt log files deleted
    • Collaboration Folders: Number of cloud model cache folders removed
    • Temporary/Installation Files: Number of temp and installation files deleted
    • Total Space Recovered: Amount of hard drive space freed (often multiple GB)
  2. Example Results: Typical cleanup might show:
    • 114 journal files deleted
    • 0 collaboration folders deleted (if no cloud models used)
    • 237 temporary and installation files deleted
    • 8GB total space recovered

Strategic Cleanup Planning​

  1. Regular Maintenance Schedule:
    • Monthly cleanup for active Revit users
    • Weekly cleanup for heavy cloud collaboration users
    • Immediate cleanup when experiencing storage issues
  2. Cleanup Timing Considerations:
    • Journal Files: Safe to clean if no recent crashes or troubleshooting needs
    • Collaboration Cache: Clean during periods when re-downloading cloud models is acceptable. Requires restarting Revit.
    • Installation Files: Clean when not planning immediate Revit updates
  3. Pre-Cleanup Assessment:
    • Check current hard drive space before cleanup
    • Note any ongoing Revit troubleshooting that might need journal files
    • Consider upcoming Revit update schedules

FAQ​

Yes, journal files are safe to delete if you haven't experienced recent crashes or fatal errors. These files are logs of Revit actions used primarily for troubleshooting. If you're currently working with Autodesk support on an issue, keep journal files until resolved.

Deleting collaboration cache removes locally stored cloud models from BIM 360 or BIM Collaborate Pro. When you next open these models, Revit will automatically re-download them from the cloud, which may take some time depending on file size and internet speed.

No, deleting installation files won't affect your current Revit installation. However, if you need to install Revit updates in the future, these files may need to be re-downloaded, potentially requiring more time for the update process.

Space recovery varies significantly based on usage patterns. Heavy Revit users might recover several gigabytes, as shown in the example where 8GB was freed. Light users might see smaller but still meaningful space recovery.

For regular Revit users, monthly cleanup is recommended. Heavy users of cloud collaboration or those with limited hard drive space might benefit from weekly cleanup. Run immediately if experiencing storage space issues.

Yes, this tool must be run from within Revit. The cleanup process is fast. You will need to restart if cleaning General Temporary Files.