MicroStation4AutoCADUsers PDF

1: Surviving the Interface
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn to use tools efficiently
Learn about tool frames versus toolbars
Understand the Tool Settings dialog
Learn to “familiarize” the interface for AutoCAD users
The objective of this chapter is to overcome those AutoCAD interface habits

and modify your behavior to use the MicroStation interface as if you had
been doing so for years. Although the interfaces initially appear very differ-
ent, they are really very similar from a “technical” perspective.
This might well be the most difficult aspect of the change you are making in
CAD software. Remember, this change can be both “technical” and “emo-
tional” in nature. Every AutoCAD user should focus on the interface differ-
ences from a “technical” perspective rather than from an “emotional” one.
This can be a tough goal, in that learning a new interface is for many people
as “emotional” as it can get.
DIFFERENT SIMILARITIES?
This chapter will focus on the areas of the interface that most affect the tran-
sitioning AutoCAD user. With the introduction of the Windows-like inter-
face, most computer applications resemble each other automatically.
However, in MicroStation there are some additional concepts that have
been integrated into this Windows-like environment to simplify the com-
plex tools needed. For example, toolbars and fly-outs are similar in every
application. The sections that follow describe extra features introduced by
Bentley.
Chapter 1: Surviving the Interface
MicroStation Manager
The first difference is the appearance of the MicroStation Manager dialog.

This dialog is the central navigation tool for design files and other CAD-
related resources in the MicroStation environment. The unique portions of
this dialog that should be noted are the following (see the following figure).
Workspace area
File History feature
Directory History feature
File type display
Insert Unique Bentley Items.tif
What Is a Workspace?
A workspace is a custom environment that configures MicroStation to a

specific discipline, project, task, or individual. Workspaces can help CAD
managers and users be more productive by providing a controlled environ-
ment for maintaining corporate standards and CAD resources. In general,
workspaces consist of configuration files, user interface files, and user pref-
erence files.
Configuration files: Contain the overall settings directing MicroStation
where to look for resource files, such as those for fonts, cells, designs,
and so on. These configuration files are hierarchical in nature and can
help CAD managers and users integrate corporate CAD standards and
user requirements at varying levels. The level categories available are
System, Site, Application, User, and Project.
User interface files: Allow you to customize toolbars and consolidate
the most commonly used tools into a convenient and easy-to-use envi-
ronment.
User preference files: Store individual user settings to control the “look
and feel” of MicroStation. This can include everything from the size and
color of dialog boxes and tools to how dialog “focus” is controlled.
Different Similarities?
The following workspace components are available from the MicroStation

Manager dialog.
User settings: Define user-specific configuration settings made to the
overall MicroStation setup.
Project settings: Define project-specific configuration settings made to
the overall MicroStation setup.
Interface settings: Define user-specific interface settings made to the
overall MicroStation setup.
All other components and levels of configuration are defined outside the
MicroStation Manager dialog and are generally not modified by the average
user.
Insert Default_MicroStation_Manager.tif
Main Tool Frame
The main toolbar is the central tool chest for MicroStation. This toolbar is
unique in that it is actually a tool “frame” that allows the docking capabili-
ties to be controlled in a multi-column fashion. A tool frame also allows for
toolbars to be separated (or “torn away”) from the main tool frame for
quicker access (see following figure).
Insert Torn_Away_Toolbar.tif
Tear-away Toolbars
MicroStation allows any fly-out toolbar to be “torn away” from a tool frame,
providing easy access to commands.
Persistent Commands
All MicroStation commands are persistent in nature. This means that once
a command has been selected it remains active until another command has
been selected. This is unlike AutoCAD, in which commands end after each
use and the user is required to restart the command for consecutive com-
mand use.
You can change this behavior in MicroStation via Workspace > Preferences
and select the Look and Feel category. Modify the Single-Click setting to
Single-Shot to simulate the AutoCAD single command operation. I recom-
mend you try this new command method before changing this preference—
it can save you a lot of picks and clicks.
AUTOCAD TIP: AutoCAD users tend to reselect commands when first
learning the MicroStation interface. This is unnecessary and counterpro-
ductive because MicroStation commands remain active continuously until
a different command is selected.
In Exercise 1-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice working

with the tear-away functionality that allows you to configure your working
environment to your liking.
EXERCISE 1-1: USING TOOLBAR TEAR-AWAYS TO CUSTOMIZE THE

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
In this exercise you will learn how to arrange toolbars and other collections of commands
to customize your working environment.
1 Open the design file INTERFACE.DGN.
First, we want to remove the Manipulate toolbar from the Main tool frame and dock it in
a more convenient location. This is because these are commands you will typically use
several times a day. If you are a Windows user, you probably know that a small black tri-
angle on a button icon means that there are subcommands associated with this button.
2 Select the Copy tool from the main tool frame but hold the left mouse button down
long enough to see the “fly-out” toolbar.
3 Drag the cursor into the drawing window far enough to separate and “tear away” this
toolbar.
4 Drop the toolbar anywhere in the drawing window. The Manipulate toolbar should
now be floating in the middle of your drawing window.
Insert tear-off1.tif
Next, we want to “dock” this toolbar so that it takes up less screen real-estate.
5 Click on the title bar of the Manipulate toolbar. Drag the toolbar to the edge of the
application window and note that the “toolbar outline” gets smaller when it is ready to
dock. Once you see this change in the toolbar outline, release the mouse button to
drop the toolbar in place.
To undock the toolbar, click on the “move bar” and drag the toolbar into the view window.
Insert movebar1.tif & insert dock1.tif
All toolbars can be “torn away” from the Main tool frame. The only button on the Main
tool frame that cannot be torn away is the Delete tool. However, if you look closely you can
see that it does not contain the necessary fly-out symbol.
6 Close the file INTERFACE.DGN.
Zooming and Panning
The zoom and pan functionality is very similar to that in AutoCAD. Users
generally prefer to use a wheel mouse to control the zoom and pan com-
mands.
Roll the wheel mouse away from you (forward) to zoom in, and toward
you (backward) to zoom out.
The most common method of panning is to hold down the Shift key
while dragging the left mouse button around the drawing. Try to think
of your cursor as a car driving around the screen. That should help you
get where you want to go. Unfortunately, unlike AutoCAD you cannot
use the wheel mouse to pan around in the drawing. However, you can
do a different form of panning by rolling the wheel while holding down
the Ctrl key to access the Pan Radial option.
Roll the wheel mouse while holding down the Shift key to access the Pan
with Zoom option.
Refer to the “Taming the Mouse” section in this chapter for additional set-
tings for wheel mouse control. See Chapter 4 for additional information on
view control options.
Command Line
Insert KeyinBrowser1.tif
The command line in MicroStation is not dis-

played by default but can be turned on if you pre-
fer to key in commands. MicroStation commands
are generally two- to three-character unique,
meaning that you only have to key in two to three
characters for MicroStation to figure out what
command you want. You can learn these new
key-ins using the Key-in Browser dialog.
Select Help > Key-in Browser to open the dialog

the first time, or you can select Utilities > Key-
in. Dock the browser dialog horizontally if you
plan to use it on a regular basis.
The key-in to place a line in MicroStation is

PLACE LINE. However, the entire key-in is not
required. For example, to key in PLACE LINE
you are only required to key in the characters PL
and L to make it unique. The remainder of the
key-in command is automatically completed.
Refer to the “AutoCAD Key-in Commands” sec-

tion for additional AutoCAD key-in capabilities.
In Exercise 1-2, following, you have the opportu-

nity to work with the command line.
AutoCAD Key-in Commands
It is common practice for an AutoCAD user to key in commands instead of

using the command buttons or pull-down menus. These AutoCAD com-
mands are available as key-ins through the MicroStation environment if
needed. In the Key-in browser, start your AutoCAD command with a back-
ward slash ( \ ) character. You can use the characters (DWG) instead of the
( \ ) character for the AutoCAD key-in prefix. Some configuration changes
may be required before these AutoCAD key-ins are available.
Select Workspace > Configuration and select the DWG/DXF category.

Select the PGP Command Alias file search path. This search path must be
defined to locate the ACAD.PGP file with the preferred AutoCAD key-ins.
Select Workspace > Configuration and select the DWG/DXF category.

Select the DWG Command Prefix option. This prefix defines the character
MicroStation will recognize as the prefix to the subsequent characters repre-
senting the AutoCAD command in the PGP file. For example, if the default
prefix is a backslash ( \ ), the key-in \e will run the AutoCAD ERASE com-
mand, which is then translated to run the MicroStation DELETE command.
EXERCISE 1-2: WORKING WITH THE COMMAND LINE

In this exercise you will learn to use the command line with both MicroStation and
AutoCAD key-ins.
Using the Command Line with MicroStation Key-ins
First, you need to open the Key-in Browser dialog and dock it at the bottom of the applica-
tion window in a similar location to AutoCAD’s command line.
2 To open the Command Line dialog,

go to the pull-down menu Help >
Key-in Browser. Or you can use the
button located on the Primary Tools
toolbar.
Before we dock the command line let’s review how to use the Browser section (see follow-
ing figure) to look up key-in commands. For this example, we will look up the PLACE
LINE key-in command. To see the Browser section of the dialog, drag the bottom of the
command line down until you see additional command “look-up” columns.
3 In the “first” browser column, select the PLACE command.

Once the PLACE command is highlighted, the “second” browser column is populated
with possible “place” command options. You can teach yourself the majority of
MicroStation commands by “browsing” in this dialog.
Once the LINE command is highlighted in the “second” column, the “third” browser
column is populated with possible “place line” command options.
You do not have to use all command options, as in this case we will not select either
ANGLE or CONSTRAINED as a third command option. We just want to issue the
PLACE LINE command. You can shorten this key-in using the “unique” portions of
the command. The best way to learn these shortcuts is to engage Caps Lock on your
keyboard and begin entering the key-in command. When MicroStation figures out
what command you are entering, it will automatically fill in the remainder of the key-
in. When it does this, you can begin to enter the next command option and repeat the
same process.
4 Key in the letters PL and you should notice that MicroStation

completes the remainder of the word PLace.
5 Key in the letter L and you should notice that MicroStation com-
pletes the remainder of the word Line.
Now you need to place the Key-in browser in a productive location so that it is available
when needed, but out of the way when not needed. Again, AutoCAD users might want to
dock this browser at the bottom of the application window. After all, isn’t that where you
are going to look by default anyway?
6 Dock the Key-in Browser dialog at the bottom of your application window.
Moving Focus
You can move the focus of the application back to the command line using several differ-
ent methods.
1 While using AccuDraw, the shortcut key combination GK (Go to Keyin) will move the
application focus to the Key-in browser automatically. See Chapter 4 for more infor-
mation on the AccuDraw Utility.
2 You might try using the Esc (Escape) key to move the focus as well. However, this will
not work if your user preferences is set to use the Esc key to stop current commands.
3 You can always click in the key-in field to move the application focus manually.
Using the Command Line with AutoCAD Key-ins

Next, let’s configure MicroStation to allow you to use your familiar AutoCAD commands
directly within MicroStation. See, you don’t really have to relearn everything!
1 To access the configuration settings, go to the pull-down menu Workspace > Config-
uration and select the DWG/DXF category.
2 Highlight the PGP Command Alias File option and verify that it is pointed to your
ACAD.PGP file.
If AutoCAD is loaded on your computer, this setting will be automatically set during
the installation of MicroStation and you can skip to step 4. If it is not pointed to your
ACAD.PGP file, you must modify this setting manually.
3 Click on the Select button and navigate to the location of your ACAD.PGP file.
4 Select the DWG Command Prefix option and make note of the “prefix” character defined
for AutoCAD key-ins. By default, it should be set to use the backslash (\ ) character.
5 You must exit MicroStation before this modification can be used.

6 Restart MicroStation and open the INTERFACE.DGN file.
7 Move the application focus to the command line and key in \E. This will run the
DELETE command in MicroStation, the equivalent of the ERASE command in
AutoCAD.
Try some of your other AutoCAD favorites and see if they are translated correctly. Pretty
cool, right?
8 Close the design file INTERFACE.DGN.
Get a Grip on Handles
The handles provided in MicroStation are not the same as AutoCAD’s grip
functionality. Handles are not associated with any specific commands, but
they can be used with any MicroStation command. The most common use of
handles would be to modify or to move an element. In Exercise 1-3, following,
you have the opportunity to practice using MicroStation’s element handles.
EXERCISE 1-3: GETTING A GRIP ON HANDLES

In this exercise you will learn to use MicroStation’s element handles. Element handles can
be used to make simple modifications. You will use these handles to modify the size of a
desk and the location of leader text.
1 Open the design file HANDLES.DGN.
Insert handles1.tif
Modify Desk Size
2 Select the Element Selection tool and note that the cursor changes to a selection
arrow.
The circle attached to the point of the arrow represents the location tolerance specified
in the user preferences area. The smaller the circle the closer your cursor must be to an
element for snapping or selection capabilities.
3 Pick the desk element at P1 (on previous page) and note the appearance of element handles.
Pick the desk a second time to reveal additional handles at the midpoints. These han-
dles provide additional modification points for more specific editing requirements.
Insert handles2.tif
4 Pick the handle at the P2 and note that the handle turns a reddish color when your
cursor is over the handle.
Continue to hold down the left mouse button and drag the selected handle to the cor-
ner of the adjacent table. This will dynamically change the shape of the desk to match
the depth of the table.
An AccuSnap icon will appear when both elements have connected at the vertex.
Release the mouse button when you see the AccuSnap icon indicating that a snap
point is available.
Insert handles3.tif
Insert handles4.tif
In the next few steps you will learn to use the midpoint handles available when an element
is picked twice.
5 Pick the desk at P3 twice in order to activate the additional element handles.
Insert handles5.tif
6 Pick the handle at P4 (see figure on next page), continue to hold down the left mouse
button, and drag the selected handle straight up using AccuDraw. Key in 2 to modify
the depth of the desk by 2 feet.
Insert handles6.tif
Modify Text Position

In the next few steps you will modify the location of the dimension-note text associated
with the desk geometry.
7 Open the design file OFFICE_ AREA.DGN.
Insert handles7.tif
8 Select the text element that reads

EXISTING LOCATION and note the
element handles available. Continue
to hold down the left mouse button
and drag the text to a new location in
the drawing window. Because this
text element is a dimension note, the
leader line will automatically update
to the new text position.
AUTOCAD TIP: You must select a text element on an actual character. If
you miss the characters, the text element will not be selected.
9 Close the design file HANDLES.DGN.

User Preferences
Double-click Editing
Insert Selection_Tool.tif
MicroStation provides double-click editing capability through the use of the

Selection tool. Double-click editing is available for text and dimension-text
only.
USER PREFERENCES
The following sections walk you through some of the personal user prefer-
ences that can ease your transition to the new interface.
Windows Options
Insert Use_Windows_Like_Dialogs.tif
MicroStation V8 allows you to establish a

Windows-like MicroStation Manager inter-
face environment. To achieve this, select
Workspace > Preferences and select the
Look and Feel category. Then activate the
Use Windows File Open Dialogs option.
The following figure shows a comparison between the default MicroStation

Manager and the Windows-like MicroStation Manager.
Insert Sample_Workspaces.tif
Esc to Cancel
Insert Enable_ESC.tif
One AutoCAD habit that is extremely difficult to

break is the use of the Esc key to end a command. By
default, the Esc key does absolutely nothing in
MicroStation, but you can enable this feature via the
user preferences.
Access this setting via Workspace > Preferences and select the Input cate-
gory. Activate the Allow ESC key to stop current command option to enable
cancel command functionality.
Insert Full_Screen_Cursor.tif
Full-screen Cursor
Another preference to note is the full-screen cursor
option still preferred by many AutoCAD users.
You can enable a full-screen cursor via Workspace
> Preferences and select the Input category. Then
select Pointer Size > Full View.
AUTOCAD TIP: In this author’s opinion the normal cursor is more function-
al and easier to use, but as you can clearly note this is a “user” preference.
In Exercise 1-4, following, you have the opportunity to practice establishing
your own user preferences.
EXERCISE 1-4: ESTABLISHING USER PREFERENCES

In this exercise you will learn how to modify the user interface to use your own user pref-
erences. This exercise does not cover all user preference capabilities, but rather those that
affect the majority of AutoCAD users.
2 To access user preferences, go to the pull-down menu Workspace > Preferences and
browse the categories available.
These categories affect the appearance of tools, views, and mouse button functions
and other global settings.
3 Select the Input category and activate the

Allow ESC key to stop current command
option. This setting will save you from
“breaking” your Esc key during this CAD
software transition
User Preferences
Insert ESCkey.tif.
4 Stay in the Input category and set the

Pointer Size option to Full View.
5 Select the Look and Feel category and
activate the Use Windows File Open Dia-
logs option.
This setting will modify the appearance
of standard file dialogs to use the Win-
dows-like appearance and functionality.
Insert WindowsDialogs.tif
6 Select the Operation category and activate

the Enter into Untitled Design option.
This setting will bypass MicroStation
Manager upon startup and place you
directly into a design file similar to the
untitled drawing in AutoCAD.
Compress
The COMPRESS command, which is similar to the PURGE command in

AutoCAD, will clean up design files by removing extraneous and unused
items. The following options are available for controlling what data is
removed from the design file.
Empty Cell Headers: Removes all empty cell headers from the design
file. An empty cell header is a cell definition with no graphics associated
to it
Empty Text Elements: Removes all empty text elements from the design
file. An empty text element is usually a text node with no characters
associated.
Text Elements with Spaces Only: Removes any text elements that con-
tain only “spaces” and no other characters. This is usually an “empty”
enter data field.
Unused Named Shared Cells: Removes all unused shared cells from the
design file. An unnamed shared cell is usually a remnant of previously
used shared cells that are no longer being used in the drawing.
Unused Anonymous Shared Cells: Removes all unused shared cells in a

design file. Anonymous shared cells are usually a result of Windows
clipboard activities, or previous AutoCAD anonymous blocks.
Unused Line Styles: Removes all custom line styles no longer being
used in the drawing.
Unused Dimension Styles: Removes all dimension styles no longer
being used in the drawing.
Unused Text Styles: Removes all text styles no longer being used in the
drawing.
Unused Levels: Removes all levels no longer being used in the drawing.
Unused Nested Attachment Levels: Removes all levels (from reference
file attachments) no longer being used in the drawing.
Unused Fonts: Removes all fonts no longer being used in the drawing.
Insert Compress1.tif
You can access the COMPRESS command via any one of the following
methods.
File > Compress > Design
Directory > Compress from the MicroStation Manager dialog
Use the Bentley button from the MicroStation Manager dialog to com-
press the selected file.
Uniquely Bentley Tools
UNIQUELY BENTLEY TOOLS

Directory History
Insert Directory_History.tif
Access to directory history is a unique aspect of the Bentley Windows-like

environment of MicroStation. This tool provides the user quick and easy
access to folder history, which for most users is equivalent to project history.
You can access this option from any of the following MicroStation dialogs.
MicroStation Manager
File > Open
File > Close
File > Save As
Select Configuration Variable
Another uniquely Bentley option is Set Configuration Variable option,

accessed through the Directory History button. This option allows the user
to select any configuration variable to control directory access. For example,
using the configuration variable MS_BACKUP will navigate to the File back-
ups folder, or MS_CELL will navigate to the Symbol library folder. These
folder locations are defined with MicroStation workspace configuration
variables.
Insert Sample_ToolSettings dialog.tif
TOOL SETTINGS
Every tool has options specific to its individual
usage. These options are displayed in the Tool
Settings dialog for easy access and manipula-
tion.
AUTOCAD TIP: Don’t bother closing the Tool
Settings dialog, because it will automatically
open for every command tool selected. In-
stead, find a screen location that is the least
intrusive to your drawing practices. If this lo-
cation does not exist, try using the PopSet
Utility controls (discussed in material follow-
ing).
Tool Settings Dialog Control

Insert PopSet_Icon.tif
The display of the Tool Settings dialog can be controlled by accessing the
PopSet utility. When you first begin using the Tool Settings dialog, you
either keep turning it off to get it out of the way or constantly move it
around the screen trying to find the best place to keep it where it will be out
of the way. You soon realize that there really isn’t an out-of-the-way place
on the screen and the irritation factor sets in. Thus, Bentley has developed
the PopSet utility.
Insert Popset_Properties.tif
When PopSet is enabled (a green light),

the Tool Settings dialog will disappear
from view automatically. When a tool is
selected, the Tool Settings dialog will
reappear next to the selected tool button.
When the cursor is moved away from the
tool or dialog, the Tool Settings dialog
once again disappears automatically.
The speed of this automatic disap-

pearance and reappearance is controlled
by PopSet’s Properties settings. To access
these property settings, right-click on the
PopSet button and select Properties. Once PopSet is enabled, there are three
ways to force the Tool Settings dialog to reappear.
Select a command or hover the cursor over the previously selected com-
mand.
Hover the cursor over the PopSet button.
Press Ctrl + spacebar and the Tool Settings dialog will appear at the cur-
rent cursor location.
Repeating Commands
MicroStation commands automatically repeat until the next tool is selected.

AUTOCAD TIP: Remember, you do not have to reselect tools to use them
more than once. MicroStation commands remain running continuously
until a different tool is selected.
Tool Settings
A Different Class of Command
There are basically two types of commands performed by MicroStation: pri-

mary and view.
Primary commands: Include those that draw, modify, and manipulate
data in the design file. Use the regular (command) UNDO to reverse
your changes.
View commands: Include those that zoom, pan, and “move around” in
the design file. Use View Previous and View Next in the View Border to
UNDO View Control commands.
How does this affect you? All view commands are “transparent” commands,
which means that they will run within primary commands without ending
the primary command. Once the view command has been completed, com-
mand control is automatically returned to the primary command.
In Exercise 1-5, following, you have the opportunity to practice using the
PopSet utility.
EXERCISE 1-5: USING THE POPSET UTILITY

In this exercise you will learn how to use the PopSet utility to maximize your screen real
estate and how to work with the Tool Settings dialog efficiently and productively.
Working with the Tool Settings Dialog
2 Select the following tools and note the changes in the Tool Settings dialog. The Tool
Settings dialog can drastically change its size based on the active tool. This is another
factor that makes it difficult to find a permanent unobtrusive location for this dialog.
Selection tool
Insert SelectSettings.tif
SmartLine tool Place Block tool
Insert TextSettings.tif
Place Text tool
Activating the PopSet Utility

Now let’s activate the PopSet utility so that the Tool Settings dialog can disappear and
reappear on demand.
Insert PrimaryToolbar1.tif
3 Click on the PopSet Utility

icon on the Primary Tools
toolbar. Note the change in
color from red (inactive) to
green (active), indicating the
utility’s status.
4 With PopSet active, select the SmartLine tool but move the cursor away from the
SmartLine button and into the drawing view. Note that the Tool Settings dialog disap-
pears once you have moved away from the active button. This “automatic hide” frees
up valuable screen real estate.
Taming the Mouse
5 You can force the Tool Settings dialog to reappear via any of the following methods.
Move your cursor back to the active tool button.
Move your cursor back to the PopSet Utility button.
Insert autohide2.tif
Move your cursor back to the drawing view window and use the shortcut key
combination Ctrl + spacebar to get the Tool Settings dialog to appear at your cur-
rent cursor location.
Insert autohide3.tif
TAMING THE MOUSE

Mouse usage is basically the same in most Windows applications.
Two-button/Wheel Mouse
The following describes the functionality of the components of a two-but-
ton mouse with a wheel.
Insert Wheel_Mouse Settings.tif
Left button: Selects items and is commonly referred to as the

“data” button in MicroStation.
Right button: Stops or resets commands and is commonly
referred to as the “reset” button in MicroStation.
Wheel: Zooms in and out.
Additional wheel functionality is available through the User Preferences

feature. Select Workspace > Preferences and select the Mouse category to
modify these settings to your preferences.
Two-button Mouse
The following describe the functionality of the components of a two-button
mouse.
Left button: Selects items and is commonly referred to as the “data” but-
ton in MicroStation.
Right button: Stops or resets commands and is commonly referred to as
the “reset” button in MicroStation.
Additional Mouse Features

The following are other mouse features implemented in conjunction with
the keyboard.
Ctrl + left button: Adds and removes elements to the current selection
set using the Selection tool.
Shift + Ctrl + left button: Selects elements using the Overlap feature of
a selection set while using the Selection tool. This is similar to a crossing
window in AutoCAD.
AUTOCAD TIP: Use the PAN VIEW command with the Dynamic Display
tool setting activated to access a pan command similar to that found in
AutoCAD. However, you must use the “data” button (right mouse button)
rather than the wheel.
PRECISION SNAPS
Snapping to drawing elements is required by any user drawing with preci-
sion. MicroStation provides two methods for snapping to elements.
Precision Snaps
AccuSnap: The newest method providing multi-snap capabilities, simi-

lar to AutoCAD’s object snaps.
Tentative Snap: The original method provided in MicroStation since
version 2.0.
AccuSnap
This method is the preferred snap method for most users. AccuSnap pro-
vides the user with the ability to combine commonly used snap modes so
that more than one is available concurrently. This prevents the user from
having to change the snap modes during typical design session operations.
This method also provides on-screen feedback to confirm accuracy during
drawing and editing.
Tentative Snap
This method dates back to the earlier versions of MicroStation, wherein
users typically used a simple two-button mouse. To provide the needed
snapping capabilities, the “third” mouse button was simulated by pressing
both mouse buttons simultaneously. With the introduction of the three-
button mouse, this command moved to the middle button. A wheeled
mouse uses the wheel as a third or middle button and simulates all middle
button functions.
Insert Mouse two buttons.tif
Two-button mouse Three-button mouse
Mouse with wheel

AccuSnap feature and the tentative snap functionality.
EXERCISE 1-6: USING THE ACCUSNAP AND TENTATIVE SNAP FUNCTIONS

Insert addwall1.tif
In this exercise you will learn to use two

precision snap options provided by
MicroStation: AccuSnap and Tentative
Snap. Using these options you will add
missing wall lines to a design. These are
shown as dashed lines in the office layout
shown in the figure at left.
AccuSnap Method
1 Open the design file ACCUSNAP.
DGN. Before using the AccuSnap
method you must verify that AccuSnap
is enabled.
To verify that AccuSnap is enabled, go
to the status bar located at the bottom
of the application window and click on
the Active Snap Mode field.
Select AccuSnap from the pop-up menu
to open the AccuSnap Settings dialog.
Verify that Enable AccuSnap is acti-
vated (toggled On).
Now you are ready to use the AccuSnap method to add the missing wall lines to the design
drawing.
2 Select Place Line and move the cursor to the P1 location to identify the start point of
the wall (see figure on next page, at top).
Insert accusnap2.tif
When the cursor gets close to the keypoint on the line, the AccuSnap
icon (arc with blue dots) should appear, along with a yellow X to iden-
tify the snap point.
You must always accept an AccuSnap point, so issue a data point
(click the left mouse button) to accept this snap location. Your line should be attached
to point P1.
Precision Snaps
AUTOCAD TIP: The AccuSnap icon works differently than the OSnap marker in ac-
tual operation. The yellow X is the actual marker you need to see before you click
on a mouse button. The snap method icon (arc with blue dots) only indicates the
type of snap method currently active. The mistake most AutoCAD users make is to
click when only the snap method (blue) icon is visible and not the AccuSnap (yel-
low) icon. Making this mistake causes MicroStation to incorrectly snap to existing
geometry.
3 Use AccuSnap to snap to P2 and accept it. Use the Reset button (right mouse button)
to complete the current line segment.
4 Use AccuSnap to snap to P3 and accept it.
5 Use AccuSnap to snap to P4 and accept it. Use the Reset button to complete the cur-
rent line segment.
Insert accusnap6
6 Remove both lines using the Delete tool, or by using the Selection tool and pressing
the Delete key.
Tentative Snap Method
In the next few steps, you will learn to use the Tentative Snap feature to recreate the same
two wall lines. Before using the tentative snap method you must verify the configuration of
your mouse buttons.
7 To access the mouse button configuration, go to the pull-down menu Workspace >
Button Assignments. Verify the Tentative button setting for your current mouse type:
two-button mouse, two-button mouse with wheel, or three-button mouse.
Insert tentative1.tif
Two-button mouse
Two-button/
wheel mouse
Three-button
mouse
8 If your Tentative setting matches the applicable mouse type, skip to step 10. Otherwise,
continue with step 9.
Precision Snaps
9 Select the Tentative button assignment, move the cursor over the “button definition
area,” and click on the mouse button you want to use for tentative snap capability. This
is generally the middle button or the wheel.
10 Click on the OK button to accept the changes and close the Button Assignments dialog.
Now we are ready to use the tentative snap method to add the missing wall lines to the
design drawing.
11 Select Place Line tool and move the cursor to the P1 location to identify the start point
of the wall. Rather than using AccuSnap we will tentative snap to the existing wall line.
Issue a tentative snap (configured in the previous step) and the existing line should
highlight and a “larger crosshair” should display.
You must always accept a tentative snap, so issue a data point (left-click) to accept this
snap location.
Your line should be attached to point P1.
AUTOCAD TIP: If you miss the intended snap point when tentative snapping, the cursor
may highlight the wrong element, or display a dashed crosshair. If the wrong element is high-
lighted, just issue a second tentative snap and MicroStation will continue to cycle through all
available snap positions near your cursor. Once the correct element is highlighted, issue a data
point (left-click) to accept this location.
Insert tentative6
The dashed crosshair indicates that MicroStation could not find an element to
snap to. Move your cursor closer and try again.
12 Issue another tentative snap at P2 and accept it. Use the Reset
button (right-click) to complete the current line segment.
13 Issue a tentative snap at P3 and accept it.

14 Issue a tentative snap at P4 and accept it. Use the Reset button to complete the current
line segment.
15 Close the design file ACCUSNAP.DGN.
POWER DRAFT
All chapter content works the same in PowerDraft.
2: Basic DGN Concepts
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Understand the DGN file format
Learn the drawing setup
Establish standards using seed files
Introduction to the new V8 models
THE V8 DGN FILE

First, let’s explore a little history on the V7 DGN file format. The V7 DGN
file format has been the foundation of MicroStation since its inception in
the 1970s. Even though the software was not called MicroStation yet, the file
format was the reliable DGN we all learned to love. This format was very
fast and efficient, and more than satisfied the needs of that time frame. With
the explosion of Windows and CAD capabilities over the past few years,
many of us anxiously awaited an overhaul of the DGN format with the
release of V8. The following is a comparison of both DGN file formats.
V7 DGN FILE FORMAT:
Limit of 63 levels based on numbers and names
Limit of 32 MB DGN file size
Limit of 256 K symbol size
Limit of 6 characters for cell names
Limit of 256 reference files
Limit of 101 vertices per element
Limit of 256 characters in a single text element
Chapter 2: Basic DGN Concepts
V8 DGN FILE FORMAT:

Unlimited levels based on numbers and names
Maximum file size of 4 GB
Unlimited symbol size
500 character cell names
Unlimited references
5,000 vertices per element
65,535 characters in a single text element
Unlimited text node size
With these changes, the DGN file has matured into an extremely robust
CAD file format. In addition, the V8 DGN file includes the IEEE 754-1985
specification for the storage of coordinate geometry, which means that its
drawing plane is about 2 million times larger in the X and Y directions than
the V7 DGN file.
There are two types of DGN files: 2D and 3D. Both of these file types define
a “global origin,” which specifies a unique 0,0 location in the design plane or
design cube. This global origin is located in the center of the flat plane and
3D cube.
Insert cube1
The 2D DGN file provides a flat

2D drafting environment simi-
lar to a sheet of paper. This
environment consists of a lim-
ited design plane where data
can be input using X and Y
coordinates only. 2D files are
one-third smaller in file size
than 3D files.
The 3D DGN file provides a 3D

cube drafting environment
similar to the AutoCAD model.
This 3D environment consists
of a limited design cube where
data can be input using X, Y,
and Z coordinates.
Units and Drawing Setup
UNITS AND DRAWING SETUP

The DGN file format is controlled by many settings that can be modified by
the individual user based on their environment and production require-
ments. These settings are as follows.
Active Angle Active Scale

Axis Lock Color Table
Coordinate Readout Element Attributes
Fence Grid
Isometric Locks
Rendering Snaps
Stream Views
Working Units
The most commonly used settings are defined in the sections that follow.
ACTIVE ANGLE
The Active Angle settings define the current angle setting used by many
commands, such as place text and place cell. This setting is global to all
models in the design file. The active angle can be modified during command
operations using the Tool Settings dialog. This setting is saved with the file
using the Save Settings command. The Angle Lock setting controls the
active angle “round-off ” value. Use the key-in AA=angle value to set the
active angle.
ACTIVE SCALE
The Active Scale settings define the current scale setting used by many com-
mands, such as place cell and scale element. This setting is global to all mod-
els in the design file. The active scale can be modified during command
operations using the Tool Settings dialog. This setting is saved with the file
using the Save Settings command. The Scale Lock setting controls the active
scale “round-off ” value. Use the key-in AS=scale value to set the active scale.
COLOR TABLE
The Color Table settings define the active color table attached to the design
file. All 256 colors in the color table can be modified as needed. Color 256 is
reserved for the view window background color. Each model in the design
file can have a different color table attached. The AutoCAD standard color
table (acad.tbl) is delivered with MicroStation and can be attached if needed.
This setting is saved with the file using the Save Settings command. You can
restore the default color table using the key-in CT=<space-bar>.
COORDINATE READOUT
The Coordinate Readout settings define the accuracy of working units and
angles displayed during draw and measure commands. This setting is global
to all models in the design file. This setting is saved with the file using the
Save Settings command.
Insert units2
The working unit coordinate options are as follows.

