What is a Revit ʼPinʼ and why should you use it?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

A Revit Pin is a control that locks an element in place so it cannot be moved accidentally during editing. You should use Pin on grids, levels, linked models, and key equipment to protect layout accuracy using the standard Modify workflow. It does not stop every type of change, such as some parameter edits.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Pinning does not make an element fully uneditable. In Revit, pinned elements can still sometimes be modified indirectly, and users often assume a pinned linked model or datum is completely protected when it is not.

How to Pin an Element in Revit

  • Command: Pin

  • Shortcut: PN

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the element 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 enabled.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Pinned property

  • Expert Setting: The Pinned checkbox in the Properties palette controls whether the selected element can be moved directly. This is the most reliable way to verify pin status, especially for links, datums, and placed components.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The element is being changed by a host, constraint, or dependent geometry, so pinning does not prevent all resulting movement or updates.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): A linked model, workshared ownership issue, or grouped condition may limit your ability to pin, unpin, or edit the element as expected.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users confuse Pin with Lock; pinning stops direct movement, but it does not replace sketch locks, alignment locks, or full model coordination controls.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Select the element and turn on the Pinned property in the Properties palette, then test by attempting a small move with Move.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use pinning for levels, grids, Revit links, and fixed reference elements, but avoid over-pinning everyday content that still needs design development.

FAQ

Can a pinned element still be edited in Revit?

Yes, some properties or hosted changes can still affect it.

Should you pin Revit links?

Yes, pinning links is standard practice to reduce accidental movement.

Is Pin the same as Lock in Revit?

No, Pin prevents direct movement, while Lock controls relationships and constraints.

.

Related Posts: