How to: Check the Revit file version (with and without Revit)

Not version-specific

Stabicad

Context: Why check the version beforehand? When you open and save a Revit project in a newer version of Revit, it can never be opened in an older version again. If you receive a model from an external party, always check which version it was drawn in before accidentally upgrading it by double-clicking to open it directly.

Method 1: Via the Preview window (If you have Revit installed) The safest method to check the version without upgrading the model is directly from within Revit:

Open your current version of Autodesk Revit.
Go to the menu and select File > Open.
Browse to the Revit file, but do not double-click! Click the file only once to select it.
On the right side of the dialog box, you will find the preview window. Below or within this window, you will see the properties of the file, including the exact Revit version the model was saved in.

Method 2: Via Notepad (If you do not have Revit installed) If you do not have access to Revit, you can read the version directly in Windows via the file's source code:

Open Windows Explorer and browse to the Revit file in question.
Right-click on the file and choose Open with > Notepad.

The file opens as plain text (this might take a moment depending on file size). Press CTRL+F to open the search function.
The file opens as plain text (this might take a moment depending on file size). Press CTRL+F to open the search function.
Search for the text build or Format.
The text next to this word displays the exact Revit version (for example, Format: 2021 or Build: 20200220_1100).