Master units only (MU)
Master units and sub units (MU:SU)
Master units, sub units, and positional units (MU:SU:PU)
The figure at left shows a list of accuracy settings available for work-
ing units. The angle unit coordinate options are as follows:
Decimal Degrees
Degrees/Minutes/Seconds
Gradians
Radians
Insert units3
The formats for angular measurement available for working units are
as follows.
Conventional: Angles calculated counterclockwise from a hori-

zontal east base of zero
Azimuth: Angles calculated clockwise from vertical north base of
zero.
Bearing: Angles calculated NE, NW, SE, and SW from a quadrant
base of zero
The figure at left shows a list of accuracy settings available for angle
configurations.
ELEMENT ATTRIBUTES
The Element Attributes settings define the current settings for level, color,
line style, line weight, and element class. Each model in the design file can
have different element attributes defined. The element attributes can be
Units and Drawing Setup
modified during command operations using the Attributes toolbar or the

Tool Settings dialog. This setting is saved with the file using the Save Settings
command.
FENCE
The Fence settings define the current fence mode setting used by fence
manipulation commands such as clip reference and copy fence. This setting
is global to all models in the design file. The fence mode can be modified
during fence command operations using the Tool Settings dialog. This set-
ting is saved with the file using the Save Settings command.
GRID
The Grid settings define the grid unit settings used for drawing elements
with a grid guideline. Each model in the design file can have different grids
defined. This setting is saved with the file using the Save Settings command.
The Grid Lock setting controls whether or not you are forced to use grid
points during command operations.
SNAPS
The Snaps settings define the current snap mode used by most commands.
This setting is global to all models in the design file. The active snap can be
modified during command operations using toolbars, pop-up menus, key-
ins, and status bar controls. This setting is saved with the file using the Save
Settings command. The Snap Lock setting controls whether or not the Ten-
tative button is available.
VIEWS
The Views settings define the current view window size and viewing options.
The view window size can be modified with simple drag operations. These
settings are saved with the file using the Save Settings command. The Propor-
tional Resize option can help with specific view window sizing. The pixel size
does not include the scroll bars in each view window and can guarantee spe-
cific screen capture sizes for publishing and Internet image processing.
WORKING UNITS
Working units define the breakdown of the design plane or design cube into
“real-world” units of measurement. These units measurements are based on
the meter and conversions to other units of measurement are calculated using
14 decimal places of accuracy. These units can be defined as Imperial or Met-
ric, and you can even define your own custom unit definitions. Modifications
to working units no longer affect the size of previously constructed graphics
unless you change the positional resolution (advanced) settings. The labels
settings defined here control the labels used for dimension elements. These
settings are saved with the file using the Save Settings command.
The core items of the unit definition are master units, sub units, and posi-
tional units, sometimes referred to in the documentation as MU:SU:PU. Each
of these core items can be defined in your units of measurement.
Insert units4
Table 2-1 outlines examples of unit definitions.
TABLE 2-1: UNIT DEFINITIONS

System Units Unit Definition
Imperial Architectural MU:SU:PU
1:12:1000 1 foot = 12 inches
1 inch = 1,000 positional units
1 foot = 12,000 positional units
1:12:8000 1 foot = 12 inches
1 inch = 8,000 positional units
Imperial Civil MU:SU:PU
1:10:100 1 foot = 10 (tenths of a foot)
1 th = 100 positional units
Metric Architectural MU:SU:PU
1:10:100 1 mm = 10 (tenths of a foot)
1 mm = 100 positional units
1 mm = 1,000 positional units
Metric Civil MU:SU:PU
1:10:1000 1 m = 10 mm
1 mm = 1000 positional units
1 mm = 10,000 positional units
Locks
Use the applicable working unit format to input precision distances and
angles. Table 2-2 outlines examples of architectural units.
TABLE 2-2: ARCHITECTURAL UNITS: 1:12:1000 AND 1:12:8000

Distance Key-in Formats
2’-0” 2 2:0 :24
1’-6” 1.5 1:6 :30
3’-2 3/4” 3:2.75 3:2 3/4”
8 1/2” :8.5 :8 1/2
Table 2-3 outlines examples of civil/metric units.
TABLE 2-3: CIVIL/METRIC UNITS: 1:10:100 AND 1:10:1000

Distance Key-in Formats
2’-0” 2 2:0
1’-6” 1.5 1:5
3.75’ 3.75 3:7.5
6” .5 :5
LOCKS
Insert Locks.tif
There are several lock tools available for controlling how your drawing
points are processed. These locks can be accessed by selecting the Active
Locks icon found on the status bar at the bottom of the application window.
These settings are global to all models in the design file. These settings are
saved with the file using the Save Settings command.
Grid Lock: Locks your data points to the defined grid points and
restricts all data points and tentative points to the grid.
Level Lock: Locks you to the active level, restricting access to all other
levels.
Boresite (3D only): Allows you to snap to elements at any depth in the
design cube regardless of active Z-depth setting.
Annotation Scale: Forces text and dimension elements to scale auto-
matically based on the model’s drawing scale.
Insert locks1.tif
Text Node Lock: Restricts your text commands to text nodes

only. This is rarely used today and is largely a legacy com-
mand.
Graphic Group Lock: Controls how elements grouped using
the Add to Graphic Group command are managed. Pattern
elements are automatically created as graphic groups.
ACS Plane (3D only): Locks your data points to the active
Auxiliary Coordinate System Z-depth setting.
Fence Mode: Defines the active fence manipulation method:
Inside, Overlap, Clip, Void, Void Overlap, or Void Clip. Refer
to Chapter 6 for additional information on Fence commands
and tools.
Snap Lock: Controls the functionality of the tentative snap.
If inactive, the tentative capabilities are disabled. Refer to
Chapter 5 for additional information on the Snap Mode and
Divisor options.
Association Lock: Controls the “linking” capabilities of ele-
ments to each other. Elements can be linked to each other
automatically using this lock setting.
ACS Plane (3D only): Locks your tentative points to the active Auxil-
iary Coordinate System Z-depth setting.
Depth Lock (3D only): Locks your data points to a specified Z value.
Axis Lock: Locks your cursor to a specified angle defined by the Start
Angle and Increment Angle values. This restricts your ability to draw
angles freely, similar to the Ortho command in AutoCAD.
Start Angle: Defines the start angle for calculating element axis
restrictions.
Increment Angle: Defines the delta angles available from the start
angle when using Axis Lock.
Unit Lock: Locks your data points to “invisible” grid points and restricts
all data points and tentative points to this “invisible” grid. This is similar
to grid lock except that the grid lock works with a “visible” grid.
Distance: Defines the distance between the “invisible” grid points.
Isometric Lock: Locks your data points to an isometric plane using top,
left, and right; and restricts you to the angles of 30, 90, and 150.
Templates and Seed Files
Isometric Plane: Defines which plane the isometric lock is set to:
top left or right.
TIP: Use the Element Lock option to restrict modifications to graphics. You can
access this command by using the key-in CHANGE LOCK.
TEMPLATES AND SEED FILES

The concept of templates is widespread throughout many Windows appli-
cations and is probably not a new one to you. Even in AutoCAD you proba-
bly used a “template” file to define common settings one time and then
inherit them from that point forward. A seed file in MicroStation is the
same thing as a template. These seed files store common MicroStation set-
tings that need to be carried through to all DGN files created from this point
forward. Your organization should define corporate standards and define
these standards in a custom seed file. There are two types of seed files pro-
vided: 2D and 3D. Many sample seed files are provided, and they vary
mainly in the working unit setup.
A seed file is no different than any other DGN file you use to generate draw-
ings, and is usually set aside with restricted access to maintain the integrity
of the standards settings. The file extension for a seed file is .DGN, so theo-
retically any DGN file can be used as a seed file.
You can also use a DWG file as a seed file, which is generally recommended
if your project requires DWG deliverables.
MODELS AND SHEETS

The V8 DGN file format is constructed of one or more models that can con-
tain graphic elements. You can create two types of models in the V8 DGN
file: a design model and a sheet model. A design model is the working model
where most graphical elements will be placed and is available as 2D or 3D. A
sheet model is used to compose assemblies and plotted output and is avail-
able in 2D or 3D.
This concept is similar to the ModelSpace/PaperSpace concept found in

AutoCAD, but Bentley took it one step further to allow you to create multi-
ple model spaces, and multiple paper spaces in a single DGN file.
MicroStation models can be compared to the sheets found in Excel in

regard to their independence in both functionality and settings. In Excel,
one sheet may show columns and rows formatted one way, while another
sheet in the same workbook can use completely different columns, rows,
and formatted data. Where Excel uses “textual” data, MicroStation uses
“graphical” data such as lines, circles, and arcs.
MicroStation has independent graphical spaces called models. The number

of models you can create is unlimited. Just because you can create unlimited
models does not mean, however, that you should. So what are some of the
uses for these new models? Use them to achieve the following.
Improve your plotting environment
Improve your working environment
Organize your details
Work with assembly drawings
Control sheet size and annotation scale
Using Models
First, let’s investigate how models are created and how you can navigate
through them.
Insert models
THE MODELS DIALOG

This button is available on the Primary Tools toolbar. However, it is hidden
by default. You can activate the Models button by right-clicking directly on
the toolbar and checking the option for Models. (Refer to Chapter 2 for
additional interface information.)
Insert models1
Create a Model. By default, the 2D design file will have one design model
Insert create_model.tif
and no sheet model. You can use the Create Model button to create a new
model of either type.
Insert models2
Models and Sheets
Design Models. The following are the steps for creating a design model.
1 Set the type of model to Design.
2 Select 2D or 3D.
3 Key in a model name and description (optional).
4 Key in a logical name if needed (optional).
5 Define the model scale if using annotation scale for text and dimensions.
6 Determine whether or not this model will be used as a cell in other DGN
files. If being used as a cell, specify the type of cell as graphic or point.
7 Decide whether or not you want a view group created automatically for
navigational purposes.
Sheet Models. The following are the steps for creating a sheet model.
1 Set the type of model to Design.
2 Select 2D or 3D.
3 Key in a model name and description (optional).
4 Key in a logical name if needed (optional).
5 Define the model scale if using annotation scale for text and dimen-
sions.
6 If you prefer to “see” the paper edges, activate the Display Sheet Layout
setting.
7 Set the required paper size for the plotted output.
8 Determine whether or not this model will be used as a cell in other DGN
files. If being used as a cell, specify the type of cell as graphic or point.
9 Decide whether or not you want a view group created automatically for
navigational purposes.
Insert models3
EDIT MODEL PROPERTIES

Insert modify_model.tif
You can modify any of the model properties (with the exception of 2D or
3D) using the Edit Model Properties button.
IMPORT A MODEL
Insert import_model.tif
One of the best features available for models is the ability to import them
from other design files. This is an excellent way of standardizing model
configurations and easily distributing them throughout the organization.
Models and Sheets
Insert models4
For example, your organization has standard paper sizes and borders. Set up
a Standard Sheets.DGN file on your server and allow users to access it via the
Import a Model button. Wouldn’t it be a shame if you never had to set up
another sheet? Table 2-4 outlines the content of a sample standard sheets file.
Insert models5
TABLE 2-4: STANDARD SHEETS FILE

DGN-specific Information Model-specific Information
Levels Working Units

Text Styles Color Table
Dimension Styles View Attributes
DGN-specific Information Model-specific Information
Multi-Line Styles Element Attributes

Active Angle Grid Settings
Active Scale View Settings
Coordinate Readout Saved Views
Fence Mode Named Groups
Snap Mode
Locks
Tag Sets
Cell Library Attachments
Line Style Resources
AccuDraw Settings
FILE TYPES
The following file types are supported in MicroStation V8.
DGN: MicroStation design files
DWG: AutoCAD drawing files
DXF: Autodesk drawing exchange file
CEL: Cell libraries
DGNLIB: Standard content libraries for levels, text styles, dimension
styles, and multi-lines
RDL: Bentley redline files
S01: Bentley sheet files
HLN: Hidden line files
RSC: Resource files and fonts
TBL: Color tables and pen tables
CTB: Autodesk color-based plot style tables
File Types
STB: Autodesk named plot style tables

DEF: File definitions
XLS: MicroSoft Excel spreadsheets
CSV: Microsoft Excel ASCII format
MDL: Development languages application file
MA: MDL compiled file
BAS: Basic macro file
BA: BAS compiled file
MVBA: Visual Basic application file
MDB: Microsoft database file
PAL: Material palette file
MNU: Menu file and function keys
PLT: Plot driver files
SHX: AutoCAD font files
INI: Plotting settings files
UCF: User configuration files
UPF: User preference files
CFG: Workspace configuration files
PCF: Project configuration files
R01: Interface resource files
M01: Menu resource files
BCNV: Batch convert settings files
BPRC: Batch process settings files
PZIP: Packager files
MAR: Archive (V7) files
LIC: License files
Raster-supported File Types
The following raster formats are supported in MicroStation V8.

Insert rastertypes
3: View Control
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn to use multiple view windows effectively
Learn to control the display of graphics
Understand the purpose and use of view groups
Learn to save typical view window settings
This chapter is intended to familiarize the AutoCAD user with the multi-
view environment found in MicroStation. The understanding and use of
multiple view windows are critical to improving your everyday productivity.
Learning to take advantage of more than one view window and how they can
eliminate repetitive daily tasks is an important subject to master. MicroStation
provides a multi-view environment that allows you to make use of as many as
eight views simultaneously during the design process. Although these views
work independently of one another, they allow you to work seamlessly
between them. Think of them as eight independently controlled “cameras”
that can each be used to view different areas of the same drawing.
The eight views also allow you to view a design file using different variations
of levels, symbology, zoom area, view attributes, and so on. This flexibility can
provide increased productivity when working with large geographic areas.
USING MULTIPLE VIEWS

AutoCAD users typically use a single viewport when working in model space.
The availability of multiple viewports exists in AutoCAD, but most users uti-
lize it only when working on a 3D model. The use of multiple views (see fol-
lowing figure) is a long-standing concept in MicroStation, whether you are
Chapter 3: View Control
working in 2D or 3D. One benefit found in MicroStation is the lack of the

focus requirement when moving from one view window to another. When
working in MicroStation, there is no concept of view focus and thus you are
not required to move the focus by selecting a view. Remember, all views are
available all of the time. Let’s take a look at how you can put MicroStation’s
multiple-view functionality to work in a 2D drawing environment.
Insert Sample_MultipleViews.tif
ACCESSING VIEW COMMANDS

Getting to the view control commands is simple because they are available
from so many locations. This allows you to access them from a convenient
location while working, and allows each user to use their preferred method.
View Control Toolbar
The View Control toolbar contains all of the 2D and 3D view control tools,
as follows. Many of these buttons are 3D only and not available from a 2D
design file.
Update View Zoom In
Zoom Out Window Area
Accessing View Commands
Fit View Rotate View

Pan View View Previous
View Next Copy View
Zoom In and Out (3D only) Change View Perspective (3D only)
Set Display Depth (3D only) Set Active Depth (3D only)
Show Display Depth (3D only) Show Active Depth (3D only)
Camera Settings (3D only) Render
Clip Volume Clip Mask
Insert ViewControl1.tif
View Control Buttons
The buttons shown in the following figure are available in the scroll bar area
of each individual view. Some of these buttons are turned off by default, but
each user can customize what buttons are available. Use the pulldown menu
Workspace > Customize and the View Border tab to add additional view
control buttons to the view border commands.
Insert UpdateView.tif
UPDATE VIEW
The Update View tool will redraw or repaint a view window. This is usually
needed when there has been significant editing done in a view and “pixel
dust” is left behind after the edits are complete, or when edits are made in a
view that has been dynamically panned.
Insert ZoomIn.tif
ZOOM IN
The Zoom In tool moves the view closer to the drawing, providing a more
detailed view.
Insert ZoomIn2.tif
The Tool Settings dialog provides access to the zoom ratio setting, which allows
you to zoom in faster or slower based on this value. The following are examples.
Zoom Ratio 2.00: Zooms in to display half the current view area, and
elements appear two times larger.
Zoom Ratio 4.00: Zooms in to display one-fourth the current view area,
and elements appear four times larger.
Zoom Ratio 1.00: Would make no change to the current view area, and
element size would not change. This setting will effectively convert the
Zoom tool to the Pan tool.
ZOOM OUT
Insert ZoomOut.tif
The Zoom Out tool moves the view farther away from the drawing, provid-
ing a less detailed view. The Tool Settings dialog provides access to the
zoom ratio, which allows you to zoom in faster or slower based on this
value. The following are examples.
Zoom Ratio 2.00: Zooms out to display twice the current view area, and
elements appear half the previous size.
Zoom Ratio 4.00: Zooms out to display four times the current view
area, and elements appear one-quarter the previous size.
Zoom Ratio 1.00: Would make no change to the current view area, and
elements size would not change. This setting will effectively convert the
Zoom tool to the Pan tool.
Insert WindowArea.tif
WINDOW AREA
The Window Area tool allows you to specify the exact portion of the draw-
ing you need to view. By specifying a rectangular area you can zoom in to an
area of the drawing exactly as needed. The aspect ratio of the defined rect-
angular area is determined by the aspect ratio of the view from which the
window area command was selected.
Insert Window_Area2.tif
The Tool Settings dialog provides you with the ability to apply the resulting
view to an alternate view window. If you select the Window Area tool from
view 1, by default it is assumed you want to apply the result to view 1. If you
select the Window Area tool from view 2, it is assumed you want to apply
the result to view 2. By selecting a different “apply to window” in the tool
settings dialog, you can make the area selection using one view and display
that area result in another view.
TIP: You can keep one window open, showing the entire design, and use it
to perform viewing commands in other windows. This is similar to Aerial
View in AutoCAD.
Window Area only changes the region of the drawing being viewed, it does
not change the display levels or view attributes in the destination view. If
you select the Window Area tool from a toolbar or from a pop-up menu,
MicroStation is unable to predict where you want to apply the result. In
either case, you need to select the view to which you want to apply the
result.
Insert FitView.tif
FIT VIEW
The Fit View tool allows you to “fit” the entire drawing in a single view. The
Tool Settings dialog provides options for optimizing what portion(s) of the
drawing you want to fit in the view.
Insert FitView2.tif
All: Fits all files, including active, reference, and raster attachments.
Active: Fits only the active design file.
Reference: Fits only reference file attachments.
Raster: Fits only raster file attachments.
Insert RotateView.tif
ROTATE VIEW
The Rotate View tool allows you to rotate the view of the drawing, but not
the actual elements in the drawing, for easier viewing and manipulation.
Insert Rotate_View2.tif
The Tool Settings dialog provides two methods for rotating the view.
2 Points: Rotates the view interactively using a pivot point and angle.
Unrotated: Reorients the view back to the default “top” view.
AUTOCAD TIP: You can use the RV shortcut key-in to rotate the view by a
specific angle. Key in RV=angle_value and select the view you want to ro-
tate. There are many more shortcut key-ins available in MicroStation (see
Appendix A).
Insert PanView.tif
PAN VIEW
The Pan View tool allows you to move around the drawing without modify-
ing the zoom ratio.
Insert Pan_View2.tif
The Tool Settings dialog provides an option for dynamic panning, which
allows you to see the drawing move during the pan operation.
Insert ViewPrevious.tif
VIEW PREVIOUS
The View Previous tool allows you to back up to the previous view area,
simulating an Undo of the last view manipulation. MicroStation stores the
current session view manipulations in memory for possible undo later.
View Previous will recognize changes made to view attribute settings
including changes made to levels.
Insert ViewNext.tif
VIEW NEXT
The View Next tool allows you to move forward to the next view area, sim-
ulating a Redo of the last view manipulation. MicroStation stores the cur-
rent session view manipulations in memory for possible redo later. The
View Next command can be issued only after a View Previous has been
used. This tool recognizes changes made to view attribute settings including
changes made to levels.
Insert CopyView.tif
COPY VIEW
The Copy View tool allows you to copy an existing view’s settings to
another view. All settings are copied, including viewing area, view
attributes, and level settings.
Right-click Menu View Controls
The view control commands can also be accessed through a right-click

menu. This method is recommended if screen real estate is limited, or if you
rarely use a particular view command and only need to access it occasionally.
Quickset Save
There are some unique view control com-

mands available from this menu that are not
Quickset Recall
found on the View Command toolbar or View
Displayset Control buttons.
AutoCAD Command Comparison
AutoCAD View Commands MicroStation View Commands
Regen All Update View

Zoom Window Window Area
Zoom Extents Fit View
UCS about Z with UCSFOLLOW ON Rotate View
Zoom Previous View Previous
Zoom Next View Next
N/A Copy View
3D Orbit Change View Perspective (3D only)
3D Orbit—Adjust Clipping Plane Set Display Depth (3D only)
N/A Show Display Depth (3D only)
Camera Camera Settings (3D only)
3D Orbit—Front/Back Clipping On/Off Clip Volume
AutoCAD
RIGHT-CLICK MENUS
AutoCAD provides quick access to the view
commands using a Right-Click menu; how-
ever, most users prefer access using mouse
controls.
Mouse-activated View Controls

The most commonly used view commands are available right on the mouse.
These settings can be changed via Workspace > Preferences > and select the
Mouse category.
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Pan
AutoCAD
MOUSE-ACTIVATED VIEW COMMANDS

Among the most productive tools in AutoCAD are the mouse tools themselves. Full access to
these tools require that you have a two-button mouse with a wheel. However, some tools are
available without the wheel.
AutoCAD
The mouse buttons and wheel in AutoCAD provide easy access to the following commands.
Zoom In: Roll wheel forward
Zoom Out: Roll wheel backward
Pan: Hold down the wheel
Dynamic Pan: Hold down the wheel + hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard.
Zoom Extents: Double-click the wheel
MicroStation V8 also provides some of these tools on the mouse, with subtle differences.
AutoCAD MicroStation
Mouse pick: Keyboard: This functionality is identical to that found in AutoCAD.

Zoom In Roll the wheel forward to zoom in. The location of the cur-
sor prior to rolling the wheel controls the point that is
Zoom In zoomed in on.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: This functionality is identical to that found in AutoCAD.

Zoom Out Roll the wheel backward to zoom out. The location of the
cursor prior to rolling the wheel controls the point that is
Zoom Out zoomed out from.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: You cannot use the wheel to pan in MicroStation V8. How-
Pan ever, there are several alternative options to choose from.
First, try using the Pan View command located in the view
Pan control buttons found at the bottom of each view. Be sure to
turn on the Dynamic Display option in the Tool Settings dia-
log to more closely mimic the pan found in AutoCAD.
Second, you can use the typical MicroStation Pan command
using a combination of the Shift key on the keyboard and
Left mouse button. You must continue to hold down the
Shift key and the Left mouse button while dragging the cur-
sor around the screen. This Pan command will pan in the
opposite direction from what you are used to in AutoCAD.
DYNAMIC PAN
There are user preference options that are somewhat similar
to this function in AutoCAD, however, they are difficult to
control at best. As a long time MicroStation and AutoCAD
user I recommend the options previously discussed.
To access these settings:
1 Select Workspace >Preferences.
2 Select the Mouse category and modify the Pan Radial
and Pan with Zoom settings.
Try it out—you might find you prefer this method (that is
why they are “user preferences”).
Keyboard: ZOOMFACTOR You can control this setting in MicroStation through the
This is the system variable that Zoom Ratio setting found in the Tool Settings dialog. You
controls the speed of mouse can permanently change the Zoom Ratio setting through
zooming capabilities in user preferences.
AutoCAD.
AUTOCAD TIP: Think of your cursor as a car driving along the screen. As you move the
cursor on the screen you proceed forward in that direction, causing the drawing to pass
you by. The farther you drag the cursor from the “start point,” the harder you are pushing
on the accelerator so the faster you can pan. If you keep this in mind, you “drive” the pan
command to go where you want.
Insert View_Attributes.tif
VIEW ATTRIBUTES
There are several attributes associated with
MicroStation view windows that control every-
thing from how text displays to fill patterns and
drawing aids. These attributes (see the figure at
left) control what type of design data, and at
what level of detail, the user sees data in indi-
vidual view windows. This information can be
controlled independently for each view. For
example, you can speed up the refresh rate of a
view window by enabling fast text, fast cells, fast
curves, and disabling patterns. The display of
construction lines for design elements can also
be controlled. The next section provides the
definitions of all available view attributes.
The View Attributes dialog can be accessed in any of the following ways.
Select Settings > View Attributes.
Select the Bentley “B” logo on any view window and then select View
Attributes.
Press Ctrl + B to open the View Attributes dialog.
The following is a list of common view attributes and their definitions. Each
user will develop their own preferences for controlling view attributes display,
and these preferences can be saved with the design file. View attribute settings
are not saved with the design file until the Save Settings command is executed.
ACS Triad: An XYZ coordinate triad similar to the UCS icon found in
AutoCAD. This option displays at 0,0,0 in the current coordinate system.
Boundary Display: Displays the boundary lines for clipped references
and models and helps to distinguish the extents of a reference file from
other graphics. The type of boundary displayed is controlled by the
Hilite Mode option, found in the Reference dialog.
Camera: Displays a camera angle of the view. Available in 3D only.
Clip Back: Controls the display of elements located behind the defined
clipping area. Available in 3D only.
Clip Front: Controls the display of elements located in front of the
defined clipping area. Available in 3D only.
View Attributes
Clip Volume: Controls the display of elements located outside a defined

volume area. If activated, the view is restricted to elements within the
defined volume area. If no clip volume has been defined, it has no effect.
Constructions: Displays construction class elements only. Any element
can be placed as construction class rather than primary class. However,
the default element class is primary.
Dynamics: Controls whether or not you see simple screen dynamics
when elements are moved or modified.
Data Fields: Displays the underscore ( _ ) character on enter-data field
text elements so that they can be distinguished from normal text ele-
ments. Text displayed with characters and an underscore character are
enter-data fields. The use of the underscore character to represent an
enter-data field is controlled by the user preference setting found in
Workspace > Preferences > Text > ED Character.
DisplaySet: Causes the view to display only the elements in a predefined
selection set. All other element displays are disabled. This allows you to limit
what graphics are displayed independent of levels and clipping boundaries.
Fast Cells: Displays all cells as “simple boxes” rather than in complete
detail, and speeds up the display of the drawing.
Fast Curves: Displays complex curved elements as straight linear seg-
ments, and speeds up the display of the drawing.
Fast Font: Displays all text in the “fast font” rather than in specific font
details, and speeds up the display of the drawing.
Fill: Controls the display of solid fills, commonly used for opaque
shapes and filled fonts.
Grid: Controls the display of a drawing grid. The spacing of the grid is
controlled by design file settings found in Settings > Design File > Grid.
Level Symbology: Controls the display of alternative element properties
such as color, weight, and style. The alternative properties are defined
using the Symbology Overrides settings in Level Manager.
Line Styles: Controls the display of custom line types in detail or as
solid or continuous lines, and speeds up the display of the drawing.
Line Weights: Controls the display of element line weight. When deacti-
vated, all line weights are displayed as weight 0.
Patterns: Controls the display of patterns or hatches that can slow down
the display of the drawing.
Tags: Controls the display of tag elements, which are the similar to block
attributes found in AutoCAD.
Text: Controls the display of text. When deactivated, no text will be dis-
played for both text elements and dimensions.
Text Nodes: Displays the node number and origin for multiline text elements.
This node number is important to the internal workings of MicroStation.
ELEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS
The concept of element classifications dates to the processes and steps used
in manual drafting. Manual drafting used to consist of linework and guide-
lines (construction lines), both used to create a final engineering drawing.
The process of drawing construction lines was still used in the early days of
CAD, when command functionality and precision input were more difficult
to use. You probably won’t use many construction lines today, but these leg-
acy commands and functions remain in many CAD products.
All elements in MicroStation have a classification (class) rating assigned to

them. The available element classes are as follows.
Primary Primary Rule
Construction Construction Rule
Dimension Linear Pattern
Pattern Component
By default elements placed in a design file are considered primary class ele-
ments, which means that they are intended as permanent drawing compo-
nents. Construction class elements can be placed in the design file when
they are intended as temporary or are considered guidelines for creating
additional primary elements.
Some unique capabilities are available when using MicroStation’s construc-

tion class elements. You can control the display of construction lines with-
out affecting primary lines, independent of level display. Construction lines
are a view attribute that can be activated or deactivated in any view window.
You can also choose to plot primary class elements only. This allows you to
place construction class elements in the design file for informational pur-
Element Classifications
poses only, and you can choose not to plot them. Use the print attribute set-
tings available in plotting to accomplish this. You can change an element’s
classification using the Change Properties or Element Information tools
(discussed in Chapter 6).

[
AutoCAD
VIEW DISPLAYS
AutoCAD does not provide equivalent view display controls when compared to MST. However,
there are a few similarities. Available view display controls include the following:
Grid
Dynamic
Lineweight
Grid Use the View Attributes Grid setting to display a

grid in the appropriate view. Control the grid size
using Design File settings.
Access the grid settings using: the pulldown Set-
tings > Design File.
Select the Grid category and modify the grid set-
tings as needed.
Dynamic The only dynamic controls available in V8 are
This is a new setting in AutoCAD 2006 those that control whether you want to see graphics
that provides on-screen feedback for most move with your cursor during modifications, such
commands. as copy, move, stretch and other modify com-
mands. You can control this dynamic display using
the View Attribute settings.
Lineweight You can disable the display of lineweight in
The display of lineweight in AutoCAD MicroStation using View Attribute settings.
has been available for many years, even
though the typical AutoCAD user
chooses not to use this feature.
SAVE SETTINGS AND SAVED VIEWS

The Save Settings tool saves file- and view-specific settings, not the file data.
These settings include view positions and display, design file settings, level
settings, view attributes, and color table settings. The settings for all views
will be saved. The Save Settings command is accessed by any of the follow-
ing methods.
Select File > Save Settings.
Use the Ctrl + F shortcut key combination.
Activate the automatic Save Settings feature found in MicroStation’s user
preferences. This causes the Save Settings command to be executed
automatically whenever you close a file or exit the application. You can
access this preference setting from Workspace > Preferences > Opera-
tion > Save Settings on Exit.
Saved views are a different concept and are very useful for automating day-
to-day viewing manipulations, which can save considerable time down the
road. Ask any user how much time they spend zooming and panning on a
daily basis and you will soon see how this tool can eliminate repeated view
manipulations.
Insert Saved_Views.tif
It is often worthwhile to spend time setting

up a standard view with a window area, view
attributes, and level state (on/off) so that you
can then save it using the Saved Views com-
mand. This way, you do not have to repeat
these steps again later. Everyone uses these
view settings a little differently, and thus if
another user opens your file and makes
changes to the active view settings you can
instantly recall your saved view settings. Sav-
ing a view is a simple process, as follow.
1 Set up the view area, levels, and sym-
bology in the desired view window.
2 Select Utilities > Saved Views.
3 Key in a logical name for later recall.
Save Settings and Saved Views
You can also use saved views to automate reference file attachments and
clipping boundaries while using the new model’s functionality. Refer to
Chapter 6 for additional information on reference files.
AutoCAD
NAMED VIEWS
I often wonder why AutoCAD users don’t use named views more than they do. I consider this
one of the most overlooked tools in the AutoCAD arsenal. But I am sure that when you see
what additional functionality is available in MicroStation’s Saved Views you won’t be able to
resist.
So what are the differences between named views and saved views? The following is a list of
what is saved with each view type. MicroStation’s Saved Views store more information than
their counterparts in AutoCAD. Saved Views can memorize window aspect ratios, size and
position, camera position, view attributes, clip volume, levels, and reference settings.
AutoCAD Named Views MicroStation Saved Views
Category: Defines what Sheet Set category N/A

Location: Defines which model or layout Window
Viewport: Defines any viewport association N/A
Layers: Defines what layer state is stored Levels
UCS: Defines what coordinate system to use Window
Perspective: Defines if view is in perspective Camera
N/A View Attributes
N/A Clip Volume
N/A Reference Settings
Orthographic and Isometric Views
The following outlines respective MicroStation and AutoCAD predefined

view orientation settings available by default.
AutoCAD
ORTHOGRAPHIC AND ISOMETRIC VIEWS
This is a list of predefined view orientation settings that are available by default. Identical settings
are available in MicroStation.
AutoCAD Orientation Views MicroStation
Top Top
Bottom Bottom
Front Front
Back Back
Left Left
Right Right
Southwest Isometric Isometric
Southeast Isometric Right Isometric
Northwest Isometric Must be rotated manually
Northeast Isometric Must be rotated manually
3D Orbit Dynamic
Insert View_Groups.tif
VIEW GROUPS
Use the View Groups functionality to control view window arrangements
and their associated display settings. These groups can store and recall the
same information as saved views, with the addition of multiple view win-
dow control. View groups can also be used to navigate between models and
sheets. In Exercise 3-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice
using MicroStation view control functionality.
EXERCISE 3-1: CONTROLLING VIEWS

In this exercise you will learn how to control multiple views in MicroStation using basic
view control commands such as View On, View Off, Zoom, Pan, Window Area, and Fit.
Discover how you can take advantage of more than one view.
View Groups
Insert CH2-1-1A
1 Open the design file

ARCH_VIEWS_1.DGN.
The first thing you need to
do is to turn views on or off
as needed. As you can see
upon opening the design
file, there are three views
open in this design configu-
ration. You can turn them
on or off using the View
Groups toolbar located at
the bottom of your applica-
tion window.
2 Select the number 4 to
turn off view 4. Select
the number 3 to turn on
view 3.
Insert CH2-1-2A
3 To rearrange the view windows, go to the pull-down menu Window > Tile to tile all
three view windows.
The next few steps will teach you how to use the mouse view controls. First, let’s use the
wheel to zoom in and out.
4 Place your cursor in the middle of view 1 and roll the mouse wheel forward to zoom in
and backward to zoom out. Note that the location of the cursor (crosshair) determines
the point to zoom about.
AUTOCAD TIP: If you issue a tentative snap in the view and then roll the wheel, the result
is a combination of zoom center and zoom in/out functionality.
Next, let’s use the mouse to pan in a view.
5 Place your cursor in the middle of the view 2 window. Hold down the Shift key and the
left mouse button.
Drag your cursor to the right and the view should pan. Move your cursor farther to
speed it up
Practice moving around in the view with the dynamic pan functionality.
Now you are ready to use the View Control tools located on each view window.
Insert CH2-1-6A
6 Select the Fit View tool from view 1. You should see immediately that the entire draw-
ing is now in that view. This is similar to the Zoom Extents command in AutoCAD.
7 Issue another data point in view 2 and a Fit View command will execute there as well.
(That is, you do not have to select the Fit View command from view 2.) Once you are
in a view command, you can execute that view command in any open view window.
8 Select the Update View tool from view 3 and the view display will regenerate. It is
almost instantaneous, so watch closely. You might see just a flicker.
We now want to learn to use the Window Area command to obtain the exact region
needed in our view.
Insert CH2-1-9A
9 Select the Window Area tool from view 1.

