153 Workset Mover

Overview

The Workset Mover tool quickly moves selected elements to the currently active workset. This streamlined tool eliminates the need to navigate through properties panels or workset dialogs, making it ideal for rapid workset reassignment during modeling and coordination workflows. Perfect for keyboard shortcut assignment for maximum efficiency.

Table of Contents

• Key Features
• Requirements
• Interface Guide
• Step-by-Step Guide
• Example Workflows
• Tips and Best Practices
• Common Use Cases
• Troubleshooting

Key Features

• Instantly moves selected elements to active workset
• No dialog boxes or additional clicks required
• Works with single or multiple element selections
• Perfect for keyboard shortcut assignment
• Processes all selected elements in single transaction
• Automatic error handling with rollback protection
• Works with any element type that supports worksets
• Individual error handling per element (one failure doesn't stop others)

Requirements

Pre-requisites

1. Workshared Project

   • Document must be workshared
   • Tool will not run in non-workshared files
   • Displays message: "File is not Workshared" if attempted

2. Element Selection

   • Must have at least one element selected
   • Elements must be movable to worksets
   • Some elements (like levels, grids) may have restrictions

3. Active Workset

   • An active workset must be set in the project
   • Check Active Workset dropdown in ribbon
   • Elements will be moved to this workset

4. Workset Permissions

   • Active workset must be editable
   • User must have permission to edit workset
   • Cannot move to "Not Editable" worksets
   • Elements' current worksets must be editable to move them

Interface Guide

This tool has no user interface - it executes immediately upon activation.

Activation Methods

Method 1: Ribbon Button

• Navigate to Bonus Tools tab
• Click Workset Mover button
• Selected elements move to active workset instantly

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut (Recommended)

• Assign tool to a keyboard shortcut in Revit
• Select element(s) to move
• Press shortcut key
• Elements move to active workset immediately

How to Assign Keyboard Shortcut

1. In Revit, go to View tab → User Interface → Keyboard Shortcuts
2. Search for "Workset Mover" or "153"
3. Click in the Press new keys field
4. Press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+M)
5. Click Assign
6. Click OK to save

Recommended Shortcuts:

• Ctrl+Shift+M - Move to workset
• Alt+M - Quick move
• Shift+M - Simple and memorable
• MW - Two-key sequence (M for Move, W for Workset)

Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Workflow

1. Verify Worksharing

   • Ensure your project is workshared
   • Check worksets are visible in Properties panel

2. Set Active Workset

   • Use Active Workset dropdown in ribbon
   • OR use Tool 154 (Set Active View Workset) for quick activation
   • Verify correct workset is active

3. Select Elements

   • Click on element(s) to move
   • Can select multiple elements
   • Use selection box, crossing window, or filters

4. Run the Tool

   • Click Workset Mover from Bonus Tools tab
   • OR press assigned keyboard shortcut
   • No confirmation dialog appears

5. Verify Movement

   • Check Properties panel - Workset parameter updated
   • Elements now on active workset
   • Ready to continue modeling

With Keyboard Shortcut (Fast Method)

1. Set active workset (Active Workset dropdown or Tool 154)
2. Select elements to move
3. Press shortcut key (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+M)
4. Elements moved instantly
5. Continue working

Moving Multiple Elements

1. Select all elements to move (can be hundreds)
2. Verify active workset is correct
3. Run tool once
4. All selected elements move to active workset
5. Tool processes each element individually

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Organizing MEP Elements by System

Scenario: Move all HVAC ductwork to dedicated workset

1. Set active workset to "MEP - HVAC"
2. Use filter to select all ducts
3. Press Workset Mover shortcut
4. All ducts move to HVAC workset
5. Repeat for other systems:
   • "MEP - Plumbing" for pipes
   • "MEP - Electrical" for conduit

Benefit: Quick system-based organization

Workflow 2: Correcting Workset Assignments

Scenario: Elements accidentally placed on wrong workset

1. Identify misplaced elements (visual check or filter)
2. Set active workset to correct destination
3. Select misplaced elements
4. Run Workset Mover
5. Verify elements moved correctly

