ID Writer - Write Revit IDs into parameters

ID Writer copies the internal Revit element ID into a visible model parameter. It is a practical utility for traceability, coordination, and review workflows where teams want the ID exposed without relying on internal tools.

General Description

The add-in works with a selected target parameter and can assign IDs manually or enable automatic synchronization for new elements. This supports QA workflows, issue tracking, and cross-checking between the model, schedules, and external reports.

Key Features

• Manual assignment: Writes IDs to selected elements on demand.
• Auto Sync: A background updater that writes the ID to every newly created element automatically, once enabled.
• Configurable parameter: Choose which text parameter stores the ID.
• Traceability support: Makes the Revit ID visible in properties, schedules, and review flows without opening any internal tool.

Requirements

• The target parameter must exist and be writable on the elements you're assigning to.

Usage Procedure

1. Open ID Writer from the Model panel on the Frata ribbon tab.
2. Use Select Parameter to choose the parameter that will store the ID.
3. Select elements in the model and press Assign ID to write their Revit element ID into that parameter right away.
4. Press Start Auto Sync if you want every newly created element to receive its ID automatically going forward, with no need to reopen the tool.
5. Press Stop Auto Sync when you want to turn that automatic behavior off.

Recommendations

• Run a manual Assign ID pass once to backfill existing elements — Auto Sync only reacts to elements created after it's turned on, not elements that already exist.
• If some elements fail to update, they're reported separately rather than silently skipped; check those individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

I got the message "No elements selected." Why? You pressed Assign ID without selecting anything in the model. Select elements first, then run the command again.

Does Auto Sync assign IDs to elements that already exist when I turn it on? No — Auto Sync only reacts to elements created after it's enabled. Run Assign ID manually first to cover elements that already exist in the model.

Some elements show "need review" after assigning. What does that mean? The target parameter couldn't be updated on those specific elements (for example, because it's missing or read-only there). Review them individually rather than assuming the whole pass succeeded.

Does the parameter choice and Auto Sync state persist if I close and reopen the project? Yes — the selected parameter is stored in the project so Auto Sync keeps working on newly created elements without reconfiguring it every session.