10 Draw a box around the stair area on the west side of the building in view 1.
Now let’s try to use the Window Area command between views.
11 Select the Window Area tool from view 3.
12 Draw a box around the stair area on the east side of the building in view 2.
View Groups
The result of a window area command is displayed in the view window you selected
the view command from. Thus, the result should end up in view 3.
Your final view windows should look like those shown in the following figure.
Insert CH2-1-12A
Insert CH2-1-14A
Believe it or not, there is one more option for accessing the view
control commands. Because these tools are used so often every
day, they are also available as a pop-up menu.
13 Place you cursor anywhere in a view window.
14 Hold down the Shift key and right-click.
You should see this pop-up menu on the screen contain-
ing the previously discussed view commands.
In Exercise 3-2, following, you have the opportunity to practice using Micro-
Station’s view attributes functionality.
EXERCISE 3-2: VIEW ATTRIBUTES

In this exercise you will learn how to establish what type of elements are used and how
they display in view windows.
1 Open the design file CIVIL_VIEWS_1.DGN.
Insert CH2-2-1A
Let’s find out how we can “tweak” the appearance of the view windows based on the view
attributes.
2 You can access the View Attributes dialog via one of the following methods.
Press Ctrl + B.
Pick on the Bentley “B” on any view window and select the View Attributes command.
Settings > View Attributes
Insert CH2-2-2A
View Groups
Insert CH2-2-3A
3 Toggle OFF the Text attribute and click on the

Apply button to apply this change to view 1.
You should immediately see that all text has
disappeared in view 1.
4 Toggle the Text attribute back ON.
5 Toggle the Data Fields attribute ON and OFF
and apply it to view 1.
Note the changes in the Project Number dis-
play.
6 Toggle the Level Symbology attribute ON and OFF and apply it to view 1.
Note the changes in color, line styles, and line weights.
Insert CH2-2-6A
7 Toggle the Line Styles attribute ON and OFF and apply it to view 1. Note the changes in
the railroad line style located east of the parcels.
Insert CH2-2-7A
As you can see, there are several beneficial display attributes that simplify
your working view, your plotting view, or any viewing circumstances you
might find yourself in.
AUTOCAD TIP: Level symbology functionality in MicroStation is very sim-
ilar to AutoCAD’s VISRETAIN settings, but with a twist! These settings
have an ON and OFF switch. Some of you might even compare this to a
combination of VISRETAIN and layer states, and you are right.

with MicroStation’s transparent view commands.
EXERCISE 3-3: TRANSPARENT VIEW COMMANDS

In this exercise you will learn how transparent the functionality between multiple views
really is. You should be beginning to realize that even though there are eight independent
views they really act like one.
While using the Line tool, we can run the zoom and window area commands transparently
right in the middle of the drawing function. The dashed lines represent the lines you are
about to complete.
1 Open the design file TRANSPARENT_VIEWS.DGN.
Insert CH2-3-1A
View Groups
In the next few steps you will draw a line from BOX 1 to BOX 2 and use the Zoom In com-
mand in the middle of the line placement command.
2 Select the Line tool and snap to the keypoint (end point) at P1.
3 Select the Zoom In tool from the view controls in view 4. Issue a data point in the mid-
dle of BOX 2 to zoom in on the box.
4 Issue a reset (right-click) to complete the zoom command and return to the place line
command.
5 Snap to the keypoint at P2. Issue a reset to complete the command.
Insert CH2-3-5A
Let’s try another one. Draw a line from BOX 3 to BOX 4 and use the window area com-
mand in the middle of the line placement command to zoom in on BOX 4.
Insert CH2-3-6A
6 Select the Line tool and snap to the keypoint (end point) at P3.
7 Select the Window Area tool from the view controls in view 3. Draw a window around
BOX 4 to move the display closer to the box.
8 Issue a reset (right-click) to complete the window area command and return to the
place line command.
9 Snap to the keypoint at P4. Issue a reset to complete the command.
Insert CH2-3-9A
In Exercise 3-4, following, you have the opportunity to practice using saved
views and view groups.
Insert CH2-4-1A
EXERCISE 3-4: USING SAVED

VIEWS AND VIEW GROUPS
In this exercise you will learn how create
a saved view with settings stored for later
access. This is especially useful for taking
advantage of level standards and plotting
output standards.
SAVED_VIEWS_1.DGN.
2 To access the Saved View com-
mand go to the pull-down menu
Utilities > Saved Views.
View Groups
Insert saved_views1
3 Click on the Save View button and key in the name Reception.
Click on the OK button to close this dialog.
4 Verify that the Levels setting is toggled on under the Apply options section of the dia-
log. (Your new saved view will remember the current status of the levels.)
Click on the Close button to exit the dialog.
5 To restore a previously saved view, go to the pull-down menu Utilities > Saved Views.
6 Highlight the saved view Reception NO TEXT and then click on the Apply button.
Note the changes in view 1. The text should have disappeared because those levels
were not on when this saved view was created.
7 Highlight the saved view you just created named Reception and again click on the
Apply button. The text should reappear because it was on when you saved the view.
Insert CH2-4-7A
The last thing for you to learn is how to save and use view groups. This is new to MicroSta-
tion in V8. You will likely find some very beneficial uses for it.
8 Open the design file VIEWGROUPS.DGN.
Insert CH2-4-8A
9 The View Groups toolbar is active by default, and you should see it docked at the bot-
tom of the application window.
Insert CH2-4-9A
10 Select the View Group drop-down list and select Floor Plan from the list. Note the
changes in the drawing levels.
11 Select the View Group drop-down list and select Electrical from the list.
This time you should see changes in the levels and changes in the view windows them-
selves. Views 1 through 4 are now open and tiled in the application.
12 Select the View Group drop-down list and select Default Views to return to the first
view window setup.
Using 3D Views
You can make your own view groups by arranging the view in any order you want.
Insert viewgroups.tif
13 Turn off views 3 and 4. Tile the remaining view windows using Window > Tile.
14 Click on the Manage View Groups button.
15 Click on the Create View Group button and key in My Views for the name.
Click on OK to close this dialog.
16 Switch to view group Dimensions and switch back to view group My Views
to test the view group settings.
17 Click on the Close button to close this dialog.
USING 3D VIEWS
MicroStation separates 2D and 3D drafting using specific 2D and 3D design
files. This minimizes the amount of information stored and reduces file size
when 2D output is all that is required. This section discusses 3D viewing
commands only.
Display Volume
Working in a 3D model can be difficult, especially when the model is large

and complex. Getting to the “right spot” through all of the clutter can be
confusing at best. Having the ability to clip the model to exactly what you
want to work on is indispensable. Use the 3D clipping planes available via
View Attributes to control the view of your working area.
Insert Display_Volume.tif
EXERCISE 3-5: 3D MULTIPLE VIEWS

The Clip Volume tool is used to isolate a specific 3D space within a 3D model for the pur-
pose of viewing that space exclusively.
1 Open the design file 3Ddisc.DGN.
Insert CH4-1A.tif
2 To access the Clip Volume toolbar, go to the pull-down menu Tools > Tool Boxes.
InsertCH4-2A.tifInsert CH4-3A.tif
3 Select the 3D View Control toolbar.

4 Select the Clip Volume tool. The Tool
Settings dialog will change to reveal a
set of options for this command.
Using 3D Views
Insert CH4-4A.tif
Select the Apply Clip Volume By 2 Points

option identified as item 1, and uncheck the
Display Clip Element option identified as item
2.
5 Pick around the hub of the disc at P1 and P2 in
view 4.
Issue a data point anywhere in view 2 to apply
the clip volume to view 2.
Insert CH4-5A.tif
6 Use the Window Area tool to zoom in on the isolated hub.

Insert CH4-6A.tif
In the next few steps you will set up view 2 to contain a rendered view of the hub.
7 To access the Render View options, go to the pull-down menu Utilities > Render >
Smooth.
Issue a data point anywhere in view 2 to apply the rendering attribute to the view. This
is a temporary “rendering” of view 2 that can be removed using the Update View tool.
Insert CH4-7A.tif
You can also use the Undo tool or the View Previous tool to return view 2 to its previous
displayed state.
Try creating clipped volumes in other parts in this model. Select other destination views,
and then render those views. This is another good example of how to take advantage of the
flexibility in using MicroStation’s multiple-view environment.
8 Close the file 3Ddisc.DGN.
4: Basic Element Creation
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn the basics of AccuDraw
Learn how to input precise graphics
Learn to use snap tools efficiently
Learn to use basic drawing tools to create lines, circles, arcs, and hatch patterns
This chapter introduces the basic drawing tools for creating lines, circles, arcs,
and so on. In this chapter we focus on how to use the Tool Settings dialog to
produce drawings with precision input. Learn to take advantage of your
AutoCAD skills by applying them to MicroStation tools efficiently.
ACCUDRAW
The AccuDraw utility, introduced early in MicroStation J, is one of the best
productivity enhancements added to MicroStation. This powerful tool has
been enhanced several times since then and is better than ever in V8 2004.
AccuDraw has matured into an indispensable tool for working efficiently in
MicroStation. Users who are learning to use the AccuDraw tool for the first
time should keep the following in mind.
Use it, but don’t touch it!
It might appear that I am contradicting myself with that last statement.

However, what I am trying to say is that AccuDraw’s job is to predict what
you are trying to do and perform accordingly. The secret to working with
AccuDraw is to let it do its job, and to try not to get in the way. If you dock
the AccuDraw dialog and ignore it, it really does work better. You might
want to dock it by the status bar at the bottom of the application window, in
that most of us tend to ignore command prompts anyway. The amazing
thing about AccuDraw is how often it gets it right!
Chapter 4: Basic Element Creation
So, what is AccuDraw’s job? AccuDraw tracks your cursor movement and
tries to predict what you want to do. To take full advantage of this, look at it,
read it, type in it, but don’t touch it with the cursor. Let AccuDraw control
the focus of what is going on in MicroStation, because this is a crucial aspect
of how it works. If you touch the AccuDraw dialog using the cursor, you can
move the focus to the wrong location and interfere with its predictability.
So, the secret to making AccuDraw easier to use is to leave it alone. Yes, you
have to look at it and read it, but don’t touch it. Touching is for later, when
you have mastered the basics of AccuDraw. Once you try this utility you
won’t know how you ever lived without it, and AccuDraw in 3D is indis-
pensable. If you have ever struggled with 3D planes, this utility is the answer
to your prayers.

The newer releases of AutoCAD provide input options such as Direct Distance Entry and
Heads-Up Design. AutoCAD users that have adopted these new interface options should
feel very comfortable with AccuDraw once the initial learning curve has been overcome.
AutoCAD users still using the “old” @ key-ins rather than these new interface options may
prefer to use the “old” MicroStation input options as well. They are discussed in the “Preci-
sion Input” section later in this chapter.
The Basics of AccuDraw

The following dialog must remain open in order to
use AccuDraw. Place it in a convenient location, or
dock it by the status bar in MicroStation.
(TOP LEFT): Polar AccuDraw (undocked)
(BOTTOM LEFT): Rectangular AccuDraw (undocked)
Rectangular AccuDraw (docked):

AccuDraw
The key to drawing in MicroStation with precision is to learn to use the

techniques provided by AccuDraw. Using AccuDraw is not required, but it
simplifies precision input in a manner similar to that of AutoCAD’s Polar,
Otrack, and Direct Distance entry features.
The Compass
accudrawcompass.tif
When moving in the positive or negative direction, AccuDraw tracks your

movements and automatically assigns a positive or negative value to the
key-in you provide. However, you need to pay attention to what you do
with the cursor between commands because you might otherwise head off
in the wrong direction with your key-in values. Don’t worry; it just takes a
little getting used to. The following AccuDraw shortcuts allow you to mod-
ify how the compass works.
1 Use the space bar to toggle between Rectangular and Polar modes.
2 Use the Polar (round) compass to enter distance and angle values.
3 Use the Rectangular (square) compass to enter X, Y, and Z coordinates.
repeatindicator
Repeat Distance Indicator

When drawing with AccuDraw, it provides a “distance indicator” to help
with the placement of repeated distances. The indicator is the perpendicular
bar on the AccuDraw axis line.
Smart Lock
Another method to help automate your precision drafting is to “lock” to a

specific X or Y axis by pressing the Enter key while on the preferred axis.
This prevents any movement off that axis and allows for quick “alignment”
to other elements in the drawing.
DIRECT DISTANCE ENTRY

The introduction of Direct Distance
entry minimized the keyboard strokes
required for precision input in
AutoCAD. The dynamic screen feed-
back allows the user to easily “sketch”
with precision and is very similar to
the AccuDraw feedback provided in
MicroStation.
HEADS-UP DESIGN
The introduction of the Heads-Up
design feature in AutoCAD 2006 pro-
vides another input alternative and
displays feedback previously displayed
in the command line right on the cur-
sor. Similar to AccuDraw’s functional-
ity, this live feedback provides input
data for coordinates, lengths, and
angles.
Reference Origin
Use the letter O (Set Origin) keyboard shortcut to
locate the AccuDraw compass at a “reference
point” before keying in the distance or angle data.
This shortcut specifically helps in the elimination
of construction line drafting. Remember, if you
are still drawing construction lines you should
reevaluate your drafting process and consider how
AccuDraw can eliminate those additional steps.
AccuDraw
Rotate Quick
Use the RQ (Rotate Quick) keyboard shortcut to align with previously

drawn graphics.
View Alignment
Use the V (View Rotation) keyboard shortcut to align the compass with the
view, and the B (Base Rotation) keyboard shortcut to align the compass with
the base axis.
OTRACK
The introduction of Otrack and Polar tracking in AutoCAD provides a method of issuing
graphical “reference points” for precision input. These temporary reference points allow
the user to input coordinates or distances from existing objects, similar to AccuDraw’s
Reference Origin functionality. Temporary reference points are displayed on the screen as
“blips” (shown in the figure following).
The AutoCAD user can then use this “Otrack blip” as a reference point for precision input.
The following figure shows how you can reference an object endpoint and key in data ref-
erenced to that location.
ACAD_otrack2.tif
ACCUDRAW SHORTCUTS
Table 4-1 outlines shortcut keyboard entries for AccuDraw commands. Use
these shortcuts for quick and easy AccuDraw input.
TABLE 4-1: SHORTCUT KEYBOARD ENTRIES FOR ACCUDRAW COMMANDS

Shortcuts Name Key-in
Enter SmartLock AccuDraw Lock Smart

Space Change Mode AccuDraw Mode
O Set Origin AccuDraw SetOrigin
V View Rotation AccuDraw Rotate View
T Top Rotation AccuDraw Rotate Top
F Front Rotation AccuDraw Rotate Front 3D
S Side Rotation AccuDraw Rotate Side 3D
B Base Rotation AccuDraw Rotate Base Toggle
E Cycle Rotation AccuDraw Rotate Cycle 3D
X Lock X AccuDraw Lock X
Y Lock Y AccuDraw Lock Y
Z Lock Z AccuDraw Lock Z 3D
D Lock Distance AccuDraw Lock Distance
A Lock Angle AccuDraw Lock Angle
L Lock Index AccuDraw Lock Index
RQ Rotate Quick AccuDraw Rotate Quick
RA Rotate ACS AccuDraw Rotate ACS
RX Rotate about X AccuDraw Rotate X 3D
RY Rotate about Y AccuDraw Rotate Y 3D
RZ Rotate about Z AccuDraw Rotate Z
? Show Shortcuts AccuDraw Dialog Shortcuts
~ Bump Tool Setting AccuDraw Bump Tool Setting
GT Go to Tool Settings Dialog ToolSetting
GK Go to Keyin Dialog CmdBrowse
AccuDraw
Shortcuts Name Key-in
GS Go to Settings AccuDraw Dialog Settings

GA Get ACS AccuDraw Dialog GetACS
WA Write to ACS AccuDraw Dialog SaveACS
P Point Keyin (single) Point Keyin Single
M Point Keyin (multi) Point Keyin Multiple
I Intersect Snap Snap Intersect
N Nearest Snap Snap Nearest
C Center Snap Snap Center
K Snap Divisor AccuDraw Dialog SnapDivisor
U AccuSnap Suspend AccuSnap Suspend
J Toggle AccuSnap AccuSnap Toggle
Q Quit AccuDraw Accudraw Quit
In Exercise 4-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice using

AccuDraw’s basic functionality.
EXERCISE 4-1: THE BASICS OF ACCUDRAW

In this exercise you will learn to use AccuDraw to draw a simple series of shapes.
1 Open the design file ACCUDRAW_1.DGN.
This exercise requires that AccuDraw be open, and it is recommended that you dock it at
the bottom of the application window. Remember:
Use it, but don’t touch it!
First, let’s draw a simple 1’ x 1’ square shape using

the Line command.
2 Select the Line tool and issue a data point any-
where in view 1. This point is labeled P1 in the
figure at left. Verify that AccuDraw is using the
Polar compass (round). If not, press the space
bar to change it.
3 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key
in the value of 1. The focus of AccuDraw was
automatically in the Distance field, so your key-in was interpreted as a distance of 1.
Keep the cursor lined up with the X axis and issue a data point to accept this location.
4 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and key in the value of 1. Again, the focus of
AccuDraw was automatically in the Distance field, so your key-in was interpreted as a
distance of 1.
Keep the cursor lined up with the Y axis and issue a data point to accept.
5 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and instead of using a key-in value of 1 let’s use
the Repeat Distance indicator to retrieve the previous value of 1.
When you see the Repeat Distance indicator, keep the cursor lined up with the X axis
and issue a data point to accept.
HINT: The Repeat Distance indicator looks like the
figure at left.
6 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () until you
see the Repeat Distance indicator, and then issue
a data point to complete the square.
Next, using the SmartLine command we will draw
the same shape, except at a 45-degree angle.
7 Select the SmartLine tool and issue a data point
anywhere in view 1. This point is labeled P1 in
the figure at left.
8 Drag the cursor at an angle of 45 degrees ()
and key in the value of 1.
We want to control the angle, so use the Tab key to
move the AccuDraw focus to the Angle field. Key in
the value of 45. Issue a data point to accept.
AccuDraw
9 Drag the cursor at an angle of 315 (-45) degrees () along the rotated axis until you
see the Repeat Distance indicator, and then issue a data point to accept.
10 Drag the cursor at an angle of 225 degrees () until you see the Repeat Distance indi-
cator, and then issue the last data point to complete the shape.
11 Drag the cursor at an angle of 135 degrees () until you see the Repeat Distance indi-
cator, and then issue a data point to accept.

AccuDraw shortcuts.
EXERCISE 4-2: USING ACCUDRAW SHORTCUTS

In this exercise you will learn to use several of basic AccuDraw shortcuts. Learn these short-
cuts and they will allow you to quickly perform the most-used functions of AccuDraw.
1 Open the design file ACCUDRAW_2.DGN.

We will add four circles to this shape using the
AccuDraw Smart Lock and Set Origin shortcut key-
ins. To place these circles without AccuDraw you
would need to draw the dashed construction lines,
but with AccuDraw we can place the circle where it
belongs immediately.
2 Select the Circle tool and place a tentative point
at P1. Verify that the Circle tool’s method is set to
Center.
HINT: A tentative point is issued with the middle mouse button or by pressing the right
and left mouse buttons simultaneously.
3 Key in the letter O to activate the Set Origin shortcut. You should see the AccuDraw
compass move to point P1.
4 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and press the Enter key to activate AccuDraw’s
Smart Lock command.
HINT: Smart Lock locks you to the AccuDraw axis.
5 Move the cursor to P2 but do not pick this point immediately. Instead, “hover” over P2
until the AccuDraw Alignment indicator displays. See the figure on the following page.
Only when you see this alignment indicator should you issue a data point to accept.
6 Key in a radius of .25 to complete the circle command.

7 Complete the remaining three circles for this drawing.
HINT: Use the Repeat Distance indicator for the remaining circles.
Next, we will use the Smartline command to draw the capsule
shape above using AccuDraw to simplify the drafting steps.
8 Select the SmartLine tool and issue a data point anywhere in view 1. This point is
labeled P1 in the figure above.
Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value of 2 for the length of the
line segment. Issue a data point to accept.
9 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and press the tilde key (~) on the keyboard to
toggle the Segment Type tool setting to Arcs. Key in the value .5 for the radius distance
of the arc segment. Issue a data point to accept.
If the arc is “swinging” in the wrong direction, use the cursor to change the swing
angle. This can be accomplished by tracing the cursor along the current arc segment
until it is “swinging” in the correct direction.
Line up the AccuDraw compass with the Y axis () and issue a data point to accept.
10 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and press the tilde key (~) on the keyboard to
toggle the Segment Type tool setting to Lines. Key in the value 2 for the length of the
line segment.
AccuDraw
11 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and press the tilde key (~) on the keyboard to
toggle the Segment Type tool setting to Arcs. Key in the value .5 for the radius distance
of the arc segment. Issue a data point to accept and close the shape with another data
point to complete the capsule.
Yes, you could snap to the center of the arc to place the circles, but our focus in this
exercise is to learn key concepts of AccuDraw. Using this “simple” shape problem you
can easily practice these important shortcuts.
12 Select the Circle tool and place a tentative point at P1. Verify that the Circle tool’s
method is set to Center.
13 Key in O (Set Origin) and the AccuDraw compass will move to P1.
14 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and press the Enter key to activate the AccuD-
raw SmartLock.
until the AccuDraw Alignment indicator displays.
17 Complete the remaining circle for this drawing.
Next, we will use the Circle tool to add

two circles to a rotated capsule shape,
and use AccuDraw’s Rotate Quick, View
Rotation, and Set Origin options as
shortcuts.
18 Select the Circle tool and place a
tentative point at P1. Verify that the
Circle tool’s method is set to Center.
19 Key in O and the AccuDraw com-
pass will move to point P1. How-
ever, there is a problem with the
compass orientation to the capsule.
20 Key in the letters RQ to activate the
Rotate Quick shortcut and pick the
keypoint at P2.
21 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and press the Enter key to activate the Accu-
Draw SmartLock.
Only when you see this “alignment” line should you issue a data point to accept.
24 Complete the remaining circle for this drawing.

AccuDraw’s mathematical calculations.
EXERCISE 4-3: USING ACCUDRAW CALCULATIONS

Finally, we will use AccuDraw to derive mathematically calculated locations. In this exam-
ple we want to draw a center line between two existing lines.
1 Select the Line tool and place a tenta-
tive point at P1.
2 Key in O and the AccuDraw compass
will move to point P1.
3 Move the cursor to P2, but do not pick
this point immediately.
Examine (look, but don’t touch) the
AccuDraw dialog and note that the focus is
displaying the distance between P1 and P2.
Key in the characters /2 to divide the dis-
tance by 2, and then issue a data point to
accept. Did you see the hidden calculator
appear?
4 Place a tentative point at P3.
5 Key in O and the AccuDraw compass will move to point P3.
6 Move the cursor to P4 and key in /2 to divide the distance between P3 and P4. Issue a
data point to accept.
An easy way to draw a centerline without using any construction lines, right?
Precision Input
PRECISION INPUT
The following provide examples of using coordinate, relative, and polar
input to create lines.
Coordinate Input
To draw a 2’-6” line at 0 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins.
XY = 0,0 and XY = 2.5 (representing 2.5’)
or XY = 2:6 (representing 2’-6”)
or XY =: 30 (representing 30”)
Relative Input
XY = 0,0 and DL = 2.5 (representing 2.5’)
or DL = 2:6 (representing 2’-6”)
or DL = :30 (representing 30”)
Polar Input
To draw a line at 20 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-
ins.
XY = 0,0 and DI = 2.5,20 (representing 2.5’ and 20 degrees)
or DI = 2:6,20 (representing 2’-6” and 20 degrees)
or DI = :30,20 (representing 30” and 20 degrees)
AUTOCAD TIP: You can use the semicolon (;) in place of the colon (:) for
distances in MicroStation. Why is this important? The reason is that it is
easier to key in a semicolon in place of the colon because it does not require
using the Shift key.
COORDINATE INPUT
To draw a 2’-6” line starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins.
0,0 and 2.5’ (representing 2.5’)
or 2’6 (representing 2’-6”)
or 30 (representing 30”)
RELATIVE INPUT
0,0 and @2.5’,0 (representing 2.5’ in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)
or @2’6,0 (representing 2’-6” in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)
or @30,0 (representing 30” in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)
POLAR INPUT
0,0 and @2.5’<20 (representing 2.5 and 20 degrees)
or @2’6<20 (representing 2’-6” and 20 degrees)
or @30<20 (representing 30 and 20 degrees)
SNAP MODES
MicroStation and AutoCAD both offer specific methods of snapping to ele-
ments. Although these snap methods are more similar than different, there
are some significant differences worth mentioning.
Snap Modes
Snap Definitions
Table 4-2 outlines MicroStation snap mode definitions.
TABLE 4-2: MICROSTATION SNAP MODE DEFINITIONS

MicroStation Snap Mode Description
Nearest The closest point to the cursor on any element.

There is no geometric significance to this point.
Keypoint Predefined points on elements based on the Keypoint Divisor set-
ting.
Midpoint The midpoint of an element segment.
Center The center (centroid) of an element.
Origin The justification point of text elements, and the insertion point of
cells.
Bisector The midpoint of an entire element independent of segments.
Intersection The point of intersection between two elements.
Tangent The point tangent to an element.
Tangent Point The point tangent from an element.
Perpendicular The point perpendicular to an element.
Perpendicular Point The point perpendicular from an element.
Parallel Draw parallel to an element.
Point Through A defined point to pass through.
Point On Constrain an element to begin or end on an element.
Multi-Snap1, 2, 3 Saved combinations of the Keypoint, Center, Intersection, Origin,
Bisector, Midpoint, and Nearest snap methods.
OSNAPS
Table 4-3 outlines OSNAPs available in AutoCAD and their equivalent snap methods in
MicroStation. However, there are a few that have no obvious match.
TABLE 4-3: AUTOCAD OSNAPS AND MICROSTATION EQUIVALENTS

AutoCAD OSNAP MicroStation Equivalent
Endpoint Keypoint
Midpoint Keypoint or Midpoint
Center Keypoint or Center
Node Keypoint
Quadrant Keypoint
Intersection Intersection
Extension Use AccuDraw’s origin to simulate extension
Insertion Origin
Perpendicular Perpendicular
N/A Perpendicular Point
Tangent Tangent
N/A Tangent Point
Snap Modes
AutoCAD OSNAP MicroStation Equivalent

Nearest Nearest
Apparent Intersection Intersection
Parallel Parallel
N/A Point Through
N/A Point On
Snaps Accessibility
There are several ways to access the various snap
methods via toolbar and pop-up menus.
To use the toolbar:

1 Select Tools > Tool Boxes.
2 Scroll to the Snap Mode toolbox and activate it
to display the Snap toolbar.
Alternatively, perform the following.
1 Click on the Active Snap Mode icon located on
the status bar at the bottom of the MicroStation
application window.
2 Select Button Bar at the top of the pop-up.
To access the pop-up menu:

1 Click on the Active Snap Mode icon located on the status bar at the bot-
tom of the MicroStation application window.
2 Select the desired snap mode.

1 Hold down the Shift key and tentative click anywhere in the drawing
window.
2 Select the desired snap mode.
One of the most unique and productive snaps found in MicroStation is the Key-
point snap mode. This snap method simulates many of the snaps available in
AutoCAD, such as Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, and Quadrant. The keypoints
on elements vary depending on the element type. These keypoints are controlled
by the Keypoint Divisor setting, which is set to 2 by default. Using the default
setting of this divisor function, each element segment is divided by 2. This cre-
ates the keypoints displayed in the following figure for each element type.
The keypoint divisor can be modified at any time to change

the location of the keypoints on an element.
Snap Modes
To change the Keypoint Divisor setting:

1 Using AccuDraw, key in K to access the Keypoint
Divisor tool.
2 Key in 3 to modify the divisor setting.

1 Click on the Active Locks icon located on the status
bar at the bottom of the MicroStation application win-
dow.
2 Select Full to access the Locks dialog.
3 Modify the Snap >

Divisor setting.
Running Snaps
In MicroStation, a snap setting is
always on and available from all
commands, similar to the run-
ning snap setting in AutoCAD.
TIP 1: You can double click
on the toolbar buttons to set
a snap setting as a running
snap. The associated but-
ton’s appearance will change
to display a “dotted” back-
ground to indicate the run-
ning setting.
TIP 2: You can hold the Shift
key down while selecting the snap from the pop-up menu to set it as a run-
ning snap.
Single-Shot Snaps
A single-shot snap is only available for the next single snap operation. After
this snap operation is executed, the snap setting will be reset back to the run-
ning snap. An example would be if you wanted to snap to keypoints on most
of the elements but you needed an intersection snap for one snap only.
Multi-Snaps
Multi-snaps are a new addition to MicroStation. They allow you to set more
than one running snap at a time. Now you can set your most commonly
used snap modes to be running all the time, not just the keypoint snap. To
use the Multi-snaps function you must configure what snaps you want to be
available. MicroStation provides three multi-snap configurations. To define
multi-snap configurations:
1 Click on the Active Snap Mode icon located on the status bar at the bot-
tom of the MicroStation application window.
2 Select Multi-Snaps to access the Multi-Snap Set dialog.
3 Click on one of the three configuration buttons and

select which snap modes you want to have avail-
able. You can select as many as you need, but
selecting all of them could be counterproductive.
Too many snap modes can cause conflicts when
trying to snap to specific points on elements.
Snap Modes
Once you have defined the multi-snap configurations, you can use the multiple
snap modes described in the following section to set them as running snaps.
Tentative Snap
Some of the snap modes in MicroStation require
the use of tentative snap. Refer to Chapter 1 if you
need more information on how to execute the ten-
tative snap.
APPARENT INTERSECTION SNAPS

When snapping to intersections that do not physi-
cally cross, you must issue a tentative snap on the first
element and hover over the second element. Micro-
Station will display the calculated intersection of the
two elements. Continue to hover the cursor over
additional elements until the correct intersection is
displayed. Issue a data point to accept the calculated
intersection.
TANGENT SNAPS
The tangent snap also requires a tentative point to
allow you to draw an element tangent to another
element, or tangent from an element. Issue a tenta-
tive on the element you want to draw tangent to
and from.
PERPENDICULAR SNAPS
The perpendicular snap requires a tentative point to
allow you to draw an element perpendicular to
another element, or perpendicular from an element.
Issue a tentative on the element you want to draw
perpendicular to or from.
In Exercise 4-4, following, you have the opportu-

nity to practice using MicroStation’s basic editing
functions.
EXERCISE 4-4: PRECISION INPUT

In this exercise you will learn to input precise graphics using the Tool Settings dialog and
the Key-in browser.
1 Open the design file BASIC_INPUT.DGN.

Using the Tool Settings Dialog
The next few steps use the Tool Settings dialog to draw ele-
ments using exact sizes and angles.
2 Select the Line tool and set the following settings in
the Tool Settings dialog.
Length: 10:6
Angle: 0°
Note that the 10’-6” line at an angle of 0 is attached to
the cursor.
3 Issue a data point in view 1 to place the line.
4 Select the Circle tool and set the following settings in
Method: Center
Radius: 2:0.00
Note the 2’-0” radius circle attached to the cursor.
5 Issue a data point in view 1 to place the circle.
Using the Key-in Browser
The next few steps use the Key-in browser to draw the same elements using exact sizes and
angles.
6 Select the Line tool and clear all settings in the Tool Settings dialog.
Key in XY=0,0 in the Key-in browser to start the line at the coordinate 0,0.
Snap Modes
7 Key in DL=10:6,0 in the Key-in browser to

draw the line 10’-6” in the X direction and
0 in the Y direction. Alternatively, key in
DI=10:6,0 in the Key-in browser to draw
the line 10’-6” in length at the angle of 0.
8 Select the Circle tool and clear all settings in the Tool settings dialog.
Key in XY=1,1 to start the circle at the coordinate 1,1.
9 Key in DL=2 in the Key-in browser to finish the circle with the radius of 2’.
In Exercise 4-5, following, you have the opportunity to practice using preci-
sion snaps.
EXERCISE 4-5: USING PRECISION SNAPS

In this exercise you will learn to use the basic snap
methods available for precision drawing.
1 Open the design file BASIC_SNAPS.DGN.