Benefit: Fast error correction without Properties panel

Workflow 3: Coordinating with Consultants

Scenario: Move linked consultant elements to tracking workset

1. Set active workset to "Linked - Structural"
2. Select imported structural elements
3. Press shortcut to move
4. Elements now on tracking workset
5. Easier to manage visibility and ownership

Benefit: Clear separation of linked content

Workflow 4: Construction Phase Organization

Scenario: Move elements to phase-specific worksets

Phase 1 Elements:

1. Set active workset: "Phase 1 - Existing"
2. Select existing walls, floors, etc.
3. Move to Phase 1 workset

Phase 2 Elements:

1. Set active workset: "Phase 2 - New Construction"
2. Select new elements
3. Move to Phase 2 workset

Benefit: Phased construction documentation

Tips and Best Practices

1. Assign a Keyboard Shortcut

   • This tool's efficiency comes from quick access
   • Choose memorable key combination
   • Use it consistently to build muscle memory
   • Pair with Tool 154 (Set Active Workset) for complete workflow

2. Combine with Tool 154

   • Use Tool 154 to activate workset from sample element
   • Use Tool 153 to move other elements to that workset
   • Powerful combination for rapid workset management
   • Example: Click structural beam → activate Structural workset → select other beams → move to Structural workset

3. Use with Selection Filters

   • Select by category for bulk moves
   • Select by workset to move groups
   • Use filters to isolate elements needing movement
   • Combine with visibility settings for complex selections

4. Verify Active Workset First

   • Always check Active Workset dropdown before running
   • Wrong active workset = elements move to wrong location
   • One extra second of verification prevents errors
   • Make it a habit: "Check active, select, move"

5. Multiple Selections Strategy

   • Tool processes all selected elements
   • No need to run multiple times for groups
   • One operation = all elements moved
   • Efficient for large-scale reorganization

6. Check Element Properties After

   • Spot-check moved elements in Properties panel
   • Verify workset parameter updated correctly
   • Some elements may have failed (see error handling)
   • Quick visual confirmation recommended

7. Understand Element Restrictions

   • Some elements cannot move between worksets
   • Datum elements (levels, grids) have special rules
   • View-specific elements tied to their view's workset
   • Tool will log errors for unmovable elements

8. Use in Templates

   • Include tool in company templates
   • Document standard keyboard shortcuts
   • Train team on consistent usage
   • Establish workset naming conventions

9. Batch Processing Approach

   • Move elements by category (all walls, then floors, etc.)
   • Move by discipline (all MEP, then structural, etc.)
   • Systematic approach prevents missing elements
   • Create checklist for large reorganizations

10. Monitor Workset Status

    • Active workset must be editable
    • Cannot move to borrowed or non-editable worksets
    • Check workset table for status indicators
    • Coordinate with team on workset availability

Common Use Cases

Discipline Separation

Purpose: Organize elements by discipline responsibility

Architectural Elements:

• Set active: "Architecture - Walls"
• Select all walls
• Move to workset
• Repeat for doors, windows, rooms, etc.

Structural Elements:

• Set active: "Structural - Framing"
• Select all beams, columns
• Move to workset

MEP Elements:

• Set active: "MEP - Mechanical"
• Select ductwork
• Move to workset
• Repeat for plumbing, electrical

Benefits:

• Clear discipline ownership
• Easier coordination
• Simplified visibility management

Level-Based Organization

Purpose: Organize elements by building level

Basement Elements:

• Set active: "Level B1"
• Select all B1 elements
• Move to B1 workset

Ground Floor Elements:

• Set active: "Level GF"
• Select all GF elements
• Move to GF workset

Repeat for Each Level

Benefits:

• Level-specific visibility control
• Easier partial model loading
• Supports phased modeling

Design Option Management

Purpose: Organize elements by design option

Option A Elements:

• Set active: "Option A - Layout"
• Select Option A walls
• Move to workset

Option B Elements:

• Set active: "Option B - Layout"
• Select Option B walls
• Move to workset

Benefits:

• Clear option separation
• Easier option comparison
• Supports option visibility control

Tenant Fit-Out Projects

Purpose: Organize by tenant space

Tenant A:

