How to sync a Revit schedule with Excel

Open the project, install Schedule Excel Link through BimCode and start with a schedule whose values you understand. Check the plugin listing for the current version and access requirements. A small first export makes it easier to confirm the fields, units and intended elements before editing a larger set.

The link updates values on existing elements. It does not create elements for new workbook rows, and deleting a workbook row does not delete the corresponding element in Revit. Keep the exported headers and hidden key column intact so the workbook remains connected to the correct fields and elements.

The published plugin instructions describe this workflow. Microsoft Excel is optional: the plugin can export and sync an .xlsx file saved by another compatible spreadsheet application.

1. Launch Schedule Excel Link in the open Revit project. Choose Export a schedule, select the schedule and choose the workbook location.
2. Edit supported values in the white cells. Grey columns represent read-only values. Pale yellow columns contain type values, so a change can affect every element of that type.
3. Use the units shown in the column headers. For values chosen by name, use the exact Revit name or an available workbook dropdown.
4. Save the workbook. With automatic sync active, the plugin brings the saved changes into Revit and reports the updated and skipped values on the link card.
5. Review the schedule in Revit and inspect the report. Each save is grouped as an Undo step named after the schedule.

Supported editable values include text, numeric and Yes/No parameters, measured values and certain values selected by name. Calculated values such as formulas, percentages, counts and material quantities remain read-only. Locked parameters and elements borrowed by another user can also be skipped; check the reported reason.

Be especially careful with type parameters. Editing one type value can affect elements outside the schedule selection that share that type. Compare the result with the intended scope before making more edits.

Rows can be sorted, filtered or moved because the exported hidden key identifies the corresponding element. Avoid rewriting the header row: the plugin uses it to maintain the workbook layout when refreshing values.

Close the workbook in the spreadsheet application, then choose Refresh Excel on its link card. Reading saved edits works while Excel has the workbook open; writing the refresh requires it to be closed.

With the original headers preserved, the refresh updates values while keeping extra sheets, column widths and formatting. Keep the Revit project open while you need the link to remain live; closing the plugin window does not stop its links during that project session.

If the same value changes in both Revit and the workbook after the previous sync, the default conflict behaviour leaves it unresolved and shows both values. Choose which value to retain per cell or across the reported conflicts. An always-take-Excel setting is available, so check the link policy before relying on conflict review.

If Revit is busy in a command or edit mode, an incoming change waits and retries. Finish the command and use Sync now if needed. If the card still says Saved in Excel — not synced yet, check whether automatic sync is paused or disabled.

For a moved or renamed file, use Locate workbook to restore the link. For borrowed elements, resolve ownership through your team's worksharing process before retrying. If cloud autosave creates too many small syncs, increase the quiet time in the plugin settings.