Ideate Explorer: Auditing Worksets
It’s a Revit best practice to place new elements on the correct worksets as defined by the BIM Manager or Revit Standards team. Failure to do so could result in model mismanagement and visibility issues. However, when we are very busy working on our models, we tend to forget to set the current workset. As we place instances of Revit elements, those instances may end up on the incorrect workset. Over time, this issue can compound, making the auditing and correction of these elements difficult and time consuming.
Since we are mostly concerned with model-based components (as opposed to drafting components and view-based elements) being placed on the correct Worksets, we tend to create QA/QC views that isolate model elements by their workset. For example, let’s say we have Plan views and/or 3D views that isolate elements by a workset called Mech-Equipment. When reviewing these views, we can visually look at elements in these views to see if any model-based elements look out of place. Perhaps we get lucky and see a lighting fixture or a plumbing fixture that does not belong to the Mech-Equipment Workset. If we see those elements, we can select them and move them to the appropriate Workset. While this sounds somewhat easy, how does one handle the smaller elements, such as a duplex outlet or a fire sprinkler? What if they are buried deep within the model? Perhaps we need many Plan Views and 3D Views for Workset QA/QC. Even with all these views, we are guaranteed to miss elements, which could prove to be costly.
Here is an example of using a 3D view a filter for Worksets and the Worksharing Display (green arrow) enabled. While some elements and their Worksets are obvious (red arrows), some items may be very difficult to see (purple arrow) due to their sizes and how far buried they are within the model.
Luckily for us, we can use Ideate Explorer and the power of Ideate Query to easily refine our selections and move elements to the correct Worksets without the need for QA/QC views, since Ideate Explorer lists all elements and their Worksets in list form. Having the QA/QC views is a bonus, since you can isolate views by Workset and even use the Worksharing Display option in the View Control Bar.
The image below shows how easy it is to identify elements and their current Workset assignment by changing the Sort by: to Workset (orange arrows) and then reviewing the categories that fall under the user-created worksets. In this example, some Mechanical Equipment (red arrow) and Pipe Fittings (blue arrow) elements were found under the Shared Levels and Grids Workset and need to be moved to their respective Worksets. Regardless of which views these elements are in or their size, Ideate Explorer makes it very easy to identify Workset assignment.
Once elements are selected to move to the correct Workset, it is as simple as swapping their Workset out from the Properties palette. If you find that the Workset selection option is grayed out, as seen below (red outline), be sure to select the Ideate Query button (yellow outline) and then Query the selection based on Model Group Name and/or Is Nested parameter to see if any of the selected elements are part of a group or nested family. If they are, de-select those elements and then verify that you can change the Workset in the Properties palette.
As stated earlier, it is a best practice to place new elements on the correct worksets. Failure to do so will result in model mismanagement and visibility issues. As we place instances of Revit elements on the incorrect workset, this issue can compound, making the auditing and correction of these elements difficult, let alone time consuming. Ideate Explorer can help correct these issues quickly and accurately so that you can be certain of your BIM data.
Ideate Explorer is an amazing Revit data discovery and manipulation tool. It is used daily to do simple selections of elements, all the way to detailed selection refinement and workset and Revit warnings management. Without Ideate Explorer, managing the Revit model becomes complex and tedious.
For more information on using Ideate Explorer to Audit Revit Worksets, be sure to view this 30-minute recording on this process.
What is a Named User license?
A Named User license is assigned to one specific person rather than shared across a network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Graitec Licensing Help Center - Named User.
Are Ideate Suites replacing Ideate Software Bundles?
Yes. Going forward, Ideate Suites replace Ideate Software Bundles.
What's the difference between the Ideate Software Bundle and the Ideate Suite?
Both include the same five tools: IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky and Ideate StyleManager.
- Bundle: Each tool is licensed separately, so different people can work in different tools at once. For example, with one Bundle, five people could each use a different tool at the same time.
- Suite: One license covers all five tools for one person at a time. That person can move freely between every tool. While they're using the Suite, it isn't available to anyone else on that license until they finish.
A Named User Suite is assigned to one specific person. A single Network Cloud Floating Suite can be shared across your team, one person at a time.
Will my team need more licenses?
If several people on your team use different Ideate tools at the same time, you may need more than one Suite license. Contact us and we'll review your team's usage and help you choose the right setup.
Can I still buy an Ideate Software Bundle?
No. Bundles are no longer available for purchase. New purchases are offered as follows:
- Ideate Suite: Named User or Network Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Network Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Network Cloud Floating
- Automation: Network Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or Network Cloud Floating (IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and Ideate StyleManager)
Can I still buy IdeateApps, BIMLink, Explorer, Sticky, or StyleManager individually?
Yes. Individual products are available as Named User or Cloud Floating licenses until the new product lineup launches with the next major release, expected mid-2027.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
My organization has strict security requirements or no internet access. Can I still get a FlexLM license?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
I'm an existing customer. What happens to my current license/s?
Your existing Ideate Software subscription is moving to our new licensing system at no cost. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
- Standalone licenses become Named User licenses. Set up your Named Users in the Graitec Advantage Portal.
- Cloud Floating (network) licenses become Network Cloud Floating Suite licenses. Deploy the latest release as you have in the past, using the new license code in your migration email.
- Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes an Ideate Suite.
To keep using Ideate, update to the latest release and activate your new license by March 31, 2027. Older Ideate licenses will stop working in Q2 2027.
Using Ideate with Revit 2022 or earlier? Contact ideatesupport@graitec.com to review your options. For account questions, contact sales@ideatesoftware.com.
I have a Bundle today. What will I receive when I move to the new licensing?
Conversions are one for one. Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes one Ideate Suite, and each network Bundle becomes one Network Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
Where do I manage my licenses?
In the Graitec Advantage Portal. Based on customer requests, starting with the latest Ideate release, license management and license usage information are handled in Graitec Advantage, outside of Revit. We recommend bookmarking the portal.
- Named User licenses: Assign licenses to people on your team in Graitec Advantage.
- Cloud Floating Suite licenses: Deploy the latest release with your new license code as you have in the past, then manage licenses in Graitec Advantage.
Watch the Graitec Advantage walkthrough
Can I transfer a Named User license to another person?
Yes. There's no limit on the total number of transfers, but each license can be transferred up to two times within a 30-day period.
How are licenses issued?
Each product on your order is issued as its own license once your order is processed. To try a product before buying, contact us to request an evaluation license.
I want to try the Graitec AI Assistant now, but I don’t have my new license code yet. What should I do?
Existing customers: We’re delivering new license codes to existing subscribers on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. If you need access sooner, contact your Graitec sales representative.
New customers: The Graitec AI Assistant isn’t available in the Ideate trial. Contact your Graitec sales representative to request an evaluation license or purchase a 6-month subscription.
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