The next few steps use the Snaps toolbar to snap to
elements on the screen.
2 Select the Line tool and use the Center snap to

snap to the center of the circle at P1.
Use the Intersection snap to snap to the inter-
section of the two lines at P2.
Reset to end the Line command.
3 Use the Keypoint snap to snap to the center of
the circle at P1.
Use the Keypoint snap to snap to the vertex at
P3.
4 Use the Keypoint snap to snap to the center of the cir-

cle at P1.
Use the Origin snap to snap to the justification point of
the text at P4. You can also use the Keypoint snap here.
5 Use the Keypoint snap to snap to the center of the cir-
cle at P1.
Use the Midpoint snap to snap to the midpoint of the
SmartLine segment at P5. You can also use the Key-
point snap here.
The power of the Keypoint snap should now be obvious.
DRAWING COMMAND BASICS

Now that you can use AccuDraw for basic precision input, you can use it
with all of your drawing and modification commands.
Tool Settings
Use the Tool Settings dialog (discussed in Chapter 1) to control how indi-
vidual commands work and to take advantage of the options available.
DRAW A SMARTLINE
Using the SmartLine tool, instead of the Line tool, will reduce the drawing
steps required, but more importantly it will reduce the steps needed later for
modifications and manipulations. SmartLine elements are similar to polyline
objects found in AutoCAD in that they can contain both straight and curved
segments, but SmartLines can also contain “smart” vertices with automatic
fillets, chamfers, or sharp corners. “Smart” vertices allow you to draw com-
plex shapes more quickly and to modify them more easily.
You can modify the radius for fillets, chamfers, and sharp corners with
“smart” vertex tool settings without having to clean up or delete old graphic
Drawing Command Basics
pieces. You can also modify SmartLine segments without the need for tools
such as Stretch, Lengthen, Otrack, Ortho, or Polar.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the SmartLine tool to draw “polyline-like” objects in Micro-
PLine Station.
Polyline
Line Options Use the Smart Line tool and the Line segment option.
Halfwidth Use the element weight attribute to get the “thick” line appearance.
Length Use AccuDraw to define specific line and arc lengths and sizes.
Undo Use the Undo and Redo tools to undo while running the com-
mand. By default, they are transparent commands in MicroStation.
Width Use the element weight attribute to get the “thick” line appearance.
For a varied line width in polylines, use a custom line style in
MicroStation.
Close Snap to the “first” point to close the SmartLine shape.
Arc Options Use the SmartLine tool and the Arc segment type.
Angle Use AccuDraw in Polar mode to define the arc angle.
Center Use AccuDraw to define the center point of the arc segment.
Close` Snap to the “first” point to close the SmartLine shape.
Direction Using AccuDraw, you can draw in any direction.
Line Use the Lines segment type. Use the tilde key (~) on the keyboard
to easily toggle between line and arc segment types.
Radius Use AccuDraw to define the arc radius.
Second Pt This option is not available from within the SmartLine tool.
DRAW A LINE
Use the Line tool for simple single line elements that do not need to be con-
nected. The Tool Settings dialog provides the basic options such as Length
and Angle. Using AccuDraw in conjunction with these tool settings will
simplify the line creation process.
Undo (Undo a Specific Point). Identical
to AutoCAD, execute the Undo com-
mand while still placing lines. Undo is
always transparent in any MicroStation
command. Try using the Ctrl + Z short-
cut to execute the Undo command.
Continue to hold down the Ctrl key and
every Z that is typed in will execute an
additional Undo command.
Undo (Undo the Entire Line Segment).

Identical to AutoCAD, stop the command
using the Reset button (right mouse
click). Use the Undo command to undo
the entire line segment. Continue to
repeat the Undo as often as required.
Close (Place Last Point at First Point). Snap to the first line segment start
point. There is no “automatic” close option available.
AUTOCAD TIP: Using the C shortcut out of habit will issue the AccuDraw
Center Snap option. Be careful of this one!
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use AccuDraw to specify precision input, or use the Tool Settings
Line dialog to specify Length and Angle.
Line
Close Option There is no automatic way to “close” the line element back to the
first point issued.
DRAW A CIRCLE
There are several options available for controlling how a circle is drawn. The
Tool Settings dialog provides a single location for all options, which makes it
easier to learn each tool. The Tool Settings dialog can be compared to the set-
tings and options found in several locations in AutoCAD, such as the command
line, the Properties dialog, and various menus (depending on the command).
Use the Tool Settings dialog with AccuDraw to minimize the steps required
to complete the commands. First, draw a circle by choosing a method such
as Center, Edge, or Diameter. Based on this selection, you are provided the
necessary settings associated with each choice.
Circle by Center
1 Identify center in drawing.
2 Key in radius or diameter.
Circle by Edge
1 Identify three (3) points in the drawing to define the edge of the circle.
Circle by Diameter
1 Identify center in drawing.
2 Key in diameter.
It’s that simple!

A
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Circle tool in MicroStation along with the Tool Settings
Circle dialog to find matching command options.
Circle
3P (Circle by 3 points) Use the Edge method Tool Settings.
2P (Circle by 2 points) Use the Diameter method Tool Settings.
TTR (Circle by Tangent- Use the Edge method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Tangent-Radius) Define the radius.
Use the Tangent Snap mode.
DRAW AN ARC
There are several options for controlling how an arc is drawn. The Tool Set-
tings dialog provides a single location for all options.
First, draw an arc by choosing a method, such as Center or Edge. Based on this
selection, you are provided the necessary settings associated with each choice.
You can completely define the arc param-

eters using the Tool Settings dialog. The
following is an example.
Radius: 1
Length: Not defined
Start Angle: 0
Sweep Angle: 90
Arc by Center
1 Identify center location of the circle in
the drawing.
Arc by Edge
1 Identify the start point location for the
circle in the drawing.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Arc tool in MicroStation along with the tool settings
Arc described in the following to find matching command options.
MicroStation allows you to draw an arc in the clockwise and
Arc counterclockwise directions. This is a great feature for simplify-
ing arc placement.
Arc by Start, Center, End Define the start and end points graphically.
Use the Center method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Define the Radius graphically using AccuDraw.
Arc by Start, Center, Angle Define the start and end points graphically.
Define the Angle graphically using AccuDraw.
Arc by Start, Center, Length Define the start and end points graphically.
Define the Length graphically using AccuDraw.
Arc by Start, End, Direction Define the start and end points graphically.
Define the direction graphically using AccuDraw. MicroStation
allows you to draw arcs in any direction by default.
Arc by Start, End, Radius These point orders are not available in MicroStation.
Arc by Center, Start, End
Arc by Start, End, Angle
Arc by Center, Start, Length
Arc by Center, Start, Angle
DRAW A BLOCK
A block in AutoCAD is not the same thing in MicroStation. Remember, the
terminology is slightly different, and as an AutoCAD user you need to learn
this new language. A block in MicroStation is equivalent to a “rectangle” in
AutoCAD. To draw a rectangular element in MicroStation, use the tool set-
tings to control the method, such as Orthogonal or Rotated. Be sure to use
AccuDraw to simplify this command. The steps for creating two types of
block follow.
ORTHOGONAL BLOCK
1 Identify the start point of the shape.
2 Drag the cursor in one axis direction (X) and key in a distance.
3 Drag the cursor in the other axis direction (Y) and key in a distance.
4 Accept the shape size by issuing a data point anywhere in the drawing.
This point will control the block direction.
ROTATED BLOCK
1 Identify the start point of the shape.
2 Drag the cursor in one axis direction (Y) and key in a distance.
3 Use the Tab key to navigate to the Angle setting in AccuDraw and key in
the desired angle.
4 Accept these settings by issuing a data point anywhere in the drawing.
5 Drag the cursor in the other axis direction (X) and key in a distance.
6 Accept this shape size by issuing a data point anywhere in the drawing.

.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Block tool in MicroStation along with the following Tool
RECtangle Settings dialog options to find matching command options.
Rectangle
Chamfer—Shape with Use the SmartLine tool to draw a shape with chamfered vertices.
chamfered vertices Use the Chamfered type vertex.
Define the Chamfer Offset.
Activate the Join Elements option.
Elevation—Shape at Using a 2D file, your Z depth is locked to 0 by default.
specified Z depth Using a 3D file, use the Set Active Depth tool along with the Depth
Lock option to lock your graphics to a specific Z depth.
Alternatively, use AccuDraw to define the Z value.
Fillet—Shape with Use the SmartLine tool to draw a shape with filleted vertices.
filleted vertices Use the Rounded type of vertex.
Define the Rounding Radius.
Activate the Join Elements option.
Thickness—Shape with Use a 3D file and extrude a Z distance from the original line ele-
Z thickness defined ment.
Width Use the element weight attribute to get the “thick” line appearance.
For varied width in polylines, use a custom line style in MicroSta-
tion.
Area There is no equivalent MicroStation command to place a shape by
area.
Dimensions Use the Block tool and AccuDraw to graphically define the shape
dimensions.
Rotation Use the Block tool and AccuDraw to graphically define the shape
rotation.

MicroStation’s basic drawing commands for architectural application.
EXERCISE 4-6: USING BASIC DRAW COMMANDS IN AN ARCHITECTURAL

EXAMPLE
In this exercise you will learn to use the basic drawing options available in MicroStation
(such as SmartLine, Line, Arc Circle, and Block) in an architectural example.
1 Open the design file DRAW_ARCH.DGN.
The figure at left shows a

simple building layout
that can be created using
these simple drawing com-
mands. The dimensions
are provided for informa-
tional purposes only. You
will learn to add dimen-
sions in a later chapter.
First, we need to draw the
building outline using the
SmartLine tool.
2 Select the SmartLine tool and issue a data point in view 1. This point is labeled P1 in
the above figure.
3 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 70 (70’-0”). Issue a data
point to accept.
4 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and key in the value 60:8 (60’-8”). Issue a data
point to accept.
5 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 19:8 (19’-8”). Issue a data
point to accept.
6 Modify the following Tool Settings options.
Vertex Type: Rounded
Rounding Radius: 6’-0”
point to accept.
8 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 30:4 (30’-4”). Issue a data
point to accept.
point to accept.
10 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and key in the value 20 (20’-0”). Issue a data
point to accept.
point to accept.
12 Modify the following Tool Settings option.
Vertex Type: Sharp
point to complete the building outline.
Next, we will add interior building division using lines and arcs.
14 Select the Line tool and keypoint snap to point P2 for the start of the line segment.
point to accept.
point to accept.
17 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and use the Perpendicular option to snap to
point P3, shown in the previous figure.
HINT: Use the Shift + right-click procedure to access a single-shot Perpendicular snap.
Next, we will add the arc to the building divisions.
18 Select the Arc tool and verify the Tool Settings dialog’s options below. Snap to P4 as
the start point of the arc.
Method: Edge
Radius: 30’
19 Issue a data point for the arc edge midpoint in the vicinity of P5.
20 Snap to point P6 to complete the arc command.
Next, we will place a stair access attached to the upper right-hand corner of the building
outline.
21 Select the Place Block tool and snap to the keypoint at P7 for the start the block shape.
22 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 12 (12’-0”). Do not accept
this point.
23 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and key in the value 20 (20’-0”). Now you can
issue a data point to complete the block shape.
Finally, we will place a rotated block and a circle in the empty space to the right of the
building.
24 Select the Place Block tool and issue a data point in the vicinity of P8 for the start point
of the block shape.
Set the Tool Settings method to Rotated.
25 Drag the cursor in the direction of 30 degrees ().
Examine the AccuDraw dialog and use the Tab key to move the focus to the Angle
field. Key in the value 30 degrees to guarantee an exact angle.
26 Issue a data point to define the first segment of the rotated shape.
27 Drag the cursor in the opposite 30-degree direction () and issue a data point to com-
plete the rotated shape.
28 Select the Circle tool and use the Center Snap option to snap to the center of the
rotated block.
29 Drag the cursor and key in a value of 5 (5’) for the circle radius. Issue a data point to
accept and complete the circle.

MicroStation’s basic drawing commands in a civil engineering example.
EXERCISE 4-7: USING BASIC DRAW COMMANDS IN A CIVIL ENGINEERING

EXAMPLE
In this exercise you will learn to use the basic editing options available in MicroStation
(such as Copy, Copy Parallel, Scale, Rotate, and Mirror) for civil engineering application.
1 Open the design file DRAW_CIVIL.DGN.
The following figure shows a simple cul-de-sac layout that can be created using these sim-
ple drawing commands. The dimensions are provided for informational purposes only.
You will learn to add dimensions in a later chapter.
First, we need to draw the road using the SmartLine tool and the AccuDraw shortcut
option Set Origin.
2 Select the SmartLine tool and issue a data point in view 1. This point is labeled P1 in
the following figure.
3 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 150.00’. Issue a data point
to accept.
4 Modify the following Tool Settings options.
Vertex Type: Rounded
Rounding Radius: 15.00’
5 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and key in the value 104.13’. Issue a data point
to accept.
6 Use the Reset button on the mouse to end the current SmartLine operation.
7 Place a tentative point at P2 and key in the letter O to activate the Set Origin shortcut.
You should see the AccuDraw compass move to point P2.
HINT: A tentative point is performed by clicking the middle mouse button or by click-
ing the right and left mouse buttons simultaneously.

Method: Center
9 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the
value 30.00’. Issue a data point to start the SmartLine.
10 Drag the cursor in the Y direction () and press the Enter
key to activate the AccuDraw SmartLock shortcut.
Move the cursor to P3 but do not pick this point immediately. Instead, “hover” over P3
11 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 150 (150.00’). Issue a data
point to accept.
Next, we will draw the arc for

the end of the cul-de-sac.
12 Select the Arc tool, keypoint
snap to point P4, and issue a
data point to accept.
13 Modify the following Tool
Settings options.
Method: Edge
Radius: 50.00’
14 Use the keypoint method
to snap to point P5, and
then issue a data point to
accept. You might need to
swing the arc around the
imaginary center point to
get the arc radius required.
Next, we will draw the lot lines
using the Perpendicular snap
to guarantee they are perpen-
dicular to the arc.
15 Select the Line tool and

issue a data point in the
vicinity of P6.
16 Use the Perpendicular snap
option to snap to the arc at
point P7 using a tentative.
Issue a data point to accept.
Reset to end the current command.
17 Issue a data point in the vicinity of P8.
18 Use the Perpendicular snap option to snap to the arc at point P9 using a tentative.
Reset to end the current command.
Next, we will place a power pole in the road segment using the circle command.
19 Select the Circle tool and snap to the midpoint of the vertical line at P10.
Modify the following Tool Settings option.
Method: Diameter
20 Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the value 8.00’. Issue a data point to
accept.
Next, we need to place the
buildings using the Block tool.
21 Select the Place Block tool
and issue a data point in
the vicinity of P11 to start
the block shape.
22 Modify the following Tool
Settings option.
Method: Orthogonal
23 Drag the cursor in the X
direction () and key in
the value 75.00’. Do not
accept this point.
24 Drag the cursor in the Y
direction () and key in
the value 50.00’. Issue a
data point to complete the
block shape.
Finally, we will place a rotated
block for the second building
outline.
25 Select the Place Block tool.

Method: Rotated
27 Issue a data point in the vicinity of point P12 and drag the cursor in the 30-degree
direction ().
28 Examine the AccuDraw dialog and use the Tab key to move the focus to the Angle
field. Key in the value 30 degrees to guarantee an exact angle.
29 Issue a data point to define the first segment of the rotated shape.
30 Drag the cursor in the 120-degree direction () and issue a data point to complete the
rotated shape.
DRAW A PATTERN
All hatches are referred to as patterns in MicroStation. There are several
types of patterns available, including hatches, cross-hatches, and linear pat-
terns. The following command methods are available from the Tool Set-
tings dialog for controlling the patterning area.
Element: Patterns an area defined by a single element.

Flood: Patterns an area defined by searching for “bounding” elements.
Union: Patterns an area defined by joining element shapes.
Intersection: Patterns an area defined by overlapping element shapes.
Difference: Patterns an area defined by the first element, using all other
elements as subtracted elements.
Points: Patterns an area defined by user-specified points. No boundary
element is required.
Fence: Patterns an area defined by a fence shape. No boundary element
is required.
DRAW A HATCH PATTERN

Use the following Tool Settings dialog options to define specific pattern sizes
and angles.
Spacing: Defines the distance between hatched lines

Angle: Defines the angle of the hatched lines
Tolerance: Defines the distance between a curved
boundary element and patterned line segments
Associative Pattern. With this option, the pattern is

associated with the boundary element. This causes the
pattern to automatically update whenever the bound-
ary element is modified. The pattern is automatically
placed on the same level as the boundary element.
Associative Region Boundary. With this option, the pattern can be placed
on a different level than the boundary element.
Snappable Pattern. This option allows you to control whether the

individual pattern elements are snappable.
Search for Holes. When this option is turned on, the pattern will recognize
internal “hole” element types and leave them as “holes” in the resulting pattern.
Use Element Symbology. With this option, the pattern will be placed using
the boundary element symbology for color, weight, and line type.

.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Hatch Area, Crosshatch Area, or Pattern Area tools
BHatch
Hatch
Hatch Object Use Element method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Define the spacing between the hatch lines.

Define the Angle of the hatch lines.
Activate the Associative Pattern option.
Activate the Associative Pattern Boundary option.
Activate the Snappable Pattern option.
Hatch Object Use the Ctrl key to remove and add boundaries in the selection set
tools.
Add Pick Points Use the Flood Area tool from the Tool Settings dialog to
flood an area with the selected hatch or pattern.
Add Select Objects Use the Element Area tool to select elements to be hatched.
To hatch more than one element, use a selection tool such as the
Element Selection or Power Selector to select multiple elements
prior to executing the Hatch Area command.
Remove Boundaries There is no way to remove a boundary from an existing hatched ele-
ment. You can use the Delete Pattern tool to delete a specific pattern
from an element or use points to define a non-associated hatch
without a boundary.
Recreate Boundary Using Region Associative
Boundary will allow you to
disassociate a pattern to
boundary elements but
remain intelligent enough to
repair as needed. A disassociated pattern will display in alternate
symbology using a very heavy and dashed pattern. Once the bound-
ary elements are repaired, the associated pattern will revert to the
correct symbology.
Create Separate Hatches MicroStation always creates separate patterns for each element
selected.
Draw Order Draw order is not controlled from within the pattern commands. A
specific Draw Order command is not available in MicroStation V8.
Inherit Properties Use the Change Properties tool to modify existing hatch settings
from one hatch pattern to match another.
Use the Match/Change method.
Use Smart Match or Match Pattern to set hatch settings prior to cre-
ating a new hatch pattern.
Use Current Origin and MicroStation does not use a default base point for the default hatch
Specified Origin origin. The origin of the pattern is controlled by the boundary ele-
ment selection point. You can modify the origin point by issuing a
tentative point during the Accept step of the pattern command.
Select the boundary element.
Tentative snap to the preferred origin point.
Data point to accept the new origin point and complete the pattern
command.
Use the Change Pattern tool to modify the hatch origin of
an existing hatch.
Activate the Intersection Point option.
DRAW A CROSS-HATCH PATTERN INSERT CROSSHATCH.TIF

Use the additional Tool Settings dialog options to define specific pattern sizes
and angles.
Spacing: Defines the distances in both directions for

the cross-hatch lines.
Angle: Defines the angles for both cross-hatch lines.
Tolerance: Defines the distance between curved
boundary elements and the pattern line segments.
DRAW A SYMBOL PATTERN

A symbol pattern allows you to create a repeating graphical cell that can be
used to fill an area quickly and easily.
Pattern Definition: Defines the type of repeatable graphic pattern to be

used. You can choose a cell from any available cell library. Use the
Browse Cell button to navigate to a specific cell library to locate a cell.
You can select a pattern from an AutoCAD .PAT file using

the From File pattern definition option. By default, Micro-
Station will automatically locate any existing AutoCAD
installation .PAT files. Use the Browse for .PAT File button to
navigate to a specific AutoCAD .PAT file. Select the desired
hatch pattern from the list provided.
Scale: Defines the scale of the repeated pattern cell or file.
Row Spacing: Defines the horizontal distance between the
symbol pattern.
Column Spacing: Defines the vertical distance between
the symbol pattern.
True Scale: Enables the automatic scaling of cell or pat-
tern resource files with varying working unit definitions.
DRAW A LINEAR PATTERN

A linear pattern allows you to modify the appearance of a linear element
without a custom line type. This command places a repeated pattern end to
end along any linear element based on the preferred cycle type.
Truncated: Slices off any remaining pattern from

the last instance at the end of the linear element.
Complete: Forces the entire pattern to be placed
on the linear element, resulting in a varied pattern
scale from one linear element to another.
Single: Forces a single pattern onto the linear element, resulting in a

stretched or compressed pattern scale from one linear element to another.
Multiple: Forces a complete pattern cycle at the end of the linear ele-
ment unless the remaining length of the linear element is less than 80%
of the pattern instance. This option may result in a varied pattern scale
from one linear element to another.
[linearpattern1.tif]
MicroStation uses cells to define linear patterns,

which is very simple and easy—especially if you
have ever tried to make a custom line style in
AutoCAD. For example, the batting insulation cell
displayed in example 1 at left shows how simple
the graphic cell is. The cell need only contain a
single pattern cycle. Likewise with examples 2 and
3 shown below.
Example 1: Batting Insulation Linear Pattern [linear_pattern2]
Example 2: Railroad Linear Pattern Example 3: Telephone Cord Linear Pattern
DRAW A SOLID FILL

A solid fill is not a separate element in MicroStation, and thus cannot be
accomplished with the hatch or pattern commands. A solid fill is considered
a “property” of a closed-shape element (similar to weight, color, or line
type). This property is available from the Place Shape commands via the
Tool Settings dialog.
For example, when placing a shape element using the Place
Block tool you can set the Fill Type to None, Opaque, or Out-
lined. An example of this output is shown below.
None: No solid fill is applied to the shape.

Opaque: The solid fill is applied with no boundary edge.
Outlined: The solid fill is applied with a boundary edge.
5: Basic Element Editing
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn to use basic manipulation and modification tools
Learn the basics of selection tools
Learn how to manipulate and modify multiple elements
BASIC ELEMENT EDITING

This chapter introduces basic editing functions, such as copy, move, scale,
rotate, and so on. In this chapter we focus on how to use these editing tools
to modify and produce drawings. Learn to take advantage of your
AutoCAD skills and apply them in using MicroStation efficiently. In the
sections that follow, you will learn to use the Tool Settings dialog to access
common command options.
The Basics
COPY ELEMENT
Insert copy.tif
Use the Copy tool to replicate existing content throughout a drawing. The
options available with this command allow for multiple copies simulta-
neously. In the Tool Settings dialog, key in the number of copies required
and specify the copy direction using AccuDraw. The copy is repeated by the
number of copies.
Insert copy1.tif
Chapter 5: Basic Element Editing
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Number of Copies tool setting to save
COpy repetitive copy steps.
Use AccuDraw to simulate the direct distance
Copy entry and polar manipulation.
With the addition of the Multiple copy
option in AutoCAD 2006, these commands
are functionally identical.
Basepoint Identical functionality using data point.
Displacement Identical functionality using data point.
Insert move.tif
MOVE ELEMENT
Use the Move tool to relocate existing content throughout the drawing. The
options available with this tool allow for multiple copies simultaneously. If
the Copies option is activated, the command is converted into the Copy tool
(discussed previously).
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Number of Copies tool setting to save
Move repetitive move steps.
Use AccuDraw to simulate the direct distance
Move entry and polar manipulation.
These commands are functionally identical.
Basepoint Identical functionality using data point.
Displacement Identical functionality using data point.
Basic Element Editing
MOVE/COPY PARALLEL
Insert parallel1.tif
Use the Move Parallel option to offset existing elements in the drawing. This
tool is commonly used to copy parallel rather than move parallel. The
modes available determine how SmartLine vertices are handled.
Mitre Vertex. Extends or shortens angles connected with matching vertices.

1 Select the Mitre method.
2 Activate the distance setting and key in a distance.
3 Select the Make Copy setting if you want to copy parallel.
4 Select the element to be copied.
5 Pick the side to be offset.
You can issue additional data points to continue copying parallel lines.
Round Vertex. This method forces outside vertices to fillet automatically. The
radius of the fillet is determined by the offset distance.
1 Select the Round method.

You can issue additional data points to continue copying parallel lines.
Original Vertex. Using this method forces outside vertices to maintain the
vertex type of the original element.
1 Select the Original method.
Insert define_distance.tif
Define Distance Graphically . Use the

Define Distance button to define the
distance graphically when using the
Move/Copy Parallel tool.
Use Active Attributes. This setting causes the new offset element to use the
active attribute settings for level, color, line style, and line weight.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: These commands are functionally identical.

Offset
Offset
Distance Use the Mitre Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Key in the offset distance or use the Define Distance button to
graphically define the distance.
Activate the Make Copy option to access the Copy Parallel tool.
Through Use the Mitre Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Erase Use the Mitre Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Turn off the Make Copy option to access the Move Parallel tool.
Layer Use the Mitre Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Activate the Use Active Attributes option use the active level,
color, line style, and line weight.
SCALE ELEMENT
Insert scale.tif
Use the Scale tool to increase or decrease the size of elements in a drawing.
There are several options available for controlling how elements are scaled.
Scale by Active Scale

1 Key in the scale factor.
2 Identify the element to be scaled.
3 Identify the Origin point to scale about.
The active scale is proportional when the “padlock” icon is locked. You can
unlock this icon by clicking on it. When unlocked, the X and Y scales can
differ, which provides a nonproportional scaling factor.
Insert scale1.tif
TIP: The Active Scale fields are calculator friendly, and you can compute
scale factors directly in the X, Y, and Z scale fields. For example, you can
enter the ratio 125/75 and MicroStation converts it to 1.667. If you watch
closely you can see the calculator appear in the Tool Settings dialog when
you key in the mathematical expression.
Scale by 3 Points
1 Identify the elements to be scaled.
2 Identify the Origin point to scale about.
3 Identify the existing scale reference point.
4 Identify the new scale reference point.
Proportional. This setting is available only during the 3 Point scale method.
Activating this setting will guarantee a proportional scale result.
Copies. This setting allows you to scale a copy of the original elements, leav-
ing the original elements intact.
About Element Center. This setting allows you to control the scale
Insert scale2.tif
origin point without having to define it. This is especially useful

when scaling multiple elements in a selection set. MicroStation
picks the centroid (center of mass) to scale about. You can scale
open or closed elements about their centers.
AUTOCAD TIP: When using the Tool Settings dialog, be sure to check
for the Additional Settings icon. This icon should be activated to dis-
play any additional settings available for the active command. Many
times the most productive settings are “hidden” from view when this
icon is not activated.
Insert scale3.tif
Mouse pick: Keyboard: These commands are functionally identical.

SCale
Scale
Scale a Copy Use the Active Scale Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Activate the Copies option.
Specify the number of copies required.
Insert scale4.tif
Scale by Reference Use the 3 Points Scale Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Activate the proportional option.
Insert scale5.tif
ROTATE ELEMENT
Use the Rotate option to modify the angle of an existing element. There are
several options available for controlling how elements are rotated.
Rotate by Active Angle

1 Key in the active angle.
2 Identify the element to be rotated.
3 Identify the Origin point to rotate about.
Rotate by 2 Points
1 Identify the element to be rotated.
3 Graphically specify the rotation angle. Be sure to use AccuDraw to sim-
plify this method.
Rotate by 3 Points
1 Identify the elements to be rotated.
3 Identify the existing rotation reference point.
4 Identify the new rotation reference point.
Insert rotate1.tif
Copies. This setting allows you to rotate a copy of the original ele-
ments, leaving the original elements intact.
About Element Center. This setting allows you to control the rota-
tion origin point without having to define it. This is especially use-
ful when rotating multiple elements in a selection set. MicroStation
picks the centroid (center of mass) to rotate about. You can rotate
open or closed elements about their centers.

Mouse pick: Keyboard:

ROtate
Rotate
Rotate a Copy
sert rotate2.tif
Use the Active Scale Rotate Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
Activate the copies option.
In
Rotate by Reference
Insert rotate3.tif
Use the 3 Point Scale Method from the Tool Settings dialog.
MIRROR ELEMENT
Use the Mirror tool to flip existing objects about an axis. There are sev-
eral options available for controlling how the elements are mirrored.
Insert mirror1.tif
Mirror Horizontal
1 Select the elements to be mirrored.
2 Identify the horizontal axis location.
Mirror Vertical
2 Identify the vertical axis location.
Mirror About Line

Insert mirror3.tif

2 Identify the first point on the mirror axis.
3 Identify the second point on the mirror axis.
Make Copy.. This setting allows you to mirror a copy of the original ele-
ments, leaving the original elements intact.
Mirror Text. This setting allows you to mirror text elements if needed.
This option is useful if you need a reverse image of a drawing.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Mirror tool to access similar functional-
Mirror ity in MicroStation.
Mirror
The AutoCAD command does not distin-
guish between horizontal, vertical and
about a line axis definitions. This requires
that you must define two points for every
mirror.
Mirror a Copy Use the Horizontal, Vertical or Line Mirror
Methods from the Tool Settings dialog.
Activate the copies option.
Insert mirror5.tif
Erase Source Objects? Use the Make Copy setting to control how the
original elements are managed during a mirror
operation.
The MIRRTEXT system variable in Activate the Mirror Text setting.
AutoCAD controls how text is handled
during a mirror operation.
In Exercise 5-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice performing

basic editing commands.
EXERCISE 5-1: BASIC EDITING COMMANDS

In this exercise you will learn to use the basic editing functions available in MicroStation.
These include Copy, Copy Parallel, Scale, Rotate, and Mirror.
Insert CH6-1A.tif
1 Open the design

file BASIC_
EDIT1.DGN.
In the first few steps
we will copy the exist-
ing desk object to
begin the furniture lay-
out.
2 Select the Copy
tool.
3 Select the desk in
view 1 and, using
AccuDraw, drag
your cursor to the right () and key in a distance of 10 feet.
Remember, in MicroStation you should not use the symbol for feet ( ' ) because 10 will
be interpreted as feet (master units).
4 Issue a data point to accept the new location.
5 Undo this change.
That simple copy was easy enough, but we need more than one desk in the layout.
Insert CH6-6A.tif
6 Select the Copy tool and set the number of cop-

ies to 3.
7 Select the desk in view 1 and, using AccuDraw,
drag your cursor to the right () and key in a
distance of 10 feet.
8 Issue a data point to accept the new location.
Insert CH6-8A.tif
In the next few steps you will learn to use the Copy Parallel tool to finish the horizontal
wall for the cubicle. We want to parallel copy this line at the same wall thickness as the ver-
tical wall already completed.
Insert CH6-9A.tif
9 Select the Copy Parallel tool and activate the Make Copy setting.
Insert CH6-10A.tif
10 Click on the Define Distance button and pick the

vertical wall distance at P2 and P3. Verify that your
distance setting is set to 0:2 (2 inches).
11 Select the horizontal wall and issue a data point at
P4 to copy parallel above the existing line. Be sure
to issue a reset (right mouse button) so that you
don’t accidentally copy another parallel line.
12 Using the Line tool, finish the end cap of the new
wall.
Additional Practice: More Copy Parallel

Add the remaining stair treads to the right side of the
stair. This tread distance should be equal to the left side
of the stair. Be sure to use the multiple capabilities of
the Copy Parallel tool to increase your productivity on
this task.
ALIGN ELEMENT EDGES

Use the Align tool to line up existing elements to the edge of another ele-
ment. This align tool allows you to align a single element or multiple ele-
ments along any of the following orthogonal axes
.Insert align1.tif
Top Bottom
Left Right
Horizontal Center
Vertical center Both centers
Align Top
Insert align3.tif
1 Set the Align Tool Settings option to TOP.

2 Select the element to be aligned to.
3 Select elements to be aligned.
Align Bottom
1 Set the Align tool to BOTTOM.
Align Left
1 Set the Align tool to LEFT.
Align Right
1 Set the Align tool to RIGHT.
Align Horizontal Center

Insert align7.tif
1 Set the Align tool to HORIZONTAL CENTER.

Align Vertical Center

1 Set the Align tool to VERTICAL CENTER.
Align Both Centers

1 Set the Align tool to BOTH CENTERS.

Keyboard: ALign
The Align tool is buried in the
3D operations of AutoCAD and
many of you probably didn’t
even know it was there. It
requires that you define two
points on the objects to be
aligned and two points to define
the alignment axis.
Align Source Point, If you used the Align objects tool to align to a none
Align Destination Point orthogonal axis the only way to do this in MicroStation is
to use the Move and Rotate tools individually.
Insert ACAD_align1.tif
Align Source Point, If you used the Align objects tool to scale the objects dur-
Align Destination Point, ing the alignment operation you must use the MicroSta-
Scale objects tion Scale tool independently of the alignment operation.
Insert
ACAD_align2.tif
array1.tif
ARRAY ELEMENTS
Use the Array tool to copy elements in an
arranged pattern. This pattern can be in a
rectangular shape defined by rows and
columns, or in a polar shape arranged in a
circular pattern.
Insert array2.tif
Rectangular Array
1 Set the Array Type option to Rectangular.
2 Define the Active Angle of the array.
3 Define the number of Rows in the array.
4 Define the number of Columns in the
array.
5 Define the Row Spacing.
6 Define the Column Spacing.
Polar Array
Insert array3.tif
1 Set the Array Type option to

Polar.
2 Define the number of Items in
the array.
3 Define the Delta Angle between
the items in the array.
4 Activate the Rotate Items set-
ting.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: The array tools are very similar

Insert array1.tif
ARray with a few exceptions.

