As I discussed in the previous post workshare in Revit is more of a process than a command.
This first step in this process is to enable Worksets. You do this by going to the File Pulldown Menu and selecting Worksets. This will bring up a dialog box for Worksharing. You will see that all levels and grids will go to one workset and all other items go to another workset. Note: This step can not be undone. Then you will have the Workset dialog box come up for creating additional worksets.
So, what does this mean? We need to start by understanding worksets. Worksets are collections of elements, such as walls, windows doors or even levels. Okay, why? Originally the concept that Revit used to allow multiple users to work on a project at the same time was through allowing users to check out and work on one workset at a time, which prevented other users from using those items (preventing confilicting objects). This concept as evolved in the programing to become more automated and can now be done in what we refer to a "Borrow As You Go." With that in mind we can leverage worksets still for other means. Worksets can be used to subdivide the project in to managable pieces. Example, when working with a 3D exterior we would like to turn off the interior elements, this is where we could divide the elements into two worksets for interiors and exteriors.
By grouping elements into related worksets we can find easier ways to manage the project.
1. Checking out a workset(s) due to major design change can prevent and signal other users that changes are being made on a larger scale and may effect what they are about to work on.
2. Turning off worksets that are not needed. This is can greatly improve system performance.
3. Change visibility of categories from one workset to another.
4. Checking out a workset to work on that area outside the office and not need to communicate to the central file on the server.
These are just examples of the areas that can be managed by using worksets.
What worksets did I need to create? This varies greatly between project sizes, number of users in the project and the number of disciplines in the project.
Key ideas is to break down the project into related areas "not related elements that is what categories do." Take a hotel project for example;
Exterior - for all exterior elements
Building Core - for major elements spanning multiple floors; stair and elevator shafts
Lobby - elements making up the main lobby and store ares
Structural - for structural columns and beams
