Workflow and Site Modeling - Autodesk Revit Architecture 2015 Essentials - page 311

We don't recommend you use this command in the early stages of design,
mainly because your file size won't be that large early on and purging at this
stage would eliminate any preloaded families that you might have included
in your template. During schematic design and design development, you are
typically going through design iteration and will likely be adding and remov-
ing content regularly. It can become a hassle to have to constantly load or
reload families into the model. If your model is not suffering from performance
issues or the file size isn't unruly, it's not necessary to perform a Purge Unused
command.
Managing Links and Images
Another way to manage your project's file size is to remove all unused linked
files and raster images from your model. If you've linked CAD files from your
civil engineer or other consultants and no longer need them as a reference in
your model, removing them will also unload that stored data from your model.
In addition, if you've imported raster images into your project, deleting them
can significantly reduce your file size. It is good practice to periodically remove
these types of files from your model, especially after major deadlines, if they are
not actively being used in your project.
To access these options, find the Manage Project panel on the Manage tab.
Notice the Manage Links and Manage Images tools. These two commands allow
you to remove any linked CAD files, Revit files, Point Cloud files, or DWF files,
as well as any raster images not required for your project. Click Manage Links
to remove any unwanted files, browse to the appropriate tab, select the file to
delete, and click Remove. Manage Images works similarly; click Manage Images,
highlight the image you want to remove, and click Delete.
Cutting Down on the Number of Views
The ability to quickly create views in a model is one of the fast and easy benefits
of using Revit Architecture. This ability can also be a detriment, though, if it is
not managed. Beyond the hassle of having to sort through many views to find
the one you need, having too many views in Revit Architecture can also impact
your performance and file size.
Obviously, a number of views are needed in the model to create the construc-
tion documentation. In addition, you will find yourself creating views to study
the design, deal with model creation, or view the building or project from a
new angle. These types of working views will never make it to the sheet set, and
some will be used only for brief periods.