Back to tutorials

154 Set Active View Workset

Chris McKeown / July 1, 2025

Worksets

~8 min read1,557 words
0 views

Overview

The Set Active View Workset tool quickly sets the active workset to match the workset of a selected element. This streamlines workset management by eliminating the need to manually navigate through workset dropdowns, making it ideal for repetitive workflows where you frequently switch between worksets.

Set Active View Workset

Table of Contents

Key Features

  • Instantly sets active workset based on selected element
  • No dialog boxes or additional clicks required
  • Works with any element assigned to a workset
  • Perfect for keyboard shortcut assignment
  • Single transaction for immediate activation
  • Automatic error handling with rollback protection
  • Works with multiple elements (uses first selected element)

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
    • Element must be assigned to a workset
    • Tool processes only the first selected element

  3. Workset Permissions

    • User must have permission to make worksets active
    • Workset must be editable (not borrowed by another user)
    • Workset cannot be set to "Not Editable"

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 Set Active View Workset button
  • Active workset changes instantly

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut (Recommended)

  • Assign tool to a keyboard shortcut in Revit
  • Select element(s)
  • Press shortcut key
  • Active workset updates immediately

How to Assign Keyboard Shortcut

  1. In Revit, go to View tab → User Interface → Keyboard Shortcuts
  2. Search for "Set Active View Workset" or "154"
  3. Click in the Press new keys field
  4. Press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+W)
  5. Click Assign
  6. Click OK to save

Recommended Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl+Shift+W - Set Workset
  • Alt+W - Quick workset activation
  • Shift+W - Simple and memorable

Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Workflow

  1. Verify Worksharing

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

  2. Select an Element

    • Click on any element in the model
    • Element must be assigned to a workset
    • Can select multiple elements (only first is used)

  3. Run the Tool

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

  4. Verify Active Workset

    • Check the Active Workset dropdown in the ribbon
    • Active workset should now match selected element's workset
    • New elements will be created on this workset

With Keyboard Shortcut (Fast Method)

  1. Select element on desired workset
  2. Press shortcut key (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+W)
  3. Active workset changes instantly
  4. Continue working with new active workset

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Coordinating MEP Systems

Scenario: Switching between mechanical and electrical worksets

  1. Select a duct element (on "HVAC" workset)
  2. Press shortcut → Active workset = "HVAC"
  3. Model HVAC components
  4. Select electrical conduit (on "Electrical" workset)
  5. Press shortcut → Active workset = "Electrical"
  6. Model electrical components

Benefit: No manual workset dropdown navigation

Workflow 2: Architectural Detailing

Scenario: Working across multiple design option worksets

  1. Select element on "Option A - Walls" workset
  2. Press shortcut to activate
  3. Add walls to Option A
  4. Select element on "Option B - Walls" workset
  5. Press shortcut to activate
  6. Add walls to Option B

Benefit: Rapid switching between design options

Workflow 3: Structural Coordination

Scenario: Organizing structural elements by level

  1. Select beam on "Level 1 - Structure" workset
  2. Press shortcut
  3. Model Level 1 structural elements
  4. Select column on "Level 2 - Structure" workset
  5. Press shortcut
  6. Model Level 2 structural elements

Benefit: Ensures new elements go to correct level workset

Tips and Best Practices

  1. Assign a Keyboard Shortcut

    • This tool's power comes from quick access
    • Choose an easy-to-remember key combination
    • Use it consistently to build muscle memory
    • Consider shortcuts already in use to avoid conflicts

  2. Use with Visible Elements

    • Tool works best when you can see the element
    • Hidden elements can still be selected but harder to identify
    • Ensure workset visibility is on for elements you need

  3. Combine with Other Workset Tools

    • Use alongside other workset management tools
    • Pair with "Change Element Workset" for complete workflow
    • Consider creating a custom toolbar for workset tools

  4. Select Representative Elements

    • Click elements that represent the workset you want
    • For example, select ducts to activate HVAC workset
    • Builds intuitive workflow patterns

  5. Multiple Selections

    • Tool only uses first element in selection
    • When selecting multiple, first element determines workset
    • Order may vary based on selection method