The settings for methods, alter-
Array nate settings for angle, and the
array preview differ slightly in
MicroStation.
Rectangular The settings for a rectangular array are identical to those in

AutoCAD.
Use the Rectangular Array Type.
Define the Active Angle.
NOTE: There is no way to graphically define the angle.
Define the number of Rows.
Define the number of Columns.
Define the Row Spacing.
NOTE: There is no way to graphically define the row distance.
Define the Column Spacing.
NOTE: There is no way to graphically define the column distance.
Polar The only AutoCAD method available in MicroStation is:
Total number of items and angle between items.
Total number of items and These AutoCAD methods are not available in MicroStation:
angle to be filled. The angle setting for a polar array is a delta angle between items,
Angle to be filled and angle not the entire polar angle to be filled.
between items.
Insert array3.tif
The ability to rotate items is

available in MicroStation. How-
ever the ability to define a pre-
determined base point is not
available. This is probably not a
problem for most of you, in that
rarely does an AutoCAD user
take advantage of this option anyway.
Use the Polar Array Type.
Define the number of items.
Define the Delta Angle between items.
NOTE: There is no way to graphically define the delta angle.
Activate the Rotate Items option.
NOTE: There is no way to graphically define the item rotation base
point.
Align command.
EXERCISE 5-2: USING THE ALIGN COMMAND

In this exercise you will learn to use the Align tool to clean up the window tags in this
messy drawing.
1 Open the design file ALIGN1.DGN.
Insert CH6-2-1A.tif
2 Select the Align tool and set the alignment setting to Horizontal Center.
3 Select the ellipse at P1 as the element to be aligned to.
4 Identify each ellipse that needs to realigned with this correct window tag.
5 Close the design file ALIGN1.DGN.
Element Selection Tools
The element selection tools provided in MicroStation are very powerful and
flexible. With these tools you can use your AutoCAD skills and learn some
of the new options available only in MicroStation. Remember that you must
select elements before selecting commands.
Insert selection_tool.tif
ELEMENT SELECTOR
This tool is the fundamental selection tool used to select single or multiple
elements for easy manipulation.
Single Element Selection. To select a single element, click on the element to

identify it and then select the applicable manipulation tool.
Multiple Elements Selection. To select multiple elements, drag a selection

box around the elements to be selected. The direction of this selection box
does not affect the selection mode. This type of selection box will only select
elements completely inside the box.
Insert selection1.tif
To select elements both inside and overlapping the selection box, use the Ctrl
+ Shift keys while dragging the selection box around the elements to be
selected. The Ctrl + Shift keys activate the overlap mode of the selection tool.
AUTOCAD TIP: There is no physical difference in the appearance of the “in-

side only” selection box and the “inside and overlapping” selection box.
The use of the Ctrl + Shift keys determine this selection mode change.
You can add and remove elements to the

selection set individually using the Ctrl
key. Hold down the Ctrl key while pick-
ing elements to be added to or removed
from a selection set.
De-Select All. To clear (cancel) a selec-

tion set, issue a data point anywhere in
the view window where there are no
selectable elements.
AUTOCAD TIP: Using the Esc key to clear the selection set will do nothing.
There is no way to force the Esc key to clear a selection set. Sorry!
POWER SELECTOR
Insert PowerSelector.tif
The PowerSelector most closely matches the selection tools found in

AutoCAD. Using this tool provides detailed feedback and tool settings that
make the creation of complex selection sets much easier.
powerselect1.tif
Selection Methods. There are four selection methods available

using PowerSelector.
erselect2.tif
Individual: Allows you to select elements indi-

vidually based on the active selection mode.
Block (Inside): Allows you to select elements

using a rectangular shape based on the active
selection mode. Only elements completely
inside will be selected. This is identical to the
window selection method in AutoCAD.
Shape (Inside): Allows you to select elements

using a nonrectangular shape based on the
active selection mode. Only elements com-
pletely inside will be selected. This is identical
to the window polygon selection method in
AutoCAD.
Line (Overlap): Allows you to select elements

using a line shape based on the active selection
mode. Only elements overlapping the line will
be selected. This is identical to the fence selec-
tion method in AutoCAD.
Two other selection options (Block and Shape) are not initially
apparent. To access these additional tools, you must click on
the associated icons a second time to toggle their method. The
icon will change in appearance to represent which method
(Inside or Overlap) is active.
Insert powerselect5.tif
Block (Overlap): Allows you to select elements

using a rectangular shape based on the active
selection mode. Only elements completely inside
and overlapping will be selected. This is identical
to the crossing selection method in AutoCAD.
Shape (Overlap): Allows you to select elements

using a nonrectangular shape based on the active
selection mode. Only elements completely inside
and overlapping will be selected. This is identical
to the crossing polygon selection method in
AutoCAD.
Selection Modes. There are five selection modes available using PowerSelector.
Add: Allows you to add elements to the selection set.
Subtract: Allows you to remove elements from the selection set.
Invert: Allows you to toggle the selection status of elements. Elements
already selected are deselected, and elements that are not selected are
selected.
New: This option clears the current selection set and defines a new
selection set in a single command operation. The first point of your
selection method actually issues the Clear command.
Clear/Select All: Allows you to clear the active selection set, or to select
all elements in a file if no selection set is active.
AUTOCAD TIP: Don’t forget to check for more settings by using the “addi-
tional settings” icon. Remember, some of the most productive settings are
“hidden” here.
The “Hidden” Options. When you expand the “additional settings” icon
you will discover several lists of element attributes relating to the active
selection set and drawing. Using these lists you can filter your selection set
to just what you need, especially if the elements you want to manipulate are
not easily selected graphically.
For example, you can add elements to the selection set graphically,
and then you can remove all of the text.
Level (LV Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a selection
set based on level names or numbers.
Color (CO Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a selec-
tion set based on color.
Line Style (LC Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a
selection set based on line style.
AUTOCAD TIP: The LC abbreviation on the tab is a throwback to
the early days of MicroStation, when line style was called
“linecode.”
Weight (WT Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a selec-
tion set based on line weight.
Element Type (TY Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a
selection set based on element type, such as text, dimensions,
lines, arcs, and so on.
Class (CL Tab): Allows you to modify the content of a selection
set based on element class. Refer to the section “Element Classifica-
tions” in Chapter 4 for more detailed information on element class.

AutoCAD uses basically two methods to select objects: a window and a crossing. These
methods are determined by the direction in which the user drags the cursor across the
drawing window
.
Window Selection Use the PowerSelect tool.

insert pselect_icon1.tif
This selection method is activated by drag- Select the Block method and verify
ging the cursor left to right, and is visually that the Inside icon is displayed.
represented by a solid line and a blue fill type. Select the Add mode.
Crossing Selection Use the PowerSelect tool.

This selection method is activated by Select the Block method and verify
dragging the cursor right to left and is that the Overlap icon is displayed.
visually represented by a dashed line and a Select the Add mode.
green fill type.
Fence Use the PowerSelect tool.
This selection method is activated by drawing Select the Line method.

a line through elements in the drawing and is Select the Add mode.
visually represented by a dashed line.
Window Polygon Use the PowerSelect tool.

This selection method is activated by the key- Select the Shape method and verify
in WP and visually represented by a solid line that the Inside icon is displayed.
and a blue fill type. Select the Add mode.
Crossing Polygon Use the PowerSelect tool.

This selection method is activated by the key- Select the Shape method and verify
in CP and visually represented by a dashed that the Overlap icon is displayed.
line and a green fill type.
Select the Add mode.
Add to Selection Set Use the PowerSelect tool.

By default, AutoCAD always adds objects to Select the appropriate selection method
an existing selection set. There are two
Select the Add mode.

methods to accomplish this in MicroStation.
Hold down the Ctrl key to add ele-
ments to an existing selection set.
Remove from Selection Set Use the PowerSelect tool.

In AutoCAD you must hold down the Shift Select the appropriate selection method.
key to remove objects from an exiting selec-
Select the Subtract mode.

tion set. There are two methods to accomplish
Hold down the Ctrl key to remove
this in MicroStation.
elements from an existing selection set.
Clear Selection Set Use the PowerSelect tool.
AutoCAD uses the Esc key to clear all Select the Clear mode.
selection sets. There are two methods to Issue a data point (left mouse button)
accomplish this in MicroStation. anywhere in the view window where there are
no elements.
Selection tools.
EXERCISE 5-3: USING THE SELECTION TOOLS

In this exercise you will learn to use the default Selection tool to manipulate elements.
1 Open the design file SELECTION1.DGN.
In the next few steps you will learn to select multiple elements and make global modifica-
tions. This exercise is set up in a puzzle fashion to make sure you can select the required
elements. Have fun!
Insert CH6-3-1A
Puzzle 1
The Default Selection Tool
First, select just the circles.
1 Select the Selection tool and drag a shape around the circles. That was easy!
Second, select the circles and the lines at the same time.
cSecond, select the circles and the lines at the same time.
2 Select the Selection tool and hold down the Ctrl + Shift keys
while dragging a box around the circles. Not too bad, right?
Third, select the lines and the rectangles. You will either need to
remove some elements from the selection set or perform two selec-
tion operations.
3 Select the Selection tool and drag a box around all of the graphics.
4 Hold down the Ctrl key and drag a box around the circles to
remove them from the current selection set.
Insert CH6-3-5A
The PowerSelector
First, select just the circles.
5 Select the PowerSelector tool and use the Block (Inside)
method and the Add mode.
6 Place a selection shape around the circles.
Clear the current selection set.
Second, select the circles and the lines at the same time.
7 Select the PowerSelector tool and use the Block (Overlap)
method and the Add mode.
8 Place a selection shape around the circles.
Clear the current selection set.
Third, select the lines and the rectangles. You will need to draw two lines to get everything.
Insert CH6-3-10A
9 Select the PowerSelector tool and use the Line method and
the Add mode.
10 Place a selection line through the top rectangles and the bot-
tom rectangles.
This is a good example of a case in which the PowerSelector
made this type of selection a little easier.
Additional Practice: More Selection Sets
Insert CH6- practice1
Puzzle 2: Selection Commands

Try the following.
Select the lines only.
Select the ellipses only.
Select the circles only.
SELECT BY ATTRIBUTES
Insert selectby1.tif
There is still another way to create complex selec-

tion sets that cannot be created graphically. The
Select By Attributes utility provides you with a dia-
log-driven selection tool based on several element
symbologies, types, properties, and content. Use
this utility to make global changes to your drawing
based on specific selection criteria.
For example, you need to plot a drawing for a pre-

sentation so you need to modify the font type and
text size.
Another example: you need to replace an existing

cell with a new cell symbol throughout the entire
drawing. Check this tool out. Its power is quite
amazing.
Quick Select
Insert ACAD_quick1.tif
To obtain the same functionality in MicroStation use the Select

This AutoCAD tool By Attributes tool.
allows you to select
objects by properties
rather than graphically.
Upon exiting this tool you are asked the following question.
Insert selectby2
Don’t worry most of us didn’t understand it the first time either!

Basically either answer is correct when you are working with
selection sets. The only differences apply when using Select By for
other purposes.
THE HISTORY OF FENCES

The Fence tool has traveled through time and has a lot of history in the
DGN world. Long ago, before anyone even thought about selection sets, a
tool called Fence provided a method of gathering up elements for manipula-
tion. This tool is still widely used, by us older MicroStation users, but in my
opinion the use of selection sets and the tools discussed earlier are much
more powerful and intuitive than the Fence tool. However, because you
may sit next to one of “us” (old MicroStation users) and hear about placing
fences (and because a “fence” in AutoCAD is something very different), let’s
examine the functionality the Fence tool provides.
What Is a Fence?
A fence is primarily used for selecting and clipping things. A fence is a
“screen” element that does not really exist except on the screen. It isn’t a
normal element like a line or an arc that can be deleted. It is somewhat per-
manent when placed, in that the only way to get rid of a fence is to select the
Place Fence tool again or to draw an Element Selection window.
Fence Pros and Cons

The following outline the pros and cons of using fences.
PROS
Familiar to old users
Best method for stretching elements
Good method for clip-masking reference files
Good method for clipping raster files
Is a temporary element
CONS
Does not highlight elements for visual clarification of element set
Cannot dynamically see elements during manipulation commands
Cannot filter elements using level, color, line style, line weight, or ele-
ment type
Can only select elements using “area” shapes
The History of Fences
Using Fences
The sections that follow describe various fence operations.
insert fence.tif
PLACE FENCE
Use the Fence tool to select multiple elements for manipulation. There are
basically two types of settings when using a fence: the type of fence and the
mode used to select elements.
Insert fence1.tif
Copy Using a Fence

1 Select the Place Fence tool.
2 Select the fence type.
3 Select the fence mode.
4 Place the fence shape in the view window.
5 Select an element manipulation tool.
6 Activate the Use Fence setting, which instructs MicroStation to use the
fence shape for this manipulation.
After you activate the Use Fence setting, you can change the fence mode if
needed.
Fence Type. Defines what the fence looks like. The following fence type
options are available.
Insert fence2.tif
Block: Allows you to select elements for manipulation

using a rectangular shape based on the active fence mode.
Shape: Allows you to select elements for manipulation
using a nonrectangular shape based on the active fence
mode.
Circle: Allows you to select elements for manipulation
using a circular shape based on the active fence mode.
Element: Allows you to select elements for manipulation
using an existing “element” shape based on the active
fence mode.
From View: Allows you to select elements for manipula-
tion using a view window based on the location of a data
point.
From Design File: Allows you to select elements for manipulation using
design file extents based on the active fence mode.
From Flood: Allows you to select elements for manipulation using a
shape generated with a flood fill based on the location of a data point.
Insert fence3.tif
Fence Mode. Defines how the fence

works. Note the icon displayed in the
status bar reflecting the active fence
mode.
Inside: Select elements com-

pletely inside the fence shape.
Overlap: Select elements inside

and overlapping the fence shape.
Clip: Select elements inside the

fence shape, and break any ele-
ments that overlap the fence
shape.
Void: Select elements completely

outside the fence shape.
Void Overlap: Select elements

outside and overlapping the fence
shape.
Void Clip: Select elements out-

side the fence shape, and break
any elements that overlap the
fence shape.
The History of Fences
STRETCH COMMAND
insert stretch.tif
Use the Fence Stretch tool to lengthen elements in the drawing.

Insert stretch1.tif
Stretch Using a Fence

1 Select the Place Fence com-
mand.
2 Select the Fence Type
needed.
3 Select the Fence Mode
needed.
4 Place the fence shape in the
view window.
5 Select the Manipulate Fence
Contents command.
6 Set the fence Operation setting to Stretch.
7 Turn on the Stretch Cells setting if needed.
Stretch Cells. Use this setting if you need to stretch cell symbols. By default,
cells do not stretch like other element types.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: AutoCAD uses a crossing window to stretch objects, and Micro-
Stretch Station requires the use of a fence to stretch elements. However,
MicroStation does not care what the fence mode is, so feel free
to use any mode to stretch elements.
Stretch
Stretch an Element Use the Manipulate Fence tool.
Set the Operation setting to Stretch.
Select the applicable fence Mode.
Activate the Stretch Cells option if needed.
fence functionality.
EXERCISE 5-4: USING A FENCE

In this exercise you will learn to use the MicroStation Fence tool to stretch elements.
Insert CH6-4-1A
1 Open the design file STRETCH1.DGN.

In the next few steps you will stretch and move the rectangles and
the line located on the right-hand side of the graphics at left.
2 Select the Place Fence tool and place a fence block around the
line and through the rectangles, as shown in the previous figure
at left.
3 Select the Fence Manipulation tool and set the operation type to
Stretch.
4 Using AccuDraw, identify a point on one of the line end points,
drag the cursor to the right, and key in a distance of 1.
5 Select the Place Fence tool again to remove the fence.
6 Close the design file STRETCH1.DGN.
BEYOND THE BASICS

More Element Editing
This section explores some additional editing commands found in Micro-

Station. You will find that these commands are some of the most used com-
mands on a daily basis. We all spend more time editing than actual drawing,
and thus the efficiency of these edits is critical to our productivity.
insert modify
MODIFY ELEMENT
Use the Modify Element tool to modify any element type. The capabilities of
this tool vary based on the type of element selected. In fact, it is one of the
most capable and powerful editing tools in MicroStation.
If you use this tool on a linear element, you can modify the end points, seg-
ment length, and vertices. When used on a radial element, you can modify
the radius or diameter.
Beyond the Basics
Insert modify1
The type of modification is also depen-

dent on where you select the element. If
you select a linear element at a vertex,
you can modify that vertex location. If
you select a linear element on a segment,
you can modify that segment location.
If you modify a dimension element, you

can move existing components (such as
the extension line, dimension line, or
text) to new locations. If you modify a SmartLine, you can change the actual
vertex geometry and construction.
insert partial
PARTIAL DELETE
Use the Partial Delete tool to remove just a
portion of an element. You can remove a
portion of an element between any two
points along the element itself
Insert partial1
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Partial Delete tool to break an element at a single point.
BReak
Break at Point
First Point Select the element initially at the point where the break should start.
Second Point Select the same point again to break the element at a single point.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Partial Delete tool to break an element between two points.
BReak
Break
First Point Select the element initially at the point where the break should start.
Second Point Select the element at the point where the break should end.
NOTE: Arcs will only break in a counterclockwise direction.
EXTEND LINE
insert extend
Use the Extend Line tool to extend or shorten any linear or arc element type.
You can specify the distance as a positive or negative value (using this dis-
tance to add or subtract from the existing length). You can also specify the
length of the element from the nearest end point. The end point closest to
your selection point will be modified.
1 Select the element to extend.
2 Drag the element to its new end-point location.
Distance. Specify a positive distance to lengthen the element, or a negative

distance to shorten it.
From End. Use the From End setting to specify that the distance be calcu-
lated from the origin point on the line regardless of where it is selected.
Keyboard: LENgthen Use the Extend Line tool to lengthen an element.

Delta Use the Distance tool setting to define the change in length.
Percent Use the Scale tool to lengthen using a scale percentage.
Total Use the From End setting to key in the total length.
Use the Extend Line tool and AccuDraw using the O shortcut
key to define the total length of an element.
Dynamic Use the Extend Line tool with no tool settings defined to
lengthen an element graphically.
Use AccuDraw to assist with this type of lengthen.
insert corner
EXTEND ELEMENTS TO INTERSECTION

Use the Extend Elements to Intersection tool to extend two elements to their
intersecting point. Both elements’ lengths are modified using this com-
mand, and the lengths can be lengthened or shortened. You should select
the elements on the segments you wish to keep.
Beyond the Basics
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Extend Elements to Intersection tool to modify two elements
FILLET to a clean corner.
Fillet with radius = 0
Polyline Use the SmartLine tool to draw the original element to get these features.
Using a SmartLine will allow you to modify one or more vertices of
the element.
Radius Use the Fillet tool to specify a radius of the vertex cleanup.
Trim Use the Fillet tool and the Truncate cleanup option to specify the
type of cleanup required: None, Both, or First.
Multiple All MicroStation commands are multiple.
Undo Use Ctrl + Z to perform an undo from within the command.
Use the Undo button to execute an undo within the command.
insert extendint
EXTEND ELEMENT TO INTERSECTION

Use the Extend Element to Intersection tool to extend a single element to
the intersection of another element. Only the element selected is modified,
and the end point closest to your selection point is lengthened or shortened.

n
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Extend Element to Intersection tool to lengthen an element
EXtend to another element.
Extend
Fence Use the PowerSelector tool with the Line method to select elements.
Crossing Use the PowerSelector tool with the Block or Shape method in over-
lap mode to select elements.
Project All elements can extend to edges that exist and those that are pro-
jected in 2D and 3D space.
Edge All elements can extend to edges that exist and those that are pro-
Shift + Pick to Trim Use the Intelli-Trim tool to perform both trim and extend opera-
tions within the same command.
insert trim
TRIM
Use the Trim tool to cut and shorten existing elements using single or multi-
ple elements in the drawing as cutting edges or boundaries. This command
works best when using a selection set, but can be used by selecting individ-
ual elements.
insert intellitrim
INTELLI-TRIM
Use this “intelligent” trim tool for additional functionality and cutting capa-
bilities not found in the previous trim tool. You can use the Intelli-Trim tool
to cut, extend, or trim elements with each other.
Quick. The Quick tool setting allows you to modify the basic functionality
of the command from a shortening and lengthening modification to a sim-
ple cutting operation. Use the Trim, Extend, or Cut tool to determine which
modification type you prefer.
Advanced. The Advanced tool setting toggles the tool between the trimming
and extending modes. Once the mode has been defined, you can change the
order of the selection process using the options Select Elements to Trim or
Select Elements to Extend.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Trim or Intelli-Trim tools along with selection sets to
TRim access identical functionality in MicroStation.
Trim
Beyond the Basics
Fence Use the PowerSelector tool with the Line method to select elements.
Crossing Use the PowerSelector tool with the Block or Shape overlap
method to select elements.
Project All elements can extend to edges that exist and those that are pro-
Erase Use the Delete tool after completing the trim operation.
Shift + Pick to Extend Use the Intelli-Trim tool to perform both trim and extend opera-
tions within the same command.
insert addvertex
INSERT VERTEX
Use the Insert Vertex tool to add vertices in an existing element. You can
control the physical location of the new vertex using snap modes.
1 Identify the element at the location to add the vertex.
2 Issue a data point to accept and locate the new vertex.
insert deletevertex
DELETE VERTEX
Use the Delete Vertex tool to remove vertices from an existing element.
1 Identify the element at the vertex to be removed.
2 Issue a data point to accept.
TIP: You can use the Insert Vertex and Delete Vertex tools to add and re-
move extension lines in dimensions.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Insert or Delete Vertex tool to add and remove verti-
PEdit ces from shapes and continuous line elements.
Pedit
Edit Vertex Not required. Pick the vertex to be inserted or removed.

Next Not required.
Previous Not required.
Straighten Not required.
Go Not required.
Exit Not required.
insert fillet
FILLET ELEMENTS
Use the Fillet Elements tool to round existing vertices on elements.
1 Select the first element.
2 Select the second element.
Insert fillet1
Radius. Use the Radius setting to specify the

radius of the new vertex.
Truncate. Use the Truncate setting to specify

how the existing elements should be modified.
The options available are None, Both, or First.
See the figure at left for examples of these
truncation options.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Fillet tool to modify the intersection of two elements
FILLET with a rounded corner.
Fillet
Beyond the Basics
Polyline Use the SmartLine tool to draw the original element to get
these features.
Using a SmartLine will allow you to modify one or more verti-
ces of the element.
Radius Use the Radius tool setting to specify a radius for the rounded
corner.
Trim Use the Truncate cleanup option to specify the type of cleanup
required: None, Both, or First.
Use the Undo button to execute an undo within the com-
mand.
insert chamfer
CHAMFER ELEMENTS
Use the Chamfer Elements tool to connect two elements using a specific
angled line. The angle of the line is calculated from the existing element’s
angle.
Insert chamfer1
Distance 1. Use the Distance 1 setting to specify the distance along the first
element selected to begin the new angled vertex.
Distance 2. Use the Distance 2 setting to specify the distance along the sec-
ond element selected to end the new angled vertex.
Insert chamfer2
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Chamfer tool to modify the intersection of two ele-
CHAMFER ments with an angled corner.
Chamfer
Polyline Use the SmartLine tool to draw the original element to get
these features.
Using a SmartLine will allow you to modify one or more verti-
ces of the element.
Distance Use the Distance 1 and Distance 2 tool settings to define the
distance along the two elements of the corner.
Angle Not available.
Trim Use the Truncate cleanup option to specify the type of cleanup
required: None, Both, or First.
Method Not available.
In Exercise 5-5 following, you have the opportunity to practice editing elements.
EXERCISE 5-5: MORE EDITING

In this exercise you will learn to use several common
modification commands with existing elements. Here
you will use the Modify, Partial Delete, Extend Line,
Trim, Insert Vertex, Delete Vertex, and Fillet tools.
1 Open the design file MODIFY2.DGN.
The next few steps will walk you through the procedure for modifying the parking lot and
the parking access roads.
Beyond the Basics
Insert CH6B-1-1A
2 Select the Insert Vertex tool to add a vertex at the midpoint at

P1.
Drag the cursor in the X direction () and key in the distance
of 11 feet.
3 Select the Delete Vertex tool and remove the vertex you just
added.
4 Select the Modify tool and add 11 feet to the east end of the
parking lot shape.
Select the midpoint at P2 and using AccuDraw drag the cursor
in the X direction () and key in
the value 11 feet.
5 Select the Partial Delete tool and
delete the parking lot shape
between P3 and P4.
Snap to the arc end points to start
and end the partial delete. You might
need to use the Reset button on the
mouse to access the shape (not the
arc).
6 Select the Extend Element to Intersection tool to extend the
parking stripe from P5 to P6.
7 Select the parking stripe, and then select the horizontal line of
the parking lot to extend to.
8 Select the Intelli-Trim tool and establish the following tool settings.
Mode: Quick
Operation: Extend
9 Select the line to be extended to by selecting the
parking lot boundary at P7.
The boundary line element should change to a “dashed
symbology” when selected as the boundary edge.
10 Define the “line” selection method by defining a
crossing line from P8 to P9.
The stripe lines should automatically extend to the parking lot boundary.
Insert CH6B-1-8A
11 Repeat the Intelli-Trim command to extend the

remaining parking stripe lines to the boundary shape.
12 Use the Selection tool to select the lines highlighted in
the below left figure.
13 Select the Trim tool and pick the parking stripe lines
on the portion you want to remove (noted as P10
through P12 in the figure below).
14 Select the Intelli-Trim tool and establish the following

tool settings.
Mode: Advanced
Operation: Trim
Select Cutting Elements
Insert CH6B-1-17ARight-click to switch the tool setting to Select Elements to Trim.
15 Select the horizontal lines as the cutting elements.

16 Issue a Reset button on the mouse and select the vertical
lines at the midpoints designated in the figure at left.
The intersection “dots” are created when you select the
vertical lines (as shown below left).
17 Right-click and the trim
will preview.
18 The trim may be reversed
from what you were
expecting, but this is just
a preview. You can toggle
it to the other direction.
19 Move the cursor to the outside of the cutting edges in the
area designated by P13 and issue a data point.
This should reverse the trim again, and if this trim is cor-
rect reset to complete the command.
Beyond the Basics
In Exercise 5-6 following, you have the opportunity to practice modifying

lines.
EXERCISE 5-6: MODIFY MORE LINES

Insert CH6B-2-1A
1 Select the Extend Line tool and set the distance tool
setting to 50 feet.
2 Select the right-of-way line at P1 to extend that end of
the line.
If you want to control the total length of the line, use the fol-
lowing steps with the Extend Line tool. In this example we
will change the total length of this line to 100 feet.
3 Select the Extend Line tool and deactivate all tool set-
tings.
4 Select the right-of-way line and when using AccuDraw the compass should locate
itself at the west end point of this line.
HINT: If the compass is not at the westmost end point of this line, use the O shortcut
key to relocate it.
Verify that you are using the “polar” (round) compass.
5 Key in the distance value of 100 (feet).
Issue a data point to accept this value.
Insert CH6B-2-6A
6 To complete the exit lanes from the parking lot, select the Fil-
let tool and establish the following tool settings.
Radius: 11 (feet)
Truncate: Both
7 Select the Fillet tool and
establish the following tool
settings.
Radius: 21 (feet)
Truncate: Both
8 Select the lines at P4 and P5 to complete the com-
mand.
9 Select the Fillet tool and establish the following tool set-
tings.
Radius: 10 (feet)
Truncate: First
10 Select the lines at P6 and P7 to extend the line, and add

the fillet to the first line selected. Note that the second
line is not modified.
11 Repeat the Fillet command and select the lines at P8

and P9.
6: Controlling Drawings
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn about element display properties
Learn about levels and level symbology
Learn to use reference files
Learn to use raster files
The objective of this chapter is to teach you how to use some of the basic
concepts associated with CAD and the DGN file format. Discover how you
can use levels and level symbology to reduce editing requirements and to
produce flexible output. Learn how to more fully utilize other CAD data to
your advantage.
CONTROLLING DRAWINGS
There are several aspects of the DGN file that allow you to control what data
you see and how that data appears. These are levels, color, line weight, and
line styles, discussed in the sections that follow.
Level Management and Display

One of the most powerful enhancements found in MicroStation V8 is the
implementation of unlimited levels. Previous versions of MicroStation lim-
ited the level structure to 63 levels. With this in mind, let’s explore how DGN
CAD standards were developed and how they work within this environment.
THE OLD 63 LEVELS

Prior to V8, and with only 63 levels to work with, if you wanted to distin-
guish drawing components from each other you used element attributes
such as color, line weights, and line styles to make different aspects of the
Chapter 6: Controlling Drawings
drawing unique. It was common to have multiple colors, line weights, and
even line styles on a single level. In many legacy DGN drawings you will find
a single level containing continuous and dashed lines, red and blue lines, or
thin and thick lines. This was common practice and considered “normal” in
the MicroStation DGN file.
This is very different from the way things work in AutoCAD. Because
AutoCAD allows you to create up 65,000+ layers, the most logical way to
distinguish drawing components was through layers. If you needed contin-
uous and dashed components, you placed them on different layers. Red and
blue objects each had a unique layer, and the same held true for varying line
styles. You primarily used layers with colors, line weights, and line styles
directly assigned. With the introduction of V8, both of these configurations
are possible in MicroStation. You can choose which method you prefer and
work within that configuration.
MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTES ON A SINGLE LEVEL

In this book I will refer to the “old V7” method as the ByElement method
since attributes were assigned directly to the element.
Pros. Using multiple attributes on a single level minimizes the number of
levels you have to define in a single file. In nonstandard CAD environments,
this method is useful because you can use any attribute you want on any
level. This provides a more open drawing environment.
Cons. Using multiple attributes on a single level forces you to define all
attribute types each time you place a component. You have to define color,
line weight, and line style individually before you can start to compose the
drawing. This method is more difficult to manage and usually requires more
customizations to enforce. In large organizations, it does not lend itself to
CAD standards compliance without significant effort on the part of the
CAD manager or the end user.
SINGLE ATTRIBUTES ON MULTIPLE LEVELS

In this book I will refer to the “AutoCAD” and “V8” method as the ByLevel
method.
Pros. Using levels as the distinguishing feature between components allows
for easier management of CAD standards. All attributes can be defined to a
specific level so that the user only has to select the correct level and the
attribute settings will automatically follow the CAD standard for color, line
weight, and line style. This system is easier to implement and tends to
encourage compliance with CAD standards.
Controlling Drawings
Cons. Using levels as the distinguishing feature dramatically increases the

number of levels required to define a CAD standard. However, this method
can restrict your ability to define attributes independently.
USING BYELEMENT
The concept of ByElement symbology is not new to the MicroStation envi-
ronment, but is new to most AutoCAD users. The definition of ByElement is
that a component’s attributes are determined by the active setting at the time
of placement. Each component in a drawing has a color, line style, and line
weight assigned to it. If a component is placed on a level that is assigned the
color white and the active color is blue, the resulting component will be blue.
The color assigned to the level has no influence on the component being
placed. The color of a component is controlled by the element.
USING BYLEVEL
The concept of ByLevel symbology is new to the MicroStation V8 environ-
ment, but not to AutoCAD users who have been using ByLayer symbology
for several years. The definition of ByLevel is that a component’s attribute is
determined by the setting of a level, not by its individual setting. If a compo-
nent is placed on a level that is assigned the color green and the active color
is set to ByLevel, the resulting component will be green. If the same compo-
nent is placed on a level that is assigned the color blue, the resulting compo-
nent will be blue. The color of a component is controlled by the level.
ByLevel allows you to modify the color of a level and have all components
using that level automatically update to the new color.
USING BYCELL
The concept of ByCell symbology is also new to MicroStation V8, but again
not to AutoCAD users who may have been using ByBlock symbology for
several years. The definition of ByCell is that a component’s attribute is
determined by the active setting at the time of placement. If a component is
assigned the color ByCell, is placed on a level that is assigned the color green
and the active color is set to ByLevel, the resulting component will be green.
If this same component is placed on a level that is assigned the color green
but the active color is blue, the resulting component will be blue.
ByCell works exactly like ByLevel if the active attribute setting is ByLevel. If
the active attribute setting is anything other than ByLevel, the component
will use the active setting definition. ByCell allows you to have a “tweak fac-
tor” for color, line weight, and line style when needed.
The following comparison table outlines differences between AutoCAD and

MicroStation regarding handling of level settings.
BYLAYER Use the BYLEVEL level attribute setting.