• Set active: "Tenant A - Fit-Out"
• Select all Tenant A elements
• Move to workset

Tenant B:

• Set active: "Tenant B - Fit-Out"
• Select all Tenant B elements
• Move to workset

Benefits:

• Tenant-specific workset control
• Easier tenant handover
• Clear responsibility boundaries

Temporary Construction Elements

Purpose: Separate temporary from permanent elements

Temporary Elements:

• Set active: "Temporary - Scaffolding"
• Select scaffolding elements
• Move to temporary workset

Permanent Elements:

• Set active: "Architecture - Structure"
• Select permanent elements
• Move to permanent workset

Benefits:

• Easy temporary element removal
• Clear construction phase documentation
• Simplified visibility for presentations

Coordination Model Management

Purpose: Organize linked and native elements

Native Elements:

• Set active: "Native - Architecture"
• Select native architectural elements
• Move to native workset

Linked Elements:

• Set active: "Linked - Consultants"
• Select linked/imported elements
• Move to linked workset

Benefits:

• Clear distinction between native and linked
• Easier link management
• Simplified coordination workflows

Troubleshooting

"File is not Workshared"

Problem: Tool displays message and doesn't run Solution:

• Enable worksharing: Collaborate tab → Worksets
• Verify file hasn't been detached from central
• Non-workshared files cannot use workset features
• Check if working in local file vs detached copy

Nothing Happens When Running Tool

Problem: No visible change after activation Solutions:

• Verify at least one element is selected
• Check if active workset is set
• Elements may already be on active workset (no change needed)
• Check Output Dialog for error messages
• Verify elements support workset assignment

Some Elements Don't Move

Problem: Only some selected elements moved to workset Solutions:

• Check Output Dialog for specific errors
• Some element types have workset restrictions
• Levels and grids may not move freely
• View-specific elements tied to view worksets
• Check if elements are on editable worksets
• Verify permissions on element worksets

"Transaction Failed" or Errors

Problem: Error messages or transaction rollback Solutions:

• Active workset may be "Not Editable"
• Another user may have workset borrowed
• Check workset permissions and status
• Verify element worksets are editable
• Elements may be locked or constrained
• Try moving elements one at a time to identify problem

Elements Move But Properties Don't Update

Problem: Elements moved but Properties panel shows old workset Solutions:

• Click away and reselect element
• Properties panel may need refresh
• Check different element to verify
• Close and reopen Properties panel
• Element actually moved (trust the tool)

Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

Problem: Shortcut doesn't activate tool Solutions:

• Verify shortcut is properly assigned
• Check for conflicts with other shortcuts
• Try different key combination
• Restart Revit after assigning shortcut
• Ensure elements are selected before pressing shortcut

Wrong Workset Activated

Problem: Elements moved to unexpected workset Solutions:

• Always verify Active Workset dropdown before running
• Easy to forget which workset is active
• Make checking active workset part of workflow
• Use Tool 154 to quickly set active workset
• Visual check prevents costly errors

Cannot Move Datum Elements

Problem: Levels, grids, scope boxes won't move Solutions:

• These elements have special workset rules
• Often assigned to specific datum worksets
• May require manual reassignment via Properties
• Check Revit documentation for datum workset behavior
• Tool works on most standard elements

Elements Disappear After Move

Problem: Elements no longer visible after moving Solutions:

• Target workset may be hidden in current view
• Check workset visibility settings
• Open Workset Visibility dialog
• Turn on visibility for destination workset
• Elements moved successfully, just not visible

Performance Issues with Large Selections

Problem: Tool takes long time with many elements Solutions:

• Processing each element individually (correct behavior)
• More elements = more time
• Consider moving in smaller batches
• Progress shows in status bar
• Be patient with large selections (hundreds of elements)

Error: "Element cannot be moved"

Problem: Specific error for certain elements Solutions:

• Element may be locked
• Element may be in group (ungroup first)
• Element may be part of assembly
• Element may be on borrowed workset
• Check element constraints and dependencies
• Try moving related elements together

Need Help? Contact support or refer to additional Bonus Tools documentation.

Thank you for using Bonus Tools - Workset Mover!