  6. Verify Before Creating

    • After running tool, check active workset indicator
    • Confirm before placing new elements
    • Prevents accidental placement on wrong workset

  7. Use in Templates

    • Include tool in company templates
    • Document standard keyboard shortcuts
    • Train team on consistent usage

  8. Monitor Workset Status

    • Active workset must be editable to create elements
    • If workset is "Not Editable," elements cannot be created
    • Check workset table for status

Common Use Cases

MEP Coordination

Purpose: Quickly switch between discipline worksets

  • Select mechanical equipment → activate Mechanical workset
  • Select electrical fixture → activate Electrical workset
  • Select plumbing fixture → activate Plumbing workset
  • Eliminates dropdown navigation during coordination

Multi-Level Projects

Purpose: Manage worksets organized by level

  • Select Level 1 element → activate Level 1 workset
  • Model Level 1 components
  • Select Level 2 element → activate Level 2 workset
  • Model Level 2 components
  • Ensures level-appropriate workset usage

Design Options Management

Purpose: Work across different design options

  • Each option has dedicated workset
  • Select element from Option A → activate Option A workset
  • Make changes to Option A
  • Select element from Option B → activate Option B workset
  • Make changes to Option B

Phasing and Construction Sequences

Purpose: Organize by construction phase

  • Worksets named "Phase 1," "Phase 2," etc.
  • Select existing building element → activate Existing workset
  • Select new construction → activate New Construction workset
  • Select demolition → activate Demolition workset

Consultant Coordination

Purpose: Manage elements by consultant responsibility

  • Worksets organized by consultant (Architect, Structural, MEP)
  • Select architect element → activate Architect workset
  • Select structural element → activate Structural workset
  • Ensures proper element ownership

Room-Based Organization

Purpose: Organize elements by room or space

  • Worksets for each major space (Lobby, Office, Corridor)
  • Select lobby element → activate Lobby workset
  • Add lobby components
  • Select office element → activate Office workset
  • Add office components

Troubleshooting

"File is not Workshared"

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

  • Enable worksharing: Collaborate tab → Worksets
  • If file should be workshared, check if accidentally detached
  • Non-workshared files cannot use workset features
  • Consider enabling worksharing if appropriate

Nothing Happens When Running Tool

Problem: No visible change after activation Solutions:

  • Check if element is selected (must have at least one)
  • Verify element has a workset assigned
  • Element might already be on active workset (no change needed)
  • Check Output Dialog for error messages

"Transaction Failed" or Rollback Occurs

Problem: Error message or transaction rolls back Solutions:

  • Workset may be "Not Editable" in Workset table
  • Another user may have the workset borrowed
  • Check workset permissions and status
  • Ensure you have edit rights to the workset

Wrong Workset Activates

Problem: Different workset than expected becomes active Solutions:

  • Check which element is actually selected (first in selection)
  • Verify element's workset in Properties panel
  • Tab through selection to ensure correct element
  • Unselect and reselect the desired element

Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

Problem: Shortcut doesn't activate tool Solutions:

  • Verify shortcut is properly assigned in Keyboard Shortcuts dialog
  • Check for conflicts with other shortcuts
  • Try different key combination
  • Restart Revit after assigning new shortcut

Multiple Elements Selected

Problem: Uncertain which workset will activate Solution:

  • Tool uses first element in selection set
  • For predictable results, select only one element
  • If multiple selected, check Properties to see which is "first"
  • Consider selecting specific element for clarity

Workset Changes But Can't Create Elements

Problem: Workset activates but new elements fail Solutions:

  • Active workset must be "Editable" to create elements
  • Check Workset table: another user may have it borrowed
  • Request editable access to the workset
  • Coordinate with team on workset availability

Tool Runs But No Feedback

Problem: Unclear if tool succeeded Solutions:

  • Check Active Workset dropdown in ribbon for change
  • Properties panel shows current active workset
  • Look for success message in Output Dialog
  • Try creating test element to verify active workset

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

Thank you for using Bonus Tools - Set Active View Workset!