BYBLOCK Use the BYCELL level attribute setting.
Level Manager
Managing levels is a simple but tedious job at best. The good news, however,
is that you only have to do it once. The bad news is that you have to do it
once. The best suggestion is to define these levels in a seed file and use this
seed file to create every drawing from this point forward. The levels can be
defined directly in the seed file or in a DGNLIB style file that is attached to
the seed file.
The advantage of creating the levels in a DGNLIB file, commonly referred

to as a style library file, is that it is a single source of levels that can reside in
a common location on a server. This DGNLIB file can be “linked” or
“embedded” into the seed file depending on your corporate requirements.
This DGNLIB is then a single source of levels that is easier to maintain long
term. The location of these DGNLIB files is managed using the configura-
tion variable MS_DGNLIBLIST. The MS_DGNLIBLIST variable represents
a list of directories to be used to store resource libraries for levels, text,
dimension styles, and even multi-lines. You must decide which level defini-
tion methods you prefer (ByElement or ByLevel) and create the appropriate
levels using the Level Manager dialog in either seed files or DGNLIB files.
Table 6-1 outlines an example of MicroStation’s Level Manager level defini-

tions for the ByElement, ByLevel, and ByCell methods.
TABLE 6-1: LEVEL MANAGER DIALOG ENTRIES FOR LEVEL METHODS
Method Name Number Color Line Style Line Weight
ByElement A-WALL 1 0 0 (CONTINUOUS) 0

ByLevel A-WALL 2 CYAN 0 (CONTINUOUS) 1 (.18)
ByCell A-WALL 3 CYAN 0 (CONTINUOUS) 1 (.18)
Insert levelmanager1
NUMBERS OR NAMES
The use of logical level names has been available for several years in Micro-
Station but most users were so familiar with level numbers they never both-
ered to assign names. Fortunately, it appears that many are taking advantage
of logical level names in V8 and thus this situation should improve in the
future.
All V8 levels will be assigned logical names when migrated from V7 to V8.
However, not all organizations managed this as well as they could have. You
will probably run into legacy DGN files that have not been assigned logical
level names and the names were generated by MicroStation automatically.
These level names will appear as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and so on. You can
rename these numbered names to something more logical using a remap-
ping file.
All unused levels should have been removed during the migration process
from J to V8. If not, you can delete unused levels manually using the key-in
Level Delete levelname. The names of used levels are displayed in bold. The
active level is displayed in an aqua color.
Insert levelmanager2
Level Manager Dialog
This section describes the options available via the Level Manager dialog.
You can access this dialog by selecting Settings > Levels > Manager or by
selecting the Level Manager button located on the Primary Tools toolbar.
NEW LEVEL
Insert newlevel.tif
The New Level option allows you to create a new level in the active design file.
TIP: The ability to create levels can be restricted using level configura-
tion variables.
DELETE LEVEL
The Delete Level option allows you to delete an unused level. You cannot
delete a level that has been used. To view what types of elements are using a
level, select the level in the list and right-click to access that level’s Properties
command. Select the Usage tab and a list is provided informing you what
type of elements and how many are using this level. This ability to modify
level properties can be restricted using level configuration variables. You
may also use the key-in level usage <level name> to list a specific level’s use.
The results are reported in the Message Center.
UPDATE LEVELS
Insert updatelevel.tif
The Update Levels option allows you to update the level list from an external
style library file (DGNLIB). To find out which style library is being used,
select the level in the list and right-click to access that level’s Properties com-
mand. Select the General tab to view the style library file name.
SYMBOLOGY
The Symbology option allows you to modify the appearance of elements in
the design file. This is similar to VISRETAIN in AutoCAD but with many
more capabilities. Symbology can be applied to active file levels and refer-
ence file levels. Level symbology can be toggled on and off as needed on a
per-level or per-file basis. Use the tree view in the Level Manager dialog to
control what levels you see in the list.
LIST FILTER
Insert filter.tif
The List Filter option allows you to filter what levels are displayed in the
Level Manager dialog. Using a level filter limits the level list to what you
need. Typical level filter configurations might be annotation levels, survey
levels, floor plan levels, used levels, unused levels, and so on. This option is
invaluable when you employ the ByLevel method because long level lists can
be counterproductive.
TIP: Selections made in the Level Manager dialog for List Filter will also af-
fect levels displayed in other level interface tools, such as the Level Display
dialog and the Attributes toolbar.
MODEL LIST VIEW

Insert levelmodels
The Model List View option allows you to control which

model levels you want to view in the Level Manager dia-
log: active file models, reference file models, or both.
ALL LEVELS
The All Levels option allows you to view the levels from
all models in the Level Manager dialog; both active file
models and all reference file models.
Insert levelmodels
FILTERS
The Filters option allows you to view only those levels
that meet specific level filter criteria. These criteria can
be based on level name, level group, logical file, number, used, library, color,
line weight, line style, and even other filters.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Level Manager dialog to manage and create levels.
LAYER
Layer Manager
? Select Level Manager > Levels > Export to view and export a level
list to an external file.
Make Use the New Level command from the Level Manager dialog.
In either the Level Manager or the Level Display dialog, double-
click on a level name to make it the active level.
Set In either the Level Manager or the Level Display dialog, double-
click on a level name to make it the active level.
New Use the New Level command from the Level Manager dialog.
ON Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to turn on levels.
OFF Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to turn off levels.
Color Use the Level Manager dialog to define level colors.
Ltype Use the Level Manager dialog to define level line styles.
LWeight Use the Level Manager dialog to define level line weights.
Plot Use the Level Manager dialog to define whether or not a level plots.
Freeze Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to turn off levels.
Use the Level Display or Level Manager dialog to globally freeze
levels.
Thaw Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to turn on levels.
Use the Level Display or Level Manager dialog to globally thaw levels.
Lock Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to lock levels.
Unlock Use the Level Display dialog or the Attribute toolbar to unlock levels.
State Use level symbology overrides to modify the level state found in the
Level Manager dialog. There is no method for saving level states in
MicroStation.
Level Display Dialog
This section describes the options found in the Level Display dialog.
Insert viewindex.tif
VIEW INDEX
The View Index buttons allow you to control which view win-
dow levels are displayed in the level list and to control which
view window(s) the level changes will be applied to.
Insert displaytype.tif
DISPLAY TYPE
The Display Type option allows you to control which type of
level display you want to use.
Insert leveldisplay1
View Display: Displays levels that are turned ON/

OFF in a specific view window. This is similar to the
Level ON/OFF found in previous versions of Micro-
Station and AutoCAD’s viewport freeze and thaw.
Global Display: Displays levels that are turned ON/
OFF in all view windows. Note that with this display
type the view index is disabled, restricting you from
specifying a specific view number. This is similar to
the layer ON/OFF found in AutoCAD’s model space.
Global Freeze: Displays levels that are either FRO-
ZEN (off) or THAWED (on), similar to AutoCAD’s
FREEZE/THAW layers. Note that with this display
type the view index is disabled, restricting you from
specifying a specific view number. This setting is
identical in functionality to Global Display in the
MicroStation environment.
The Global Display and Global Freeze options are both necessary in
MicroStation when working in DWG workmode. Because AutoCAD uses
both display types, and because they have different functionality in Auto-
CAD, MicroStation must be able to manipulate both display types when in
DWG workmode.
Insert changelevel.tif
CHANGE LEVEL
The Change Level command allows you to modify the display of a level, its
locked status, and its target.
Display Only: Changes the display of a view window to the level
selected only. This works in the same manner as MicroStation’s All
Except Element command, and is equivalent to the Isolate Layer com-
mand found in AutoCAD’s Express tools.
Display Off: Changes the levels displayed in a view window by turning
off the level of a selected element. This works in the same manner as
MicroStation’s Off By Element command and is equivalent to the Layer
Off command found in AutoCAD’s Express tools.
Lock/Unlock: Changes the lock status of a level in all view windows. Lock-
ing a level using this method is different from using the Level Lock com-
mand found in previous versions of MicroStation. This new command
locks the level selected so that all data on that level cannot be modified.
TIP: The Level Lock command is exactly the opposite in functionality from
this Lock Level. Level Lock restricts your access to just the level selected
and all other levels cannot be modified.
Insert targetlist
Set Target: Sets the

Inser
Target master or ref-

erence file levels in
Level Display of the
selected element. By
clicking on an ele-
ment you can set the
file in the target tree
and see the levels for
that file only.
t levelcommands
Place the cursor over the level list in the Level Display dialog to access
the following commands from a right-click menu.
All On: Turns on all levels in a view window.
All Off: Turns off all levels except the active level in a view window.
Off by Element: Turns off levels in a view window by selecting the ele-
ments.
All Except Element: Turns off all levels in a view window except the
selected element’s level.
SHOW TARGET TREE

Insert targettree.tif
The Show Target Tree button allows you to see the model/file list tree view
in the Level Display dialog. Selecting files from this list controls which
model levels you want to view in the Level Display dialog: active file, refer-
ence files, or both. You can select multiple files using the Ctrl and Shift keys.
Insert targettree1
LIST FILTER
Insert listfilter.tif
The List Filter button allows you to establish which levels are displayed in the
Level Display dialog. Using a level filter shortens the level list display to what
you need. Typical level filter configurations could be annotation levels, survey
levels, floor plan levels, and so on. These filter settings are invaluable when
using the ByLevel method because long lists of levels can be difficult to use.
Insert listfilter1
TIP: Selections made in the Level Manager

dialog for List Filter will also affect levels dis-
played in other level interface controls such
as the Level Display dialog and the At-
tributes toolbar.
LEVELS OR FILTERS VIEW

The Levels or Filters View button allows you to view individual levels associ-
ated with the models, or level filters associated with the models. Using level
filters is an efficient way of turning multiple levels on and off quickly. Using
an annotation level filter, for example, you could turn off all annotation with
a single click.
Insert filterview1
LEVEL DISPLAY LIST

The Level Display section allows you to manipulate which levels are on or
off. The content of this list is controlled by the various settings and selec-
tions in the top portion of the dialog. So what do all of those colors mean?
Insert leveldisplay
AQUA: Represents the active level

BLACK: Represents a level that is ON
GRAY: Represents a level that is OFF
DARK GRAY: Represents a level whose on/off status
varies between the views or models selected
DISABLED GRAY: Represents a level that is globally
off or globally frozen
BOLD: Represents a level that contains elements
NON-BOLD: Represents an empty level
The Attribute Toolbar
Levels can also be controlled using the Attribute toolbar. This toolbar is
most likely where you will make common changes to the active level, color,
line style, and line weight. You can use this toolbar to control not only the
active attributes but whether levels are on/off or locked/unlocked.
Insert attributes
insert levelsvary
ACTIVE LEVEL
The active level setting displays the current level for placing elements.
nsert levelattribute
Level state varies in view windows
Level is on in all view windows
Level is off or unlocked in all view windows
Level is locked
In

Layer ON Toggle the Attribute tool
Layer OFF Toggle the Attribute tool
Layer Thaw Toggle the Attribute tool
Layer Freeze Toggle the Attribute tool

Layer LOCK Toggle the Attribute tool
Layer UNLOCK Toggle the Attribute tool
Insert colorattribute
Element Appearance
ACTIVE COLOR
The active color setting displays the active color for plac-
ing elements from the attached color table. You can access
the attached color table by selecting Settings > Color
Table.
Represents the view window background
color as color 255.
ByLevel attribute definition. This option is

available by default.
ByCell attribute definition. This option is not

available by default.
TIP: The ByCell setting is not available by default. You can enable it
through the workmode capability settings using the following configura-
tion variable.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6; %#2#$+.+6;A$;%'..
You can remove the availability of the ByLevel functionality using the fol-
lowing workmode configuration variable.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;%#2#$+.+6;A$;.'8'.
Refer to the file WORKMODE.CFG for additional workmode configura-
tion settings. This file can be found in the default installation folder
C:\Program Files\Bentley\Program\MicroStation\config\system\
workmode. cfg.
ACTIVE COLOR TABLE

MicroStation allows you to attach and modify the color table as needed. You
can even attach an AutoCAD color table if you prefer that color/number
arrangement.
Insert colortables
ACTIVE LINE STYLE

Insert styleattribute
The Active Line Style setting displays the current line style for placing ele-
ments.
Line Styles 0 Through 7. The default line styles 0 through 7 are view inde-
pendent, which means that if you zoom in or out their on-screen appear-
ance does not change. They are defined using “pixels” on the screen, not
physical lengths. Their plotting appearance, however, is controlled using a
plot definition file that defines the line style segments in physical lengths.
Custom Line Styles. Custom line styles such as Border and Center are not
view independent and their on-screen appearance will change as you zoom
in and out. These line styles are similar to those found in AutoCAD. They
are WYSIWYG, an acronym for “What you see is what you get.” The screen
appearance is exactly what you see on paper.
Insert scalestyles
It is important to manage the scale of custom

line styles. The line style definition can define a
base scale, and you can modify this scale during
placement. The line style scale is hardcoded to
the element. You can also define the custom
line style with a scale of 1 and globally modify
all custom line styles using the following key-in
command.
#%6+8'.+0'56;.'5%#.'UECNGHCEVQT
This command works exactly like LTSCALE in AutoCAD.
AUTOCAD LINE STYLES

You can import the AutoCAD line styles from the software-delivered file
ACAD.LIN or any custom AutoCAD .LIN file.
Insert editstyles
Use the MicroStation

Line Style Editor dia-
log to create your own
line styles, or to import
them from another file.
You can access the Line
Style Editor dialog by
selecting Element >
Line Styles > Edit.
ACTIVE LINE WEIGHT

Insert weightattribute
The Active Line Weight setting displays the current line weight for placing
elements.
Line Weights 0-31. The default line weights 0 through 31 are view indepen-
dent, which means that if you zoom in or out their on-screen appearance
does not change. They are defined using “pixels” on the screen, not physical
width. Their plotting appearance, however, is controlled using a plot defini-
tion file that defines the line thickness in physical widths.
This is a very efficient way of using line weight for complex CAD drawings.
As an AutoCAD user, if you tried to use the new line weights you know that
a hardcoded weight definition is difficult to view, and that using true
“WYSIWYG” line weights is difficult to control on the screen. There are sev-
eral viewing problems to deal with, and likely most of you did not use line
weight in AutoCAD because of these issues.
Try out the new MicroStation method. You will probably like it. Remember,
you can turn off line weight displays using View Attributes, and the drawing
view will look even closer to what you are used to in AutoCAD.
Level Symbology
One of the best level features is the ability to define level symbology on a
per-level or per-file basis. It is recommended that you investigate level sym-
bology and work with it until you fully understand its capabilities. This is
such a useful feature that the time will be well spent.
Level symbology is defined in the Level Manager dialog by selecting the

Symbology button and activating the Overrides setting. Each level has in its
definition the ByLevel definitions for color, style, and weight and the Over-
ride definitions for color, style, and weight. These settings are saved with the
design file for use throughout the life cycle of the file. Default symbology
settings can be saved in seed files or DGNLIB files for individual standards,
project standards, and corporate standards. Check out the exercise at the
end of the chapter to fully understand this feature.
I
VISRETAIN Use level symbology overrides located in the Level Manager dialog.
Layer Use level symbology overrides located in the Level Manager dialog along
States with saved views to memorize layer states.
Purge Levels versus Compress

Insert compress
The Purge Levels command is not

what you think! It is not equivalent to
the Purge Layers command found in
AutoCAD that cleans up unused
layer data in a DWG file.
Purge Levels will delete levels cur-

rently being used. This is a signifi-
cant difference. The tool you are
really looking for in MicroStation is
Compress Design. The Compress
design tool allows you to clean up
unused data in a DGN file. Use the
Compress dialog options to define what data you want to clean up in the
DGN file. All AutoCAD users need to be careful of this one or data will dis-
appear inadvertently.
I
PURGE Use the File > Compress > Options and File > Compress
File > Drawing Utilities > Purge > Design tools to clean up unused data in a DGN file.
In Exercise 6-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice manipulat-

ing levels in a single view.
EXERCISE 6-1: MANIPULATING LEVELS IN A SINGLE VIEW

In this exercise you will learn to create levels with or without ByLevel definitions, as well as
how to manipulate which levels are displayed in a view.
1 Open the design file LEVELS_1.DGN.
2 Open the Level Manager dialog found on the Primary Tools toolbar.
insert CH7-1-2A
3 Click on the New Level button to create a new level.

Key in the level name Buildings and set the following attributes to this level.
Insert CH7-1-3A
Color: 1 (blue)
Style: 2 (dashed)
Weight: 3
To change the current level attributes, select
the current level color, style, and weight. This
will activate the applicable pop-up dialog for
making the changes.
4 Double click on the Buildings level name
to make it the active level.
It should turn an aqua color.
5 Close the Level Manager dialog.
Insert CH7-1-6A
6 Draw a building outline on one of the lots

using this new level. The building line
attributes should match the new level set-
tings: blue, dashed, and a heavy line weight.
7 Change the active level using the Attributes
toolbar.
Select the Level pull-down menu and select
the level LOT_LINES to add an additional
lot line to the drawing.
Add the lot line identified as P1 using the
keypoint snap.
8 Turn off the Buildings level using the Attributes
toolbar.
9 Delete the new lot line drawn in step 7.
You will find that you cannot. Why not?
Insert CH7-1-8A
10 Check the level status of LOT LINES in the

Attributes toolbar. Do you see it?
Yes, the level is locked and therefore you cannot
modify anything on that level. Note the message
in the status bar message center.
11 Unlock the LOT LINES level and try to delete the line again. You should be able to
modify elements on that level.
In Exercise 6-2, following, you have the opportunity to practice manipulat-

ing levels in multiple views.
EXERCISE 6-2: MANIPULATING LEVELS IN MULTIPLE VIEWS

In this exercise you will learn to turn levels on and off using multiple views and files.
2 Turn on view windows 1 and 2.
3 Tile both view windows using the pull-down menu Window > Tile.
Open the Level Display dialog for this next step.

4 Use the shortcut key combination Ctrl + E and place this dialog between the two open
view windows so that you can see the drawing in both windows.
Turn on the Buildings level in view window 2 only.
Insert CH7-2-5A
5 Verify that only view number 2 activated in

the View Index buttons, as shown in top
left figure.
Then select the Buildings level to turn it on.
Remember, BLACK represents ON.
6 Turn off view 2 in the View Index buttons
and turn on view 1, as shown in bottom left
figure.
Note that the Buildings level is still off for
this view.
Let’s turn off the Plot Numbers level in all view
windows.
MInsert CH7-2-7A
7 Activate all view numbers in the View Index

buttons (as shown at right).
8 Turn off the level Plot_Numbers.
In Exercise 6-3, following, you have the opportunity to practice manipulating levels in
multiple files.
EXERCISE 6-3: MANIPULATING LEVELS IN MULTIPLE FILES

In this exercise you will learn to turn levels on and off using multiple views and files.
Insert CH7-3-1A
Now we want to turn on the level Plot Numbers in

just the active file, not the reference file.
2 Verify that the File Target Tree option is
activated so that you see the list of all avail-
able files.
3 Select the reference file LAND2.DGN.
4 The level PLOT NUMBERS is dark gray,
representing that its display varies in the
activated views. That is okay. We will just
toggle it off and then back on in all view
windows.
5 Select the active file LEVELS_3.DGN and turn on the Plot_Numbers level in all views.
In Exercise 6-4, following, you have the opportunity to practice using level
symbology.
EXERCISE 6-4: USING LEVEL SYMBOLOGY

In this exercise you will learn to set up and use level symbology.
Next, we want to define and use level symbology in the active file only.
2 Open the Level Manager dialog via the Primary Tools toolbar.
3 Select the Symbology setting for Overrides and review the settings on all levels. Many
times, the defaults are all set to “0” for color, style, and weight.
Let’s see what this changes in our view windows.
4 Open the View Attributes dialog using the shortcut key combination Ctrl + B.
Insert CH7-4-5A
5 Turn on the Level Symbology

setting for view window 1
only.
Verify that the View Index
has view 1 activated, and
then click on the Apply but-
ton to apply this change to
the view.
The symbology changes are

applied to view 1 for the active
file only. Why? If you said because
of the files selected in the Level
Manager window you were cor-
rect. Go back to the Level Manager and check the Override settings for the reference file
LAND2.DGN. Make sense now? Good! So, how would you apply the same override settings
from the active file to the reference files?
6 Select the reference file in the file list and set the override colors, styles, and weights to 0.
You might need to use the Update View command to see this change.
For the next few steps, make the following symbology changes. Try it without instructions,
but if you need help refer to steps 7 through 12.
LOT LINES (all files):
Color: 3 (red)
Style: 2 (dashed)
LOT LINES (active file only):
Weight: 4
7 Open the Level Manager and select all files in the file list.
8 Verify that you are changing the Override symbology.
9 Select the level LOT LINES and change the attributes as requested.
10 Select the active file only (LEVELS_4.DGN).
11 Select the level STREET NAMES and change the attributes as requested.
12 Close the Level Manager dialog.
Using References
Insert CH7-4-7A
Did you get the result shown at left?

You can turn off level symbology with-
out removing the settings defined in
overrides. Open the View Attributes
dialog and toggle off level symbology.
Be sure to click on the Apply button.
Toggle level symbology back on to
use the overrides again. Use the All
button to apply changes to both view
windows. Can it get any simpler than
that?
USING REFERENCES
The use of reference files should not be new to the majority of AutoCAD
users, so in this section we will discuss the differences between MicroSta-
tion’s reference files and AutoCAD’s Xrefs.
Insert refattach1
Attach a Reference
There are several decisions to be made
when you attach a reference file.
1 Which model in the design file
should you attach?
2 Do you need a logical name?
3 What type of attachment should you
use? Coincident? Coincident World?
Saved View?
4 Should you use True Scale or not?
5 What type of nesting is appropriate?
These questions are probably not some-
thing you can answer immediately. Keep
reading.
MODEL
The Model option allows you to select any model within the referenced file
as your attachment. Remember, the DGN file can contain multiple models
(modelspaces) within a single file.
LOGICAL NAME/DESCRIPTION
This information is optional and not required for attaching a reference file,
but it can be very beneficial down the road when you want to manipulate the
reference attachment. Using a logical name simplifies future editing and
assists other users in understanding what each reference is being used for. If
the logical name is not enough, specify more information in the description.
Keep logical names short but descriptive for greater efficiency. If you attach
the same file more than once, a unique logical name is automatically
assigned to the second attachment and all subsequent attachments.
ATTACHMENT MODE
When attaching a reference file, there are several methods available that
control the geographic relationship between the active file and the attached
reference file. They are coincident, coincident to world, and saved views.
Coincident: Attaches the reference file to the active file by matching up
the design plane coordinates, but not the global origin 0,0,0.
Coincident World: Attaches the reference file to the active file by
matching up the design plane coordinates and the global origin 0,0,0.
Saved View: Attaches the reference file using a saved view from the ref-
erence file. This method is interactive and the coordinate systems have
no impact on the location. This is a good way of controlling which levels
and geographic areas are displayed in the attachment.
TIP: You can use the Saved Views option to pre-clip your reference file and
pre-set your level displays prior to attaching the file as a reference file.
SCALE (MASTER :REF )

The Scale option Master:Ref allows you to scale the reference file during the
attachment. This defines the “ratio” of active (master) file working units to
reference file working units.
.3
TRUE SCALE
The True Scale option allows you to match the working units from the refer-
ence file with your active file automatically based on the scale specified. This
means you could attach a metric reference file (mm) to an Imperial active file
(inches) and the reference file would adjust by 25.4 as needed so that the units
Using References
of 1 are now equal. The good news is that you do not have to be a mathemati-
cian and figure all of this working unit stuff out anymore. Just let True Scale do
its job. It works, and if you don’t believe me you can get out the calculator and
figure it out manually. Just be thankful you don’t have to worry about the units
in your file, or the units in that file you got from someone else who used some
other units and some other software at some other company.
NEST DEPTH
The Nest Depth setting allows you to control what reference hierarchy is
inherited automatically, and how deep the files are in the tree when inherited.
0: Do not inherit any reference files (similar to Overlay in AutoCAD)

1: Inherit one tree level of reference files
2: Inherit two tree levels of reference files
99: Inherit 99 tree levels of references files (similar to Attachment in
AutoCAD)
NOTE: Do not attempt to inherit 99 references. It is used here as an exam-
ple of what not to do.
One of the most powerful aspects of this concept is the ability to inherit
enough information to be beneficial but not so much as to make it counter-
productive.
NESTED ATTACHMENTS
Nested Attachment functionality provides various methods for controlling
how inherited reference files are attached.
No Nesting: No attachments in the reference file will be inherited with
this attachment.
Live Nesting: Reference attachments found in the reference file will be
inherited based on the nest depth factor. The parent/child relationships
are maintained.
Copy Attachments: Reference attachments found in the reference file
will be inherited based on the nest depth factor. The parent/child rela-
tionships are not maintained.
SCALE LINESTYLES
The Scale LineStyles option provides the ability to scale reference files’ line
styles independently of the active file. This is especially important when refer-
encing other file formats such as DWG that use line styles differently than the
DGN file format.
ON: Custom line style components are scaled by the Scale (Master:Ref)
factors.
OFF: Custom line style components are not scaled.
TIP: Another method of attaching reference files is to drag and drop them
from Windows Explorer into the Reference File dialog. The Attachment di-
alog will automatically appear if you drag in just one file. If you drag in
multiple files, they will all be attached coincidentally and you must modify
them after the attachment.
MISSING ATTACHMENTS
Red reference file attachments indicate a “missing” reference file. This can
be caused by various situations.
File path is no longer valid
File name is no longer valid
File no longer exists (has been moved or deleted)
Insert refdisplays1
Reference Options
There are additional options available when attaching a reference file.

Insert refoptions1
Using References
CLIP BACK
The Clip Back option sets the back clipping plane for 3D models.
CLIP FRONT
The Clip Front option sets the front clipping plane for 3D models.
IGNORE ATTACHMENT WHEN LIVE NESTING

The Ignore Attachment when Live Nesting setting allows you to control
whether this file will be handled as a nested reference file when using the
Live Nesting option. This is just another way of controlling individual files
within the live nesting environment.
USE LIGHTS
Use the Use Lights option to control whether lights defined in the reference
file models are used during rendering view operations.
Reference Dialog
The sections that follow describe options available in the Reference dialog.
DISPLAY
The Display option controls whether or not reference files are visible. It is
useful for turning off the display of a reference temporarily, which is much
more useful than “detaching” the reference file and later “reattaching” the
file when the display is needed again. All reference file settings are retained
while the display is off.
SNAP
The Snap option allows you to snap to elements in the reference file while
placing or manipulating the active file elements. Deactivate this setting for
reference files you need to avoid snapping to.
LOCATE
The Locate option allows you to copy reference file elements into the active
file. It does not detach the original reference file attachment. You must
detach the reference file separately if it is no longer needed. You can copy
individual elements or multiple elements by using Fence or Selection Set
tools.
Insert refdisplays2
Reference Settings
Insert refdisplays2
The sections that follow describe options available from the Settings
menu in the Reference dialog.
ATTACHMENT
The Attachment settings allow you to modify the attachment set-
tings after the initial attachment is made. You can modify the file
path, logical name, and description.
PRESENTATION
The Presentation settings allows you to set a reference file’s view rendering
mode and other parameters, such as wireframe, wire mesh, hidden line,
filled hidden line, and different types of shading.
UPDATE SEQUENCE
The Update Sequence settings are useful when using opaque fills or heavy
line weights. It controls the visual draw order of the reference file to the
active file. Bringing files with opaque fills to the top of the update sequence
will place them as the “first” file to be updated, and they will appear on the
bottom of the other files in the list.
ADJUST COLORS
The Adjust Colors settings allow you to adjust the hue and saturation value
of the reference file colors. You can, for example, assign one fixed color such
as grayscale to one reference file and a different fixed color (such as red) to
all other files. This is somewhat similar to level symbology, except that it is
significantly easier to define. You can print these adjusted colors, hues, and
saturation values if needed.
HILITE
Use the Hilite settings to define how you want the reference files selected in
the References dialog box to be displayed in the view window. You can high-
light the entire file, just the boundary or clipping edge, or both. This is
extremely helpful when using the References dialog and you are unsure
which reference file you are looking at in the view window.
AUTO-ARRANGE ICONS
The Auto-Arrange Icons setting will change how the Reference tools move
tools around when the dialog is resized.
LEVEL MANAGER
The Level Manager settings give you easy access to the Level Manager dialog
and its reference file capabilities.
Using References
LEVEL DISPLAY
The Level Display settings give you easy access to the Level Display dialog
and its reference file capabilities
INFORMATION PANEL
The Information panel is new in V8 and provides quicker access to common
tools and settings on the selected reference files. For example, you can
quickly change the attachment type using this panel. Note that this panel
may disappear completely if the References dialog is resized too small.
I
n
s
e
r
t
i
n
f
o
p
a
n
e
l
Self-references
One of the biggest differences in reference files between MicroStation and

AutoCAD is in what files you can attach. In MicroStation, you can attach a
file to itself, commonly referred to as a self-reference attachment. Why
would you want to do this, you ask? One example would be to clip different
areas of a design at different scales. Say you have a layout and you know it is
going to continue to change throughout the project. You want to have an
expanded view of an area in your active design file. Using self-references
allows you to attach a file to itself, clip it and scale it up, and move it to the
side. All of the information in the clipped reference file is actually elements
in your active design file.
Insert selfrefs1
In Exercise 6-5, following, you can practice using references.
EXERCISE 6-5: USING REFERENCES

In this exercise you will learn to attach both DGN and DWG reference files, and apply
level symbology and level commands to both. You will also learn how to clip a reference so
that you can use just a portion of the file.
1 Open the design file REFERENCES_1.DGN.
2 Open the Reference dialog via one of the following methods.
Select the References button on the Primary Tools toolbar.
Go to the pull-down menu File > References.
3 Attach a reference file via one of the following methods.
Select the Attach Reference button.
Go to the pull-down menu Tools > Attach in the References dialog.
Right-click in the References dialog and select the Attach tool from the pop-up menu.
4 Select the file REFERENCES_2.DGN and click on Open to attach the file.
5 Establish the following settings for this reference file attachment.
Model: Survey
Logical Name: Surv
Description: Final Survey Data
Orientation: Coincident – World
Scale: 1:1
True Scale: ON
Nested Attachments: No nesting
Display Raster References: OFF
Click on the OK button to complete the attachment.
HINT: You can modify most of these settings using the Information panel at the bottom of
the References dialog.
Now, let’s attach a DWG file as a reference file.
6 Access the Attach Reference tool and select the file REFERENCES_3.DWG.
When a DWG file has been selected as the reference attachment, the DWG Options
button is available. The default settings under DWG Options should be adequate for
most attachments, but if you have a problem revisit these settings.
Using References
7 Click on the Open button to complete the attachment.

8 A dialog asking for Unit Conversion information will display (similar to when you
open a DWG drawing file).
What is the base unit definition of the DWG file? In this case the answer is feet.
9 Establish the following settings for this reference file attachment.
Model: Model
Logical Name: DWG contours
Description: DWG from Company ABC
Orientation: Coincident – World
Scale: 1:1
True Scale: ON
Nested Attachments: No nesting
Display Raster References: OFF
Insert CH7-5-5APractice turning levels on and off using the commands Off By Element, All Off, and All On.
Click on the OK button to complete

the attachment.
10 The final result should look as

shown in the figure at right.
11 Practice turning levels on and off
using the commands Off By Ele-
ment, All Off, and All On.
HINT: Look in the Level Display dia-
log. If that isn’t enough of a hint, try
the right-click on top of the level list.
12 Practice applying level symbology to the DWG file contours and change the Symbol-
ogy Override settings to the following.
Color: 9 (gray)
Style: 0 (continuous)
Weight: 0
HINT: If you can’t remember how to do this, see Exercise 6-4.
Next, you will learn how to clip and edit a reference file in place.
Insert CHs7-5-7A
13 Turn on the level Clip Fence

Shape.
14 Place a fence using the ele-
ment Fence Type and the Clip
Fence Mode tool settings.
Select the new element boun-
dary for the fence shape.
15 Open the References dialog
and highlight both reference
files.
16 Right-click to access the Clip
Boundary command, and use
the Fence Method tool setting.
Issue a data point in view 1 to
complete the Clip command.
17 Turn off the level Clip Fence Shape.
Now you can see the clipped reference files. Note that the active file’s elements were not
clipped.
18 To delete a clip boundary, use the Delete Clip command found in the References dia-
log using Tools > Delete Clip. This command is applied to all selected references in
the dialog file list.
TIP: You can clip the active file using the Clip Volume view command in conjunction with
the Clip Volume view attribute.
7: Working with
Annotation
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
Learn to place annotation using text and dimensions
Learn to use tag data for intelligent annotation
Learn to use styles to automate standard annotation settings
Learn to use annotation scale to automate text sizes
Placing annotation in an engineering drawing is always a combination of

technical know-how and skillful planning. Finding room for all of the nec-
essary text and dimensions is always a challenge, and predicting the size of
these annotations is a guessing game at best. MicroStation provides several
tools that assist with this process, some of which are highly automated and
others that are electronic versions of the old hand drafting concepts.
TYPES OF TEXT ELEMENTS

There are several types of text in MicroStation, and understanding their dif-
ferences is important. You can place text elements, text nodes, enter data
fields, notes, dimensions, tags, and flags.
Text Elements
The text element is a single line of text that can be placed using the Place
Text command. All text elements can contain up to 65,535 characters, if you
can find room for text strings that long.
Chapter 7: Working with Annotation
Text Nodes
The text node element is a multi-line paragraph of text that is also placed using
the Place Text tool. Text nodes are generated automatically when the Enter key
is used to indicate a second line of text while typing in your text data.
Text nodes can display a text node view attribute, which is small crosshair
and a number, if enabled in the view window attributes. These text node
numbers will plot if inadvertently left on.
TIP 1: Use view attributes to toggle the display of text nodes in the view
window.
TIP 2: Use plot configuration files to automatically disable the ability to
plot text nodes.
Enter Data Fields

Insert type_enter
The enter data field element is unique to MicroSta-

tion in its ability to provide easy editing features,
and powerful text manipulation tools. An enter data
field is recognizable by its distinctive “underscore”
appearance, and the rectangular box that appears in
association with text editing tools. This element type
allows you to place a piece of text that defines all properties of the text feature
(font, size, level, color, weight, and line style) but without the actual text char-
acters. It is ideal for data that is annotated on the drawing, but has yet to be
determined through design, such as equipment numbers, room numbers, title
block information, and generic text in standard symbols.
Notes
The place note element is actually a dimension element similar to the
AutoCAD leader. This element contains text and other graphics features
such as lines, arcs, and terminators. The text portion of this element is “asso-
ciated” with the graphical components, providing easy editing later. The
appearance of this element is controlled by a dimension style or independent
dimension settings.
Dimensions
The dimension element provides graphic-based annotations whose primary
purpose is to display “real-world” sizes and their related text.
Types of Text Elements
Tags
The tag element is basically a piece of text that has some additional intelli-
gence associated with it. This element can be associated with individual
graphics or symbols and can be globally edited or extracted for use outside
the design file. This is not a widely used annotation feature, but it is the clos-
est relative to AutoCAD’s attribute text found in blocks.
Flags
The flag element is a bitmap icon image that acts like an electronic sticky
note. You can place a flag in your drawing and key in associated notes, which
provides a valuable method for distributing information between users of
the design file.
Placing Text
PLACE TEXT
insert text.tif
Use the Place Text tool to place single-line and multi-line text elements. The
Tool Settings dialog provides several options for controlling the appearance
and location of a text element.
Insert text1
1 Select the Place Text tool.

