Is the Revit ʼPinʼ tool used to prevent an object from being moved?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in Autodesk Revit, the Pin tool is used to prevent an object from being moved accidentally during normal editing. The most common professional method is to select the element and click Pin on the Modify ribbon or use the status toggle. It does not fully secure elements from every change.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: A pinned Revit element can still be modified in some cases, such as through attached relationships, hosted behavior, or type changes. Many users assume pinning is a full lock, but it mainly blocks manual move actions and can be bypassed by related edits.

How to Use the Pin Tool in Revit

  • Command: Pin

  • Shortcut: PN

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the object in the drawing area, then go to the Modify tab on the Ribbon.
    2. In the Modify panel, click Pin or type PN.
    3. Confirm the pushpin icon appears; if needed, check the element’s Pinned property in the Properties palette is set to enabled.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Pinned property

    This element property controls whether the selected object is pinned or unpinned. When enabled, Revit blocks common move operations and warns or prevents editing actions that would reposition the object.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Hosted or constrained elements may still shift when the parent element changes position or size.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Worksharing ownership, groups, or linked model conditions can prevent proper pinning behavior or confuse users about what is actually protected.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Pin does not stop all edits; users can still unpin the element or modify parameters that indirectly affect its location.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Select the element and verify the Pinned property is turned on in Properties; if it still moves, check constraints, host relationships, or group behavior.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Pin for high-risk reference elements like grids, levels, columns, and fixed equipment, but do not treat it as a full design-control or approval lock.

FAQ

Can you rotate a pinned object in Revit?

Usually no — Revit blocks rotation of a pinned element until it is unpinned.

Does pinning work on Revit links?

Yes, Revit links can be pinned to help prevent accidental movement.

Is pinning the same as locking with constraints?

No, pinning prevents manual movement, while constraints control geometric relationships.

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