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Why You Cannot Select Point Cloud Files in Revit (And How to Fix It)

Designers often find they cannot click on point cloud files inside the viewport because the Selection Control are currently disabled. This setting causes the software to ignore your cursor input, making the model appear frozen.

You can resolve this by enabling the ‘Select Links’ toggle found in the Modify tab or the Status Bar. Revit uses this restriction to stop users from accidentally shifting the coordinates of referenced data.

To help you understand why Revit cannot select point cloud files, prevent frustration, and keep your project aligned, this guide explains the specific steps you need to manage these settings effectively.

Revit 3D workspace showing point cloud data with overlay text Why You Cannot Select Point Cloud Files in Revit.
Fix point cloud selection issues in Revit by enabling the Select Links toggle correctly

What cause this problem?

Designers often worry when the point cloud files (RCP/RCS) seem frozen in the viewport because clicking yields no response. This behavior rarely indicates corruption but signals that Revit applies Selection Control filters to block interaction with linked references. It is important to verify you are using compatible point cloud file formats before assuming the issue lies within the selection settings.

Revit workspace showing the Selection Control filter that causes the revit cannot select point cloud problem.
Revit selection filters can block interaction with linked point cloud files in the viewport

How to solve Revit cannot select point cloud?

Restoring access to your scan data requires adjusting specific permissions in the main toolbar. You can follow this simple sequence to regain control over the background elements quickly.

  1. Open the Modify tab on the main Ribbon to access the settings.
  2. Locate the Select drop-down menu on the far left side of the panel.
  3. Activate “Select links” and “Select pinned elements” to fix the issue.

You can access these toggles more quickly via the Status Bar at the bottom right. The icon resembling a chain link lets you modify these filters instantly.

This guide clarified why specific filters might lock your screen and showed you the correct toggles to regain control. Understanding these settings resolves the issue where revit cannot select point cloud data so your team maintains momentum on the project.

Restoring full control over your background elements is essential to leveraging the specific advantages of Revit software for accurate modeling and seamless team collaboration.

Revit Select drop-down and status bar icons enabling Select links to resolve the revit cannot select point cloud issue.
Quickly restore scan data access in Revit by adjusting select links and pinned elements settings

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