2 Modify the necessary tool settings.
3 Key in the text characters.
Methods. Use the text method to determine how the text is placed.
By Origin: Places text by a justification point.
Fitted: Places text between two data points.
View Independent: Places text independent of view rotation.
Fitted VI: Places fitted text independent of view rotation.
Above element: Places text above an element.

Below element: Places text below an element.
On Element: Places text on an element, breaking the element automati-
cally.
Along element: Places text along a curved element, either above or
below it.
Word Wrap. Automatically wraps text based on a rectangular area specified

by the user. This method is only available if you are using the word processor
text editor.
Insert text4
Text Style. Use the Text Style tool setting to select the style of text you want
to place. Refer to the “Text Styles” section later in this chapter for additional
information on text styles.
Active Angle. The Active Angle setting defines the angle to be used when
placing elements.
Insert textlock
Height. The Height setting defines the height

of the text characters. Use the Lock icon to
lock the height and width together for pro-
portional text characters.
Width. The Width setting defines the width of the text characters. Use the
Lock icon to lock the height and width together for proportional text charac-
ters.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Place Text tool to place multi-line strings of text.
MText
Height Use the Height and Width settings.

Justify Use the Justification setting.
Line spacing Use the Linespacing setting.
Rotation Use the Active Angle setting.
Style Use the Text Style setting.
Width The width of the paragraph is controlled by the Line Length set-
ting, which is not available in the Tool Settings dialog.
Use the key-in LL=40 to define a line length of 40 characters.
Use the Word Wrap option to graphically define the paragraph
width.
insert edittext.tif
EDIT TEXT
Use the Edit Text tool to edit any existing text element. The various tool set-
tings allow you to modify text attributes at the same time you are editing the
text content.
Insert edittext1
1 Select the Edit Text tool.

2 Select an existing text element to edit.
3 Define the tool settings as needed.
You can edit one text element at a time by
selecting it individually, or several text ele-
ments defined by a selection set or fence.
TIP 1: Enter data fields will display with <<TEXT>> in the editor window.
If you remove the << or >> characters you remove the enter data field ca-
pabilities and convert the text to a normal text element.
TIP 2: MicroStation provides for double-click editing through the use of the
Selection tool. This feature is available for text and dimension text only.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Edit Text tool to edit existing text elements.
DDEDIT
Edit Text
Undo Use the Undo button or Ctrl + Z to execute the undo in the middle
of the command.
insert spell.tif
SPELL CHECKER
Use the Spell Checker tool to check your spelling throughout the entire
drawing.
1 Select the Spell Checker tool.
2 Identify the text elements to be checked.
You can spell check one text element at a time by selecting it individually, or
several text elements defined by a selection set or fence.

Keyboard: Use the Spell Checker tool to verify correct spelling in existing text ele-
SPell ments.
insert display_text.tif
DISPLAY TEXT ATTRIBUTES

Use the Display Text Attributes tool to display an existing element’s text
attributes in the status bar at the bottom of the application.
TH = text height
TW= text width
LV = level
FT = font
1 Select the Display Text Attributes tool.
2 Identify an existing text element.
Sorry, those are the only text attributes that display with this function.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Display Text Attributes tool to display just the text settings
PRoperties of an existing element.
Use the Element Information tool to display all settings of an
Properties existing element.
MATCH TEXT
insert match_text.tif
Use the Match Text tool to match all text attributes from an existing text ele-
ment. This tool will modify all active text attributes so that all text placed
from this point forward will look identical to the existing text element you
selected.
1 Select the Match Text tool.
2 Identify an existing text element.
3 Issue a data point to accept.
Text attributes are as follows.
Text style Font

Text height Text width
Line spacing Line space type
Slant Line length
Underline Vertical text
View dependency Intercharacter spacing
Justification
The Match Text tool will not match any other attributes (such as level,
color, line weight, and so on) associated with the text element.
TIP: The concepts used in all MicroStation match commands are completely
opposite those found in AutoCAD match properties functionality. In Au-
toCAD, you place the text first and then match it to an existing object to in-
herit property settings. In MicroStation, you should match the existing text
element first, and then place a new text element using the active text at-
tributes that now match the existing text element you selected.

Mouse pick Keyboard: Use the Match Text Attributes tool to set the active text
MAtchprop attributes to those of an existing element.
Use the SmartMatch tool to set all active element attributes
Match Properties to those of an existing element.
CHANGE TEXT ATTRIBUTES

insert change_text.tif
Use the Change Text Attributes tool to modify the text attributes for any
existing text elements. This tool will modify “text” attributes only.
1 Select the Change Text Attributes tool.

2 Define the tool settings changes.
3 Identify an existing element.
You can change one text element at a time by selecting it individually, or

several text elements using a selection set or fence.

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Change Text Attributes tool to modify just the text
PRoperties properties of an existing element.
Properties
insert text_node.tif
PLACE TEXT NODE

The Place Text Node tool is rarely used today, but is a legacy command from
previous versions. It still works, however, and you can place a text “marker”
in your drawing and then populate it with characters later. Text nodes consist
of a crosshair and a text node number. They will plot if the view window
attribute is active. Many users prefer this method to enter data fields because
the justification is easier to control with text node elements.
You can place view-independent text nodes as follows.
1 Select the Place Text Node tool.
2 Identify the text node location in the drawing.

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for Place Text Node.
COPY/INCREMENT TEXT
insert copyinc_text.tif
The Copy/Increment Text tool allows you to copy an existing text element
and increment its value by any increment value. You can key in positive and
negative increment values.
Insert copyinc1
1 Select the Copy/Increment Text tool.

2 Define the increment value in the Tool Settings dialog.
3 Select an existing text element as the base value.
4 Identify a new location to copy the new incremented text to.

AutoCAD Express Tool MicroStation
Keyboard: Use the Copy/Increment Text tool to automatically place text with
TCOUNT incrementing values.
insert fillin_data.tif
FILL IN ENTER DATA FIELD

Use the Fill in Enter Data Field tool to fill in empty data fields
or to modify already filled enter data fields.
1 Select the Fill in Enter Data Field tool.
2 Select a data field.
3 Key in the data field value
You must select the data fields manually using this tool.

There is no exact equivalent for enter data fields. However, when enter data fields are used
in cells, the equivalent command would be block attributes in AutoCAD. Refer to the Place
Tag tool in MicroStation for the exact equivalents of block attributes.
nsert autofill_data.tif
AUTO-FILL ENTER DATA FIELD

Use the Auto-Fill Enter Data Field tool to fill in empty data fields automatically.
1 Select the Auto-Fill Enter Data Field tool.
2 Select a view window to begin searching for empty data fields. Continue to
issue data points in the view window until the correct data field highlights.
Insert autofill1
3 Key in the data field value, and

press the Enter key to fill in the
value and to move on to the
next empty data field.
4 Continue to key in values (using
the Enter key to move to the
next data field).

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for Auto-Fill Enter Data Field.
insert copy_data.tif
COPY ENTER DATA FIELD

copydata1
Use the Copy Enter Data Field tool to copy

enter data field values from one data field to
another. This can be very useful when you
have repetitive part numbers throughout a
drawing layout.
1 Select the Copy Enter Data Field tool.
2 Select the data field you want to copy
from.
3 Select the data field you want to copy to.
Insert

There is no exact equivalent for enter data fields. When enter data fields are used in cells,
the equivalent command would be block attributes in AutoCAD. Refer to the Place Tag
tool in MicroStation for the exact equivalents of block attributes.
T
insert copyinc_data.tif
COPY/INCREMENT ENTER DATA FIELD

Insert copydata2
Use the Copy/Increment Enter Data Field

tool to copy a data field value to another
value and increment it by a defined value at
the same time. You can key in positive and
negative increment values.
1 Select the Copy/Increment Enter Data
Field tool.
2 Define the Increment Value tool set-
ting.
3 Select the data field you want to copy
and increment from.
4 Select the data field you want to incre-
ment.

There is no exact command in AutoCAD for Copy/Increment Enter Data Field.
XYZ ANNOTATION
If you work in the civil or survey disciplines, you need to know about the
XYZ Text toolbar. The coordinate tools of this toolbar provide methods of
importing and exporting coordinates in a design file, and for labeling XYZ
coordinate locations.
XYZ Annotation
LABEL COORDINATES
insert copyinc_data.tif
Use the Label Coordinates tool to label specific XYZ coordinates in your
design file.
Insert coords1
1 Select the Label Coordinates tool.

2 Issue a data point to label the coordi-
nate.
3 Use a Tentative point or AccuSnap
for exact precision when identifying
these coordinate points.
TIP: Edit the coordinate text and use
the Place Note tool to add the leader
to the coordinate text.

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for Label Coordinates.
Insert coords2
LABEL ELEMENT
Use the Label Element tool to label the coor-
dinates of all vertices on an existing element.
1 Select the Label Element tool.
2 Click on the Single button and identify
the element whose coordinates you
need labeled.
3 Issue a data point to accept the element
and place the coordinates.
Note that you can label multiple elements
using the Fence and All tool setting options.
AUTOCAD TIP: AutoCAD users may prefer to use the Label command to
access information, similar to using the List command found in AutoCAD.
You do not have to actually place the label to see the values for length and
angle.

There is no exact command in AutoCAD for Label Element.
IMPORT AND EXPORT COORDINATES

Use the Import and Export Coordinates tool to import and export coordi-
nates to a comma- or space-delimited text file. These types of files can
include a single element, multiple elements, or all elements in the design
file. The following figures show examples of the building coordinates
exported to a comma-delimited file. You can also import these coordinates
into another design file.
Insert coords3
The following figure shows the building survey points after the import.
These points can be imported as point elements, text elements, or cells.
Insert coords5

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for Import and Export Coordinates.
Drafting Tools
DRAFTING TOOLS
There are several annotation drafting tools for automating common bub-
bles, titles, and callout text. The appearance of these symbols is controlled
by the Parameters tool located on the Drafting Tools toolbar. These tools
create the following standard non-associated drafting symbols.
insert callout.tif
Place Callout Leader

insert leader.tif
Place Leader with Text

insert bubble.tif
Place Callout Bubble

insert section.tif
Place Section Marker

insert title.tif
Place Title Text

insert arrows.tif
Place Arrow Marker

insert detail.tif
Place Detail Marker
DRAFTING TOOL PROPERTIES

insert params.tif
The dialog at right displays

the various settings avail-
able for placing all Drafting
Tool annotation elements.

There are no equivalent commands for drafting annotation provided in AutoCAD.
TEXT STYLES
Text Styles are a new feature in V8, and thus much of the text found in leg-
acy DGN files will not have text styles defined, and the majority of the exist-
ing text probably will not be taking advantage of this feature. Text styles
store all settings that control what a piece of annotation looks like. They
provide independent and global editing capabilities, making last-minute
changes easier to accomplish.
Another added benefit to using Text Styles is the “linking” functionality

associated with using styles from a style library. Style libraries are files (typi-
cally with the .DGNLIB extension) that contain standard styles for text,
dimensions, levels, and multi-lines.These style libraries can also be defined
in a spreadsheet file. Style libraries allow you to control CAD standards used
in design files.
A text style library automates text settings, so that you are less likely to use a
nonstandard font or to guess at the appropriate text size. Styles can be
imported or attached to encourage following a corporate standard. You are
strongly urged to give styles of any type due consideration. They are real
time savers. Text styles are very easy to set up and to use, so let’s take a look
at some examples.
Non–Scale-based Text Styles

This type of text style defines the basic settings for the text elements but does
not define text sizes for specific output scales. A style defined in this way
would be used as a generic base for all text elements. However, you would be
required to size the text manually or with annotation scale during placement.
Insert textstyles1
Text Styles
TIP: Settings in blue have not been saved back to the style and can be used
as a temporary override. Save the style to make temporary overrides per-
manent, or reset the style to discard these temporary overrides.
Scale-based Text Styles

You can create Text Styles using a parent/child relationship to automatically
set the text heights for all standard text. This type of text style defines the
basic settings for the text elements and the exact text sizes for specific output
scales. A style defined in this way would be used as an automated method
for placing text elements; and you would not be required to size the text
during placement. All text sizes are defined in the actual text styles.
The parent/child relationship ensures that settings defined by the parent

would be automatically inherited by the child (unless the specific child were
to define an override to the parent, in which case the child setting would
control the parent). These terms can be explained using a typical family
environment. Parents are in control until the child is created; and then the
child overrides the parent. Pretty close to the truth, wouldn't you agree?
Insert textstyles4
TIP: Child settings in blue may have been saved. Be sure to check. When
the blue highlight is on a child setting it usually represents the differences
between the child and the parent, but blue also represents unsaved chang-
es. An alternative color would be helpful, but for now they are both repre-
sented with a blue highlight color.
]
Format > Text Styles Keyboard: STYLE Use the Element > Text Styles selection to
create and define text styles.
TYPES OF DIMENSIONS
There are several types of dimensions in MicroStation, and understanding
their differences is important. You can place linear, angular, radial, and
ordinate dimensions (along with their many tool settings) to label the size of
just about anything in your drawing.
Dimension Tools Main

This tool frame contains all individual tools for dimensioning in MicroStation.
It can be docked below the Main tool frame if you use these tools frequently.
I
n
s
e
r
t
d
i
m
_
m
a
i
n
Types of Dimensions
DIMENSION ELEMENT
insert dim.tif
The Dimension Element tool is a generic dimension tool that can place a
dimension based on the type of element you select. This tool can only
dimension a single element, and it cannot dimension between elements.
Insert dim1
1 Select the Dimension Element tool.

2 Select the dimension style to be used.
3 Select the preferred Alignment method.
4 Select the dimension text Location.
5 Select the Dimension tool.
6 Activate annotation scale if needed.
Alignment. The Alignment setting determines which axis

the dimension is aligned to.
View: Aligns dimensions with the view independently
of view rotation. Dimensions are aligned horizontal or
vertical to the view.
Drawing: Aligns dimensions with the unrotated view
window and ignores any changes to the view rotation.
True: Aligns dimensions with the element.
Arbitrary: Aligns dimensions parallel to an element,
but the extensions can be with any two points placed in
the view window.
Location. The Location setting controls the location of the

text in the dimension element.
Automatic: Text is placed based on the justification
setting
Semi-Auto: Text is placed based on justification if the
text fits appropriately. If not, you are prompted for text
placement.
Manual: Allows you to locate the text placement loca-
tion by dragging the text manually.
insert dim.tif
Dimension Element. The Dimen-

Insert element1
sion Element option dimensions

an element differently depending
on the type of element you select,
such as a linear dimension for a
line or a radial dimension for a
curved element.

Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a linear dimension on a
DIMLINear linear element.
Use the Diameter Parallel tool to place a linear dimension on a
Linear radial element.
Mtext There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit the text
in the dimension after placement.
Text There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit the text
in the dimension after placement.
Angle There is no exact equivalent option in MicroStation.
You can rotate the dimension text to vertical using the Text
Alignment tool setting.
Horizontal Drag the dimension using the mouse to control dimension axis.
Vertical Drag the dimension using the mouse to control dimension axis.
Rotated Use the Dimension Linear tool to place a rotated linear dimension.
Control the angle using snap points on the dimensioned element.
Types of Dimensions
insert label.tif
Label Line. The Label Line op-

tion labels a linear or curved
element with length and angle.
1 Select element to label with
length and angle.
2 Issue a data point to accept
label text placement or
reset to abort.

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Label Line tool.
insert dimsize.tif
Insert dimsize1
Dimension Size Perpendicular.

The Dimension Size Perpendicu-
lar option labels the perpendicular
distance between two elements.
1 Select element to dimension.
2 Identify point or select ele-
ment to dimension perpen-
dicular to.

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Dimension Size Perpendicular tool.
insert dimlinear.tif
DIMENSION LINEAR
A linear dimension is used to label the straight distance between or along
elements.
1 Select the Dimension Linear tool.

2 Select the dimension Style to be used.
3 Select the alignment Method.
4 Select the dimension text Location.
5 If necessary, preset the dimension off-
set distance from the element being
dimensioned.
6 Select the dimension Type.
7 Activate the annotation scale if needed.
8 Define the remaining settings as needed.
9 Select the element to dimension.
10 Drag the dimension into position and issue a data point for the dimen-
sion location.
t f
Insert dimlinear1
Linear Size. The Linear Size tool will

provide a running string of linear
dimensions.
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a linear dimension on
DIMLINear a linear element.
Types of Dimensions
Mtext There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit the

text in the dimension after placement.
Text There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit the
Angle There is no exact equivalent option in MicroStation. You can
rotate the dimension text to vertical using the Text
Vertical Drag the dimension using to control dimension axis.
Rotated Use the Dimension Linear tool to place a rotated linear
dimension. Control the angle using snap points on the
dimensioned element.
insert dimstacked.tif
Linear Stacked. The Linear Stacked tool

provides a stacked series of dimensions.
There is a significant difference in the
resulting dimension element. The MicroS-
tation stacked dimension is a single ele-
ment, not individual dimension segments.
TIP: You can use the Drop Element tool
and the setting Dimensions > To Seg-
ments to explode the single dimension
into individual segments.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Linear Stacked tool to place baseline dimensions. You
DIMBASEline do not need a base dimension to continue from.
Baseline
Select There is no need for this option because the stacked dimension
in MicroStation does not require a base dimension.
insert dimrunning.tif
Linear Single. The Linear Single tool pro-

vides a running string of dimensions that are
all measured from a single point. The
dimension text is a running total length.
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Linear Single tool to place continuous dimensions.
DIMCONTinue You do not need a base dimension to continue from.
Continue
Select There is no need for this option because the continuous

dimension in MicroStation does not require a base dimension.
insert dimangle.tif
DIMENSION ANGULAR
An angular dimension is used to label the angle of (or between) elements.
Types of Dimensions
Insert dimangle1
1 Select the Dimension Angular

tool.
2 Select the Dimension Style to use.
3 Select the alignment method.
4 Select the dimension text Loca-
tion.
5 Select the dimension Type.
6 Activate the annotation scale if
needed.
7 Define the remaining settings as
needed.
8 Select the element to dimension.
9 Drag the dimension into position
and issue a data point for the
dimension location.
.
Angle Size. The Angle Size setting will

dimension the angle of an element calcu-
lated from the end point of the element.
Angle Location. The Angle Location set-

ting will dimension the angle of an ele-
ment calculated from the dimension
origin.
Angle Between. The Angle Between set-

ting will dimension the angle between
two elements.
insert an7
leloc.tif
Arc Size. The Arc Size setting will dimension the angle between end points
on a curved element.
Arc Stacked. The Arc Stacked setting will dimension the angle between
multiple points on an element.
Insert dimangle2
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a linear dimension on
DIMLINear a linear element.
Angular radial element.
Specify Vertex Use the Dimension Angle Location tool to dimension an angle
between elements using a specified vertex.
insert dimradial.tif
DIMENSION RADIAL
A radial dimension is used to label the size of circular and curved elements.
You might consider making a specific dimension style for radial dimen-
sions. This allows you to “tweak” the standard dimension style’s appearance
when used for radial dimensions.
Insert dimradial1
1 Select the Dimension Radial tool.

2 Select the dimension Style to be used.
3 Select the preferred Mode.
4 Select the preferred Alignment.
5 Activate annotation scale if needed.
6 Select the circular element to dimension.
7 Drag the dimension into position and issue a
data point for the dimension location.
Types of Dimensions
insert dimradius.tif
RADIUS
The Radius setting will dimension the
radius of a circle or an arc element.
1 Select the Dimension Radius tool.
3 Select the circular element to be dimensioned.
4 Issue a data point for the dimension location.
insert dimradiusex.tif
EXTENDED RADIUS
The Extended Radius setting will dimension the radius of a circle or arc with
an extended leader line.
1 Select the Dimension Extended Radius tool.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a quick radius
DIMRADius dimension on a circle or arc.
Use the tool setting Dimension Radius to control whether
Radius you get a radius or a diameter.
Use the Radius or Extended Radius tool to place a radius
on a circle or arc.
Mtext There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit
the text in the dimension after placement.
Text There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a quick radius
JOG dimension on a circle or arc.
DIMJOGGED Use the Radius tool to place a radius dimension on a circle
Jogged or an arc.
Center Location Override This option is not needed because the MicroStation radius
command does not place a center mark.
insert dimdiameter.tif
DIMENSION DIAMETER
The Dimension Diameter tool will dimension the diameter of a circle or arc
element.
1 Select the Dimension Diameter tool.
insert dimdiameterex.tif
EXTENDED DIAMETER
The Extended Diameter tool will dimension the diameter of a circle or arc
with an extended leader line.
1 Select the Dimension Extended Diameter tool.
]

Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a quick diameter
DIMDIAmeter on a circle or arc.
Use the tool setting Dimension Diameter to control whether
Diameter you get a radius or a diameter.
Use the Diameter or Extended Diameter tool to place a
diameter on a circle or arc.
Types of Dimensions

Text There is no equivalent option in MicroStation. You can edit
rotate the dimension text to vertical using the Text Align-
ment tool setting.
insert dimperp.tif
DIAMETER PERPENDICULAR
The Diameter Perpendicular tool will dimension the diameter perpendicu-
lar to the circle with an interior perpendicular dimension.
Insert dimperp1
1 Select the Dimension Diameter Perpendicular tool.

3 Select the circular element to be
dimensioned.
4 Issue a data point for the dimen-
sion location.

There is no exact equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Diameter Perpendicular tool.
insert dimparallel.tif
DIAMETER PARALLEL
The Diameter Parallel tool will dimension the diameter parallel of a circle
axis with a linear dimension.
Insert dimparallel1
1 Select the Dimension Diameter Perpendicular tool.

Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a linear dimension on
DIMLINear a radial element.
rotate the dimension text to vertical using the Text Alignment
tool setting.
Vertical Drag the dimension using the mouse to control dimension axis.
Rotated Use the Dimension Linear tool to place a rotated linear dimen-
sion. Control the angle using snap points on the dimensioned
element.
insert dimnote.tif
DIMENSION RADIUS/DIAMETER NOTE
The Dimension Radius/Diameter Note tool will dimension the radius or

diameter of a circle or arc and leave a leader line so that you can add a note.
Types of Dimensions
Insert dimnote1
1 Select the Dimension Radius/Diameter Note tool.

3 Select the type radius or diameter.
Insert dimnote2

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Dimension Radius/Diameter Note tool.
insert dimcenter.tif
DIMENSION CENTER
The Dimension Center tool will dimension the center of a circle or arc.
1 Select the Dimension Center tool.

3 Define the center mark size.
dimcenter3
TIP: Use a negative value for the center size to get the extended center
mark lines.
Insert dimnote2]
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Dimension Element tool to place a linear dimension
DIMCENTER on a radial element.
Use the Diameter Parallel tool to place a linear dimension on
Center Mark a radial element.
DIMCEN Use the tool setting Center Size to define the size of the center
mark.
insert dimarcdist.tif
DIMENSION ARC DISTANCE

The Dimension Arc Distance tool will dimension the perpendicular dis-
tance between arcs.
Insert dimarcdist1
1 Select the Dimension Arc Distance tool.
3 Select the preferred alignment method.
4 Select the first arc element.
5 Select the second arc element.
Insert dimnote2

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Dimension Arc Distance tool.
Types of Dimensions
CHANGE DIMENSION
insert changedim.tif
Use the Change Dimension tool to modify the dimension settings of an

existing dimension element to the active dimension settings.
Insert changedim1
1 Select the Change Dimension tool.

2 Select the dimension style to be applied.
3 Select an existing dimension element.
4 Issue a data point to accept the existing dimension and apply the active
dimension settings.
Insert dimnote2

]
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Change Dimension tool to modify the dimension
-DIMSTYLE properties of an existing element.
Dimension Update
Save Use the Element > Dimension Styles command to save a

new dimension style.
Restore Use the Tool Settings dialog to restore a saved dimension
style. Select the saved style and click on No to save changes.
Status Use the Element > Dimension Styles command to review
the status of a dimension style.
Variables Use the Element Information tool to view the settings of an
existing dimension.
Apply Use the Change Dimension tool to apply the active dimen-
sion settings to an existing dimension.
? Use the Tool Settings dialog to view available dimension
styles while in a dimension command.
Use the Element > Dimension Styles command to view
available dimension styles.
Insert dimnote2
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Change Dimension tool to modify the dimension
PRoperties properties of an existing element.
Properties
insert match_dim.tif
MATCH DIMENSION
Use the Match Dimension tool to match all text attributes from an existing
text element.
1 Select the Match Dimension tool.
2 Identify an existing dimension element that looks correct.
3 Issue a data point to accept and apply dimension attributes to active settings.
Insert dimnote2
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Match Dimension tool to set the active
MAtchprop dimension properties to those of an existing element.
Use the SmartMatch tool to set all element attributes
Match Properties to those of an existing element.
insert dimreassoc.tif
REASSOCIATE DIMENSION
Use the Reassociate Dimension tool to fix a dimension that has become dis-
associated with elements.
Insert dimreassoc1.tif
Before you can reassociate a dimension you

must fix the graphics so that the dimensions line
up with their respective graphical elements. You
cannot reassociate a dimension when the exten-
sion lines do not align with an element.
Dimension Styles
1 Select the Reassociate Dimen-

sion tool.
2 Select the dimension to be reas-
sociated.
TIP: You can use a selection set or
a fence to reassociate multiple di-
mensions.
Insert dimnote2
Keyboard: Use the Reassociate Dimension tool to link dimensions back to their
DIMREASSOCIATE respective graphic elements.
Keyboard: Use the Drop Association tool to remove the link between a dimen-
DIMDISASSOCIATE sion and another element.
DIMENSION STYLES
Dimension styles are similar to text styles, with the exception of their “save
dimension element” settings. You can store these styles in a dimension style
library to gain all of the benefits described for text style libraries. Dimension
styles can be standardized by using a .DGNLIB file.
Non–Scale-based Dimension Styles

This type of dimension style defines the basic settings for the dimension ele-
ments but does not define text and terminator sizes for specific output
scales. A style defined in this way would be used as a generic base for all
dimension elements. However, you would be required to size the dimension
text manually or with annotation scale during placement.
Insert dimstyles1
TIP: Settings in blue have not been saved back to the style and can be used
as a temporary override. Save the style to make temporary overrides per-
manent, or reset the style to discard these temporary overrides.
Scale-based Dimension Styles

This type of dimension style defines the basic settings for dimension ele-
ments and the exact text and terminator sizes for specific output scales. A
style defined in this way would be used as an automated method for placing
dimension elements, and you would not be required to size the dimension
text during placement. All dimension text sizes are saved in the actual
dimension or text styles.
You can use text styles to define dimension text settings. This allows you to
manage the text and dimension text settings within text styles and manage
dimension terminators and graphics within the dimension styles. There are
no parent/child relationships for dimension styles.
TIP: There is a new dialog available for dimension styles, which is similar
to the Text Style dialog. It is not loaded by default, and you must key in
MDL L DIMSTYLE to load the application and then key in DIALOG
DIMSTYLE to access this alternative dialog.
Dimension Styles
Insert dimstyles2
Insert dimnote2
Format > Dimension Styles Use the Element > Dimension Styles command
Keyboard: DIMSTYLE to create and define dimension styles.
Dimension Audit
The Dimension Audit tool searches a model for invalid or incorrect dimen-
sions and allows you to fix the problems as needed. This utility will search
for the following common dimension problems.
Overwritten text
Dropped dimensions
Non-associative dimensions
Lost associations
Insert dimnote2
Express > Dimension > Reset Dim Text Value Use the Utilities > Dimension Audit com-
Keyboard: DIMREASSOC mand to reassociate lost and nonassociated
dimensions.
ASSOCIATION
Element Association
Using association allows you to “link” elements in relationships determined
by you. Normally, elements move freely of other elements unless they are
cells, groups, or reference files. In most cases this is probably preferred.
However, occasionally you need to “associate” a specific element with
another. The elements that can be associated are cells, dimensions, and
multi-lines. For example, you can associate a cell with another element, or
you can associate a multi-line with another element.
File Association
You can associate files with specific extensions using the File Association dialog.
There are primarily two methods of associating files: the drag-and-drop method
and the link method. This is important to mention because a common practice
in AutoCAD is to drag and drop files, graphics, and data information. If you do
this in MicroStation, the response can be significantly different.
Be prepared for this difference in behavior when working with drag-and-

drop techniques. Further details are provided throughout this book where
drag-and-drop techniques available in MicroStation are discussed.
Insert assoc2
Association
insert annscale.tif
Annotation Scale
Annotation scaling is a new feature in V8 that provides the ability to define
commonly used scales to control annotation elements automatically. Anno-
tation scale is not available for all element types but is available for text and
dimensions. This feature will probably be added to other element types in
future releases of MicroStation.
The first requirement for using the annotation scale feature is to define the
model scale which is used by annotation scale to determine text and dimen-
sions sizes. The Drawing Scale dialog provides easy access to the current
model scale settings. This dialog is available only through the following key-
in.
FKCNQIFTCYKPIUECNGQRGP
This tool allows you to change the model scale to a preferred output scale
for that design. This automatically scales all text and dimensions to the cor-
rect size for that output scale using the annotation scale factor.
Insert drawscale1
Text placed without using annotation scale will not be scaled automatically.
You can add and remove the annotation scale factor to single or multiple
elements using the following key-ins.
CPPQVCVKQPUECNGCFF
CPPQVCVKQPUECNGTGOQXG
CPPQVCVKQPUECNGEJCPIG
Insert dimnote2
There is no exact equivalent command in Annotation scale.

AutoCAD.
Viewport Scale can control the size of some
text but it is not automatic.
Mouse Pick: Keyboard: Use the Annotation Scale tool to control the
Zoom Scale valueXP size of text and dimension elements based on
the model scale.
Viewport Scale Control

with text in a civil engineering context.
EXERCISE 7-1: WORKING WITH TEXT IN A CIVIL ENGINEERING

ENVIRONMENT
Insert CH8-1-1A
In this exercise you will learn to add text to a

drawing using common placement com-
mands. We will add a building name, a street
name, and a note.
1 Open the design file CIVIL_
ANNOTATION1.DGN.
2 Set the active level to C-ANNO-
BUILDINGS.
3 Select the Place Text tool and select the
text style General_Notes.
Key in BUILDING A to label the build-
ing on the site plan.
4 Place the BUILDING A text in the center
of the building shape.
Use the Center snap to snap to the center
of the shape.
Association
5 Set the active level to C-ANNO-TEXT.

6 Set the Method tool setting to WORD WRAP, and specify the window area for the text
to be placed within.
Pick in the text editor dialog and key in the text AREA NOT OPEN FOR CONSTRUC-
TION.
Issue a data point anywhere in the view window to complete the command.
7 Set the active level to C-ANNO-STREET_NAMES.

8 Set the Method tool setting to ON ELEMENT.
Set the Text Style tool setting to STREET_NAMES.
Insert CH8-1-2A
9 Key in the street name MAIN STREET.

10 Select the street centerline to place the MAIN
STREET text on the main road located at the top of
view 1.
11 Issue a data point to accept the text location.
You can issue a reset on the mouse to select a new text
location if needed

with dimensions in a civil engineering context.
EXERCISE 7-2: WORKING WITH DIMENSIONS IN A CIVIL ENGINEERING

ENVIRONMENT
In this exercise you will learn to add dimensions to a drawing using common placement
commands. We will add the building dimensions.
1 Open the design file CIVIL_

ANNOTATION1.DGN.
2 Set the active level to C-ANNO-DIMS.
Insert CH8-2-1A
3 Select the Dimension Element tool and select

the south edge of the building outline.
Drag the dimension into position and issue a
data point to accept this location.
4 Select the Dimension Linear tool to place the
dimension on the west side of the building.
5 Using the keypoint method, snap to P1 for the
start of the dimension.
Press the Enter key to activate the AccuDraw
SmartLock function along the X axis.
dimension end point.
Drag the dimension into position and issue a
data point to accept the location.
Reset to end the dimension command.
7 Select the Select Multiple Elements button in
start of the dimension.
You will need to use a tentative point to snap to
P3.
9 Using another tentative point, snap to the key-
point at P4.
Association
Drag the dimension string into position and issue a data point to accept the location.
10 Select the Place Note tool and key in the text THIS IS A NOTE.
Insert CH8-2-10A
11 Snap to the east side of the building outline

and drag the note into position.
12 Turn on the In-line Leader tool setting if you
want a straight line on the end of the leader
line.
Issue a data point to accept the location.
13 Select the Dimension Element tool to dimen-
sion the radius of the round tank.
Set the Dimension Style setting to CIVIL
RADIAL in the Tool Settings dialog.
Select the tank circle and drag the dimension
into position and issue a data point to accept
the location.
14 Delete the tank element and note the change in
the radial dimension appearance.
Heavy dashed elements represent a “broken
association.”
15 Draw another circle in the same location as the old tank. Be sure to place the new cir-
cle center at the point displayed and snap to the arrow on the leader dimension.
16 Use the Reassociate Dimension tool and select the radial dimension to reassociate it to
the circle.
8: Productivity Using Cells
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn the basics of using cells
Learn how to create cells
Learn to use AutoCAD blocks
Learn to use cell libraries and cell utilities
Using standard symbols is an important part of any drawing package. The

concept of using symbols is identical in both CAD packages. In MicroSta-
tion, standard symbols are called cells, not blocks, and they are stored in cell
libraries. Typical MicroStation cells are created somewhat differently in
regard to level, color, line style, and line weight.
TYPES OF CELLS
This section explores the various types of cells available and their differ-
ences. MicroStation cells have several options available, depending on how
you want to define your CAD standards. There are three basic types of cells
found in MicroStation: graphic cells, point cells, and menu cells.
Graphic
A graphic cell type is a symbol for which the following are true.
Its element symbology (color, line style, and line weight) is determined
when it is created, not when it is placed.
Its level is independent. It can be placed “absolute” on the levels defined
in the cell, or “relative” to the levels defined in the cell.
Chapter 8: Productivity Using Cells
It has multiple snappable points.

