This technique allows file operations and programs to be initiated from an in-canvas Revit modelling session, without the need to switch to Windows Explorer.

Basically, you just need a Symbol family with URL instance parameter.  In the URL parameter, paste a fully resolved path to the script or exe file (you can use Shift + rightclick to quickly get this from Explrorer in Windows 7).  Now, when you select the Symbol family, click on the dots in the Properties Palette  – the exe or script will run, directly from Revit

Potential uses:

  • Launch any program
  • Launch a program that may be useful in-canvas (like Colorette)
  • Launch a search program like Locate32, that can be used to search for Revit content and drag-drop into the Revit session
  • Copy point clouds to local drive
  • Map network drives
  • Archive RVT folder script, perhaps using 7-zip
  • Run Autodesk program update packages (some of these may require Revit to be shutdown)
  • Run add-in installers (that will probably require Revit to be updated)
  • Copy macro updates
  • Delete Revit backup files script
  • Clean up Journal folder
  • Make a backup of Keynote file or Shared Parameter file (perhaps used before editing)
  • Run Windows Task Scheduler tasks
  • Shutdown the computer

Once you have the Annotation family loaded and placed, just add the suitable path, and then select the element and click where the little dots should be:

The command is instantly triggered.

In a worksharing environment, you could set up a Drafting View where you placed different instances of this “linker” family to trigger various project-related scripts.

This idea grew from this post and this one about copying Point Clouds.

Dante van Wettum from The Netherlands has posted a brilliant little Journal File cleanup script at this link.  What I like about it is that the paths are all automatically set – all you need to do is change the USERNAME and Revit_Map to suit your installation.

To quote:
put in the parameter USERNAME (so you replace the d.van.wettum) with the correct name for your path, and change the part “Autodesk Revit Structure 2012” depending on your revit version (Structure/MEP/Architecture)
Example file can be downloaded Here

DELETED FILES WILL NOT GO TO TRASH BIN. GONE = GONE

Save the code as a .bat file. If you run it, it will clean your journal folder.

Once the file is saved as .bat, it can be set to auto-run, either at startup or as a Windows Task.  Personally, I would prefer to manually run this.  There are things in the journal folder that can help you rescue from a bad no save / crash scenario.

Read more at
1869* Web – News� � �Revit 2012 Journal files

EDIT:  There is an error in the path below, please use the download link above only…it is correct.