If clicking Insert in the Pirros plugin does nothing, shows an error, or fails silently, the cause depends on what you are inserting and what state Revit is in. This article covers the most common failure modes and how to resolve each one.
Before you troubleshoot: check the basics
You must have a Revit project file open (not just Revit running with no file).
The active view in Revit affects what can be inserted. Details require a drafting view or floor plan — they cannot be inserted into 3D views, sheets, or schedules.
You must have the Download permission for the content you are inserting. Contact your Pirros Admin if you are unsure of your role.
Failure mode 1: Live Link icon is greyed out or does nothing
The Live Link Icon will be disabled if:
No Revit project is open — open a project and try again.
You are not logged in to the plugin.
It is disabled in the plugin.
Failure mode 2: "Download failed" error message
This error means the download started but could not complete.
Network interruption — Check your internet connection and try again.
Revit version mismatch — The detail or family was created in a newer Revit version than your current project. Check which Revit versions are available for that item in Pirros.
Workshared file — workset not owned — If the file uses worksharing and you do not own the relevant workset, the insert may fail. Borrow the workset and try again.
Failure mode 3: Content inserts but doesn't appear on screen
Detail placed outside view boundary — Press ZF (Zoom to Fit) in Revit to see all elements in the view. The detail may have landed far from your current zoom level.
Family waiting to be placed — For families, Pirros activates the Place tool automatically. Look for the family icon attached to your cursor and click in the view to place it.
Failure mode 4: Stash insert partially fails
Inserting a stash (multiple items at once) is more demanding than a single insert.
Make sure you have a drafting view active before triggering a stash insert.
If only some items fail, check their individual Revit version compatibility in Pirros — items not available for your Revit version will be skipped.
FAQ
Q: Insert works for some details but not others. Why?
A: The most common reason is a Revit version mismatch. Check the version tags on the detail in Pirros. If only Revit 2024/2025 versions exist and you are on 2023, you will not be able to insert it.
Q: I have the Download permission but still can't insert a specific detail. What's wrong?
A: Check whether the detail is marked "Reference Only." Reference Only content requires a separate Download Reference Only permission in addition to the standard Download permission. Contact your Admin to update your role if needed.
Q: The insert fails every time with no error message. What should I do?
A: Try inserting into a brand new blank Revit project to isolate whether the issue is with a specific project file. If it works in a new project, the issue is with your project's worksets or settings. Contact support with your Revit journal file.