It rotates with a view.
Point
A point cell type is a symbol for which the following are true.
Its element symbology (color, line style, and line weight) is determined
when it is placed, not when it is created.
It is level dependent. It is placed on the active level.
It has one snap point located at the “origin” of the cell.
It is view independent and will not rotate with a view. This is very useful
when a symbol contains text that needs to remain right-reading.
Menu
The menu cell type is virtually obsolete, but can still be used for generating
tablet menus or screen menus.
USING CELLS
MicroStation J
Using MicroStation J, graphic elements for symbols are typically placed on

the correct level prior to making the cell. The color, line style, and line
weight should also be applied to the elements before they are added to a cell.
Using this technique saves time later, and you do not have to worry about
the active attributes when the cell is placed. The cell already knows what
attributes you need; they are built into the cell itself. Cells containing multi-
ple levels, colors, line styles, and line weights are considered “normal.”
MicroStation V8
A new option is available for using cells in MicroStation V8. The graphic
elements for the cell can be placed on the “default” level, and using ByLevel
or ByCell you can obtain more control over the placement symbology than
was previously available using a point cell. Point cells are still available, and
still have a place in the DGN file. However, ByLevel cells offer some
Cell Libraries
enhancements. ByLevel cells can contain multiple colors, line styles, and
line weights. The following should be noted.
A cell created on level “default” works exactly like the “0” level in
AutoCAD. It is a generic level designation that can be used to inherit the
active level during placement.
A cell created using ByLevel for color, line style, and line weight can be
used to inherit the level definition symbology during placement.
A cell created using ByCell for color, line style, and line weight can be
used to inherit the level definition or active symbology during place-
ment.
AutoCAD
You can even use AutoCAD blocks in their original DWG file format as
cells in MicroStation. Most AutoCAD blocks work in a manner similar to
that of ByLevel cells in V8.
CELL LIBRARIES
Cell libraries are very similar to the collections of external WBlock files used
in AutoCAD, with one major exception. WBlock files generally contain only
one symbol per file, whereas cell libraries contain many symbols in a single
file. You can place all symbols in a single cell library or you can create disci-
pline-specific cell libraries and divide the symbols between them. The sec-
ond option is more useful, in that you do not want to sort through
thousands of standard symbols looking for a specific manhole or annotation
symbol. It would be more organized and efficient to have separate libraries
for discipline-specific symbols.
BLOCK LIBRARIES
AutoCAD blocks are generally organized into folders containing the indi-
vidual symbol files (called WBlock files). These files can be directly accessed
using the configuration settings available in the MicroStation workspace.
The following is the MicroStation configuration setting that defines the
location of these WBlock files.
/5A$.1%-.+569$NQEMHQNFGTNQECVKQPU
AutoCAD blocks organized into DWG files with multiple symbols in a sin-
gle file are not accessible from within MicroStation. These multiple block
storage files should be “split up” and organized using the individual WBlock
file method discussed previously.
LEARNING THE LANGUAGE

Table 8-1 outlines MicroStation and AutoCAD terminology equivalents.
TABLE 8-1: MICROSTATION AND AUTOCAD TERMINOLOGY

EQUIVALENTS
Blocks Cells
Insert Place
Insertion point Origin
Hatch Pattern cell
ByLayer ByLevel
ByBlock ByCell
Tool Palette
Design Center
WBlock
CREATING CELLS
The process used to create a cell in MicroStation is almost identical to that
in AutoCAD.
1 Draw the graphic components of the cell.
2 Define the origin or insertion point.
3 Name the cell or block.
4 Store the cell or block.
When these steps have been completed, the symbol is ready to be used.
Storing Cells
STORING CELLS
This is where the two applications differ.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD typically stores blocks in separate files called WBlock files. These
files are simple DWG files stored in an organized folder structure on a
server. Some AutoCAD users are beginning to store blocks in a single file on
a server using utilities such as Design Center or tool palettes to access them.
Blocks stored via this method are not easily accessed by MicroStation.
MicroStation
MicroStation stores cells in cell libraries. A cell library has the identical for-
mat as a DGN file in V8. However, older cell libraries are not. You have to
convert V7 libraries to V8 to open and edit cell libraries easily.
Create a Cell Library

Creating a cell library is as easy as creating a DGN file. You can access the
Create Cell Library tool from the Cell Library dialog. This dialog also pro-
vides a user-friendly interface for most cell commands.
insert placecell.tif
PLACE CELL
Use the Place Cell tool to place standard symbols in your drawing. Cells are
the equivalent of blocks in AutoCAD and provide easy access to standard-
ized symbols through the use of cell libraries. There are several tool settings
that can affect how you place cells. These settings affect how absolute and
relative cells are controlled.
Insert placecell1
ACTIVE CELL
insert findcell.tif
The Active Cell tool controls what symbol will be placed. Use the Find Cell
button to open the Cell Library dialog and search for cells in the attached
library.
ACTIVE ANGLE
The Active Angle tool defines the angle for placing cells. Use the navigation
arrows to scroll between commonly used angles.
X SCALE
The X scale tool defines the horizontal scale factor for placing cells. Use the
Lock icon to lock the X and Y scales together for proportional cells.
Y SCALE
The Y scale tool defines the vertical scale factor for placing cells.
TRUE SCALE
The True Scale setting forces cells to scale automatically when used between
files of different working units. Metric cells and Imperial cells can be used
interchangeably without concern for the scale factors required to match the
units equally. Thus, a single cell library can contain both metric and Impe-
rial cells.
RELATIVE
Using this setting allows you to modify the level a cell is placed on. Normally
a cell is placed on the level it was created on (called an “absolute” cell). With
this setting you can change the level the cell resides on during placement by
placing it as a cell “relative” to the active level.
INTERACTIVE
This setting allows you to graphically define the scale and angle during cell
placement.
FLATTEN
This setting allows you to “flatten” a 3D cell for use in 3D or 2D files. You
can specify which view of the 3D cell you want to place in its “flattened”
state.
ASSOCIATION
The Association setting allows you to associate or link a cell to another
graphic element.
Working with Cells
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Place Cell tool and define the cell name, rotation
angle, and scale in the Tool Settings dialog.
sert.ti
Insert
f
Insert Block
Insertion Point Issue a data point to specify the location of the cell in the
drawing.
Rotation Use the Active Angle tool setting.
Scale X,Y, Z Use the X scale, Y scale, or Z scale tool settings to define the
cell scale.
Basepoint Not available within the Place Cell tool. Move the cell after
placement.
WORKING WITH CELLS

insert selectcell.tif
SELECT AND PLACE CELL

Use the Select and Place Cell tool to select an existing cell and place it again
easily without having to know where it is stored or what it is named. The
existing cell tool settings such as scale, rotation, and attributes are not
recalled during this placement command.
Insert selectcell1

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for the Select and Place Cell tool.
DEFINE CELL ORIGIN

insert cellorigin.tif
Use the Define Cell Origin tool to define the insertion point of a cell during
the creation process. The cell origin is represented as a “white crosshair” on
the view window. This on-screen origin point can only be removed from the
view window by selecting the Define Cell Origin tool again.
Note that the cell origin is not treated as an element for any purpose other
than view operations. It is intended as a visual reminder of the cell origin
location. Select the Cell Origin tool again to clear the cell origin from the
view.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Define Cell Origin tool to define the cell base point
Block during the cell creation process.
Use the Create Cell command from within the Cell Library
Make Block dialog to create cells. Be sure to select the cell elements to
enable the Create button.
Insertion Point Issue a data point to specify the location of the cell in the
drawing.
Rotation Use the Active Angle tool setting.
Scale X,Y,Z Use the X scale, Y scale, or Z scale tool settings to define the
cell scale.
Basepoint Not available within the Place Cell tool. Move the cell after
placement.
insert idencell.tif
IDENTIFY CELL
Use the Identify Cell tool to identify an existing cell and display its name and
residing level. This information is displayed in the Message Center located
in the status bar at the bottom of the application window.
Insert messagecenter
Working with Cells
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the Identify Cell tool to identify cell name and level.
PRoperties Use the Element Information tool for all other cell information.
Properties
insert termcell.tif
PLACE LINE TERMINATOR

Use the Place Line Terminator tool to place cells automatically aligned with
existing graphics. This is especially useful with directional symbols such as
arrowheads and flow arrows.
Insert messagecenter

There is no equivalent command in AutoCAD for Place Line Terminator tool.
insert replacecells.tif
REPLACE CELLS
Use the Replace Cells tool to update existing cells to newer versions of the
same cell or to replace cells with different cells. These replacements can be
performed individually or globally in a design file. The following cell set-
tings can be modified.
Cell definition
True Scale activation
Tag data
Element attributes such as color, line style, or line weight
Levels
Insert replacecells1
Express > Blocks > Replace Block with Use the Replace Cells tool to replace existing
another block cells with an updated or new cell.
Keyboard: BLOCKREPLACE
graphic cell type.
EXERCISE 8-1: USING A GRAPHIC CELL

In this exercise you will learn to place graphic cells in a drawing file. Cells are placed using
the active tool settings to control angle and scale.
Absolute Graphic Cell
1 Open the design file GRAPHIC_CELLS.DGN.
2 To attach a cell library, go to the pull-down menu Element > Cells.
3 This will open the Cell Library dialog. From this dialog you can view the cells con-
tained in the attached cell library Common_CELLS.CEL.
Working with Cells
Insert CH9-1-4A
4 Select the cell ARROW from the

list to view the cell in the pre-
view window.
The cell ARROW is a graphic cell.
5 Click on the Placement button
to set the ARROW cell as the
active placement cell.
6 Select the Place Cell tool from
Main toolframe > Cells toolbar.
Place the cell by issuing a data point anywhere

in the drawing. Verify the following tool settings.
Active Angle: 0.0000
X scale: 1.000000
Y scale: 1.000000
The active attributes are:

Level: default
Color: 2 (green)
Line Style: 4 (dashed dot)
Line Weight: 2
The placed cell’s attributes are:
Level: as created level 1
Color: as created 5 (magenta)
Line Style: as created 0 (continuous)
Line Weight: as created 2
7 Place the cell again using the following tool settings.

X scale: 2.000000
Y scale: 2.000000
This cell has the identical attributes, but points in
the 90-degree direction and is twice the size of the previous cell placed.
Relative Graphic Cell

Let’s take a look at some of the options available for placing cells such as relative, interac-
tive, and associated. Let’s place the same cell using the Relative tool setting. Placing a
graphic cell relative places the cell on the active level instead of the level it was created on.
It does not affect the color, line style, or line weight attributes.
8 Enable the “hidden” tool setting options and activate the Relative tool setting.
Level: default
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2

Level: active level default
Interactive Graphic Cell

Now let’s place the cell using the Interactive tool settings. Placing a cell interactive allows
you to graphically define the scale and rotation of the cell. It has no impact on the cell’s
symbology attributes.
9 Deactivate the Relative tool setting.
Insert CH9-1-9A
10 Activate the Interactive tool setting and place the cell

ARROW again.
11 Issue a data point in the view window to specify the inser-
tion point of the cell.
12 Move your cursor in the NW direction () to graphically define the X and Y scale.
Issue a data point to accept the scale when the cell looks the way you need.
13 Move the cursor in a circular motion to graphically define the rotation angle you need.
Issue a data point to accept the rotation angle when the cell looks the way you need.
Working with Cells
Let’s place the same cell using the Association tool setting. Placing a cell using an associa-
tion allows you to link that cell to another element in the drawing. It has no impact on the
cell’s symbology attributes.
14 Deactivate the Interactive tool setting.
Insert CH9-1-14A
15 Activate the Association tool setting and snap to the

midpoint of the existing rectangle to place the cell.
Use the Move Element tool to move the rectangle. The
ARROW cell will follow the rectangle automatically
because it is associated with the rectangle.
16 Delete the rectangle using the Delete tool.
Insert CH9-1-17A
Note that the ARROW cell is now displayed using the “bro-
ken” association symbology.
17 Use the Undo option to undo the last delete command
and to restore the cell association.
In Exercise 8-2, following, you can practice using the point cell type.
EXERCISE 8-2: USING A POINT CELL

In this exercise you will learn to place point cells in a drawing file. Cells are placed using
the active tool settings to control angle and scale.
Absolute Point Cell
1 Open the design file POINT_CELLS.DGN.
2 Select the cell ARROW_P from the list of cells in the Cell Library dialog and view the
cell in the preview window.
The cell ARROW_P is a point cell.
3 You can double click on the cell in the list to set the ARROW_P cell as the active place-
ment cell.
This will also automatically run the Place Cell command, saving you time and mouse picks.
4 Place the cell by issuing a data point anywhere in the drawing using the following tool
settings.
X scale: 1.000000
Y scale: 1.000000

Level: level 1
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2

Level: active level level 1
Color: active color 2 (green)
Line Style: active style 4 (dashed dot)
Line Weight: active weight 2
Relative Point Cell

Placing a point cell using the Relative tool setting is redundant because a point cell auto-
matically inherits all active attributes.
Interactive Point Cell

Placing a point cell using the Interactive tool settings is identical to placing an absolute
graphic cell because the Interactive option has no impact on the cell’s symbology.
Association Point Cell

Placing a point cell using the Association tool settings is identical to placing an absolute
graphic cell because the association option has no impact on the cell’s symbology.
ByLevel cell.
EXERCISE 8-3: USING A BYLEVEL CELL

In this exercise you will learn to use cells in an “AutoCAD-like” environment using the
new Default level available in V8. You will also learn the effects of using the ByLevel and
ByCell attribute settings in MicroStation cells.
Using the Default Level in a Cell
Using the Default level in a cell definition causes the cell to be placed in a “relative” mode
regardless of the tool setting options. Using the Relative tool setting will have no effect on
this cell.
Working with Cells
1 Open the design file BYLEVEL_CELLS.DGN.

2 To place the cell ARROW_Default double click on the cell name to set it active and to
activate the Place Cell tool.
Verify the following tool settings.
X scale: 1.000000
Y scale: 1.000000
Level: level 1
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
CH9-3-2A

Level: active level level 1
Using the ByLevel Attribute in Cells

Using a cell with the color defined as ByLevel allows you to control the color of the cell
using the level definition, not the active color or created color. The level for this cell is set
to Default so that the cell will inherit the active level for demonstration purposes.
3 Change the active level to “blue dashed” and place the cell ARROW_bylevel_color.
Level: blue dashed
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
Insert CH9-3-3A

Level: active level blue dashed
Color: bylevel color 1 (blue)
4 Change the active level to “red thin” and place the cell again.
Insert CH9-3-4A

Level: red thin
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
Level: active level red thin
Color: bylevel color 3 (red)
Using ByLevel for the color allows you to use a symbol on more than one level and adheres
to the color standards by inheriting the color from the standard level.
Next, let’s place a cell using all ByLevel attributes for color, line style, and line weight. The
level for this cell is set to Default so that the cell will inherit the active level for demonstra-
tion purposes.
5 Change the active level to “blue dashed” and place the cell ARROW_bylevel_all.
Level: blue dashed
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
Line Style: bylevel style 2 (dashed)
Line Weight: bylevel weight 1
6 Change the active level to “green thick” and place the cell ARROW_bylevel_all.
Insert CH9-3-6A

Level: active level green thick
Color: bylevel color 2 (green)
Line Style: bylevel style 0 (continuous)
Working with Cells
7 Change the active level to “red thin” and place the cell ARROW_bylevel_all.
Insert CH9-3-7A

Using the ByLevel attribute setting eliminates the effects of active attributes for color, line
style, and line weight. They no longer have any impact on the cell’s symbology. This is very
effective in enforcing standard symbology settings associated with standard levels.
However, this can cause problems if you want more than one color, line style, or line
weight in a single cell.
Next, let’s place a cell using generic ByLevel attributes and hard-coded assigned attributes
for color, line style, and line weight.
8 Change the active level to “blue dashed” and place the cell ARROW_partial_bylevels.
Insert CH9-3-8A
Level: blue dashed

Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
9 Change the active level to “green thick” and place the cell ARROW_
bylevel_all.
Insert CH9-3-9A

Level: active level green thick
Color: bylevel color 2 (green)
10 Change the active level to “red thin” and place the cell ARROW_bylevel_all.
Insert CH9-3-10A

Using the ByCell Attribute in Cells
Using a cell with the color defined as ByCell allows you to control the color of the cell
using the active attributes, rather than the level definition color or cell definition color.
Cells using a ByCell attribute must be placed as shared cells.
Insert CH 9-3-11A
11 Open the Cell Library dialog to activate

the Shared Cells placement option.
12 Place the cell ARROW_bycell_color.
Level: blue dashed
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
13 Change the active color to 6 (orange) and place the cell again.
Level: blue dashed
Color: 6 (orange)
Line Weight: 2
Insert CH9-3-13A

Color: active color 6 (orange)
Working with Cells
Next, let’s place a cell using all ByCell attributes for color, line style, and line weight.
14 Change the active level to “blue dashed” and set all other active attributes to ByLevel.
15 Place the cell ARROW_bycell_all.
Level: blue dashed
Color: bylevel (blue)
Line Style: bylevel (dashed)
Line Weight: bylevel (2)
Note that the cell works exactly like its BYLEVEL counterpart when all active
attributes are set to ByLevel.
Insert CH9-3-15A
16 Change the active color to 2 (orange) and place the cell again.
The modified placed cell’s attribute is:
Color: active color 2 (orange)
17 Change the active line style to 0 (continuous) and place the cell again.
Line Style: active style 0 (continuous)
18 Change the active line weight to 0 (thin) and place the cell again.
Line Weight: active weight 0 (thin)
This type of cell gives you the most flexibility when it comes to generic symbols.

AutoCAD blocks.
EXERCISE 8-4: USING AUTOCAD BLOCKS

In this exercise we will use AutoCAD blocks as standard symbols for MicroStation. You do
not have to convert your AutoCAD blocks to cells unless you want to take advantage of
alternative functionality available in MicroStation.
Using ByLayer Blocks
AutoCAD’s ByLayer blocks work in a manner similar to that of ByLevel cells in MicroStation.
1 Open the design file ACAD_BLOCKS.DGN.
2 Open the Cell Library dialog to activate the Display All Cells in Path dialog option.
rt CH 9-4-2A
3 Place the cell ACAD_bylayer block.

Level: blue dashed
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2
Insert CH9-4-3A

4 Change the active level to “red thin” and place the cell
again.
Insert CH9-4-4A

Using ByBlock Blocks

AutoCAD’s ByBlock blocks work in a manner similar to that of ByCell blocks in MicroSta-
tion. Cells using a ByBlock attribute must be placed as shared cells.
5 Place the cell ACAD_byblock block.
Insert CH9-4-3A
More Cell Placement Utilities

Level: blue dashed
Color: 2 (green)
Line Weight: 2

Line Style: active style 4 (dashed dot)
Line Weight: active weight 2
MORE CELL PLACEMENT UTILITIES

Cell Selector
The Cell Selector utility provides an alternative
interface for placing cells in the design file. Using
the cell selector provides some additional control
methods for placing cells. You can place the cell
just as you do from the Cell Library dialog, but
you can also add key-ins to set MicroStation
attributes so that you can automatically define
levels, colors, and so on. The cell selector also
provides an easy-to-use dialog with pictures of all
cells and helps automate commonly used sym-
bols.
Insert cellselector1
Insert HTML1
HTML Author
The HTML Author utility generates HTML
pages for accessing standard symbols from
the Web. Use this utility to generate web
pages that provide Internet or intranet
access to your standard symbols.
9: The Ins and Outs of
Printing
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn the basics of plotting
Learn how to configure and customize the plotting environment
Learn to resymbolize design data through plotting
Learn to batch your output needs using PDF output from within
MicroStation
MicroStation provides printing capabilities similar to those found in

AutoCAD and any other Windows application. However, MicroStation
allows for additional controls using Bentley plot driver files, which you can
easily edit and modify for your specific output needs. These controls include
custom paper sizes, plot stamps, line weight controls, line style controls, and
many others.
THE PRINT DIALOG

The Windows Print dialog provides access to the most commonly used set-
tings for printing from MicroStation. You can expand the Print dialog to
display additional print options using the “hidden” settings buttons pro-
vided.
Insert expandright.tif
Chapter 9: The Ins and Outs of Printing
Insert printdialog2
Several options in the Print

dialog vary depending on the
driver selected.
Windows Printer
Using a Windows driver
offers options based on Win-
dows-defined printers and
driver settings. These driv-
ers may contain too many
limitations for some printer
settings.
Bentley Driver
Using a Bentley driver offers
options based on Bentley-
defined printers and driver
settings. These drivers offer
more flexibility than Win-
dows drivers for some plot
devices.
Print Commands
PRINT COMMANDS
There are several commands available from within the Print dialog.
Print
Use the Print tool to send the print to the output device.
Preview
Use the Preview tool to open a resizable preview window for a larger preview
of the final output prior to executing the print command.
Maximize Print Size

Maximize Print Size maximizes the printable area defined by the Area set-
ting in the available paper size.
Print Attributes
Print Attributes defines the view attributes used for printed output. These
settings will override any settings defined in the selected area, such as view,
sheet, and so on.
Update from View

Update from View allows you to refresh the preview window in the Print
dialog with changes made to the view window after the Print dialog was
opened.
General Settings
Use the following settings to specify general plot output parameters.

AREA
Area defines the extents of the drawing to be printed.
VIEW
View defines which view window and view levels and attributes will be
printed.
PEN TABLE
Pen Table defines the pen table whose settings will be applied to the printed
output.
COPIES
The Copies setting defines the number of copies to be printed. This option is
available using the Windows Printer option only.
COLOR
Color defines the color depth of the printed output. The options are mono-
chrome, grayscale, and color.
Printer and Paper Size Settings
Use the following settings to control the actual paper sizes and orientation.
WINDOWS PRINTER
Windows Printer uses the driver file Printer.plt to define the plot settings.
BENTLEY DRIVER
Use the specified Bentley driver file to define the plot settings.
PAPER
Select the paper size required from the selected driver file.
USEABLE AREA
Useable Area displays the actual printable area for the selected paper size
and is available using the Windows Printer option only.
ORIENTATION OPTIONS
Orientation Options define the paper orientation to be used during output.
The options of landscape and portrait are available using the Windows
Printer option only.
FULL SHEET
Full Sheet controls the width and height for the printable area or full paper
size.
ROTATION OPTIONS
Rotation Options define the desired output rotation if a different rotation is
required from the current view orientation. This option is beneficial for
large outputs that must be rotated to fit on actual paper sizes and to accom-
modate paper roll limitations. You can select the options No Rotation,
Rotate 90 Clockwise, and Rotate 90 Counterclockwise.
Print Commands
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use the settings in the Print dialog to plot drawing files.
PLOT
Plot
Page Setups You can define standard plot configurations using the Con-
figuration pull-down menu found in the Printer dialog. Save
your standard configurations as you do page setups in
AutoCAD.
Printer/Plotter Name Use the plot driver files to control the printer types.
Paper Size Use the Paper setting found in the Printer and Paper Sizes
section of the Print dialog. The available sizes are defined in
the plot driver file.
Plot Area Use the Area and View settings in the General section of the
Print dialog.
Plot Scale Use the Print Scale setting found in the Print Scale and Size
section of the Print dialog. You might have to expand the
bottom portion of the dialog to access this setting.
Plot Style Table Use a pen table to remap and modify the appearance of the
design file for plotting purposes only.
Plot Stamp Use the Border option found in Print Attributes for a date
and time stamp.
Or you can use the Text Substitution feature found in the
pen tables to place a plot stamp at any location on the out-
put.
Portrait and Landscape Use the Portrait and Landscape options found in the Printer
and Paper Size section of the Print dialog. The availability of
this setting is controlled by the plot driver selected.
SETTING UP YOUR FIRST PLOT

One of the first decisions is whether you are going to use Windows-defined
printers or MicroStation-defined printers. Both are fully functional and the
decision of which to use will be determined by the device drivers and their
capabilities. Depending on the plot device you are using, the Windows driv-
ers may not offer all of the options provided by the Bentley drivers.
Pen Tables
Use pen tables to modify the symbology between the design file and the
printed output. Pen tables provide complete control over plotted output
without having to modify the actual design file. You can define search crite-
ria and output action criteria to completely change the appearance and con-
tent of a drawing. These pen tables are similar to the plot style tables
available in AutoCAD. The more common symbology criteria include the
following.
Element mapping
Screening
Plot order
Text substitution
Insert elementmap1
ELEMENT MAPPING
The Element Mapping out-
put action allows you to
modify output colors
based on files, element
type, line weight, level,
color, fill color, models,
and more. Once you spec-
ify the design file search
criteria you can modify the
output criteria using prior-
ity, fills, colors, patterns,
screening, line widths, and
line styles.
Setting Up Your First Plot
SCREENING
Use the Screening output capability to screen drawing components based on
defined search criteria. You can set the screening output effect from 1 to 99
percent.
PLOT ORDER
Use Plot Order output action to control the priority order in which drawing
components are plotted. You can define the search criteria based on files,
element type, line weight, level, color, fill color, models, and so on. This is
very beneficial when using filled elements or heavy line weight to avoid hid-
den graphics.
TEXT SUBSTITUTION
Insert textsub1
Use the Text Substitution output action to modify the content of

specific text in the drawing for plotting purposes only. This is
very similar to the remote text capabilities found in AutoCAD.
You can use this to populate typical information in a border such
as file names, pen tables, plot drivers, dates, user names, plot
scales, paper sizes, model names, page numbers, and many other
configuration values defined in the workspace environment.
IMPORT AUTOCAD PLOT STYLE TABLES

You can use your standard AutoCAD plot style tables as a starting point for
MicroStation pen tables. Import your CTB or STB plot style table into a pen
table to easily transfer the plot settings you are most familiar with.
EXPORT MICROSTATION PEN TABLE TO CTB

You can export a MicroStation pen table to an AutoCAD CTB file if needed.
AutoCAD C6mmand Comparison
File > Plot Style Manager Use pen tables to simulate the same behavior as plot style tables.
Line Weight Use the element line weight by default, but you can change the
plotted weight using level symbology or pen tables.
Screening Use a pen table to plot using screened output.
Grayscale Use a plot driver file or a pen table to plot using grayscaled out-
put.
Using Bentley Device Drivers
There are several Bentley device drivers provided with MicroStation that
allow you to customize and take advantage of large-format print capabili-
ties. The Bentley drivers are provided in text format files so that they can be
easily edited using any text editor. They can be found in the following loca-
tion:
C:\Program Files\Bentley\Workspace\System\plotdrv\
The following are just some of the settings you can control using a Bentley
driver .PLT file.
Available Colors
Pen Table Definitions
Page Setups and Sizes
Line Weight Definitions
Line Style Definitions
AVAILABLE COLORS
Edit the provided Bentley driver files and look for the following definition.
PWOARGPU; Monochrome output (black only)
PWOARGPU; Color or grayscale output
You can also control specific colors in your plotting output.

2'0

TID
change white color to black
2'0

TID

; change yellow colors to black
2'0

TID
; change colors 8 and 9 to grayscale
The above syntax is defined below.

2'0
– where # defines a numeric pen value

– where # defines the color table number to modify
TID– defines the output color in RGB values
PEN TABLE DEFINITIONS

Use the Pen Table Definitions section of the driver file to define the specific
pen table to be used during the plot process.
RGPVCDNG5+6'RGPVCDNGU>:;<A%QNQTVDN
Setting Up Your First Plot
The syntax used is defined below.

5+6'– where # defines a numeric pen value

– where # defines the color table number to modify
TID – defines the output color in RGB values
PAGE SETUPS
Use the Page Setups section to modify the delivered paper sizes in the driver
file. The last size listed is the default paper size in the Print dialog.
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG#UK\G
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG$UK\G
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG%UK\G
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG&UK\G
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG(UK\G
UK\G
PWOQHH
PCOG'UK\G
LINE STYLE DEFINITIONS

Use the Line Style Definitions section to define line styles 1 through 7. You
can modify the plot appearance of these “on-screen” line styles using the
driver file. The following is a sample of the delivered line styles.
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGFQV
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGOGFFCUJ
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGNQPIFCUJ
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGFQVFCUJ
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGUJQTVFCUJ
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGFCUJFQVFQV
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NGNQPIFCUJUJQTVFCUJ
Insert linestyles1
You can modify any of these line styles

for your corporate requirements. For
example, modify line style 4 to more
closely resemble a center line style. The
following is a sample of a modified line
style 4.
UV[NG

PQJCTFYCTG UV[NG%'06'4.+0'5
Insert linestyles2
LINE WEIGHT DEFINITIONS

Insert lineweights1
Use the Line Weight Definitions section to define line weights 0 through 32.
You can modify the plot appearance of these “on-screen” line weights using
the plot driver file. You can use mm values to define the line weights in
MicroStation and to match line weight in AutoCAD’s plot style tables. The
following is a sample of the delivered line weights.
YGKIJVAUVTQMGU
OO

a
The following is a sample of modified line weights.

YGKIJVAUVTQMGU
OO

USING WINDOWS PRINTER DRIVERS

The majority of the driver file settings discussed are identical.
Page Setups
Use the Page Setups section to automate the paper size selections available
in the driver file. This setting can override any default Windows printer
preferences.
U[URTKPVGTPCOG*2% HQTO#TEJ'ZKP
Page Layout
Use the Page Layout section to automate the paper layout and orientation.
This setting can override any default Windows printer preferences.
U[URTKPVGTPCOG*2% HQTO#TEJ'ZKP
QTKGPVCVKQPNCPFUECRG
Plot Options
Use the Plot Options section to automate the default plot options available
for the Windows printer driver.
DQTFGTRGPVKOGHKNGPCOGVGZVAJGKIJV
HGPEGAQWVNKPGRGP
Using Sheets to Print
You can change these settings manually during the plot process.
NODISPLAY: Fence Boundary
Plot Border
USING SHEETS TO PRINT

MicroStation V8 provides a “paperspace-like” environment for layouts and
printing. You can import and export both modelspace and paperspace envi-
ronments while maintaining all functionality between the two applications.
However, most MicroStation users do not use sheets in the same manner as
AutoCAD. This is a new environment for MicroStation, and there has been
some resistance to this environment. However, as an AutoCAD user you
can understand better than anyone; after all, many AutoCAD users resisted,
and still resist, the paperspace environment.
I encourage you to remember back to your first explorations into paperspace;

they weren’t always enjoyable experiences either. Use this background knowl-
edge and understanding of paperspace to encourage and foster more wide-
spread use of this environment within the MicroStation community.
There are specific rules that must be adhered to for the sheet and paperspace
environment to be interchangeable. Only sheets defined using the 1:1 Sheet
technique are exactly interchangeable with AutoCAD. The Plot Scale Sheets
are not defined with exact AutoCAD functionality.
Sheets
Sheets can be defined in real-world units at 1:1, or at a plot scale (e.g., 1” = 50’).
1:1 SHEETS
Sheets defined using this method are established in real-world units and the
paper size is 1:1. The design model is then referenced into the sheet at the
preferred plot scale for each discipline-specific drawing. These reference
files are then clipped as needed to fit into the 1:1 sheet layout. These clipping
boundaries will become the viewport boundaries when transferred into the
AutoCAD application.
PLOT SCALE SHEETS
Sheets defined using this method are established in plot-scale units and the
paper size is exaggerated to fit around a true scale design. The design model
is then referenced into the sheet at a scale of 1:1. These reference files are
then clipped as needed to fit into the sheet layout. These clipping boundaries
will become the viewport boundaries when transferred into the AutoCAD
application.
Mouse pick: Keyboard: Use a sheet model to simulate the behavior and usage found in
LAYOUT AutoCAD’s layouts.
Layouts You can access a specific sheet using the View Groups toolbar
to navigate between design models and sheet models.
Scaled Viewport Use scaled references into the sheet model to simulate the
behavior of a scaled viewport into paperspace. The edge of the
clip boundary defines the edge of the viewport.
The scale of the reference file determines the scale of the viewport.
In Exercise 9-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice printing sheets.
EXERCISE 9-1: PRINTING WITH A SHEET

In this exercise you will learn to use basic printing techniques available in MicroStation.
Use files, views, or fences to define plot areas and create flexible printed output.
1 Open the design file PLOT_SHEET1.DGN.
Insert CH10-1-1A
In this example, the sheet is already defined as 34 x 22, D size, using the annotation scale of
1” = 50’.
2 Select File > Print to access the Print dialog

Note that the following settings are automatically set from values defined in the sheet.
Area: Sheet
View: View 1
Paper: ANSI D
Insert CH10-1-2A
Insert CH10-1-6A
3 Use the Show Preview button to

expand the Print dialog to preview
the print.
4 Set the printer to use a Bentley driver
and select the PDF.PLT plot driver
file using the Browse button.
5 Select the Preview button to open the
larger preview window.
Close this window after previewing
the current print.
6 Select the Print Attributes button and
verify the settings in the figure above
left.
7 Activate the Print Border option and
key in the comment Exercise 9-1 to
label this print.
Click on OK to save the settings
changes.
8 Select the Print button to send the print to a PDF file and save it to the following loca-
tion.
C:\MST_for_ACAD\out\Exercise 9-1.PDF
Insert CH10-1-9A
9 Open the PDF file to

check the printed output.
In Exercise 9-2, following, you have the opportunity to practice using a

fence for printing.
EXERCISE 9-2: PRINTING WITH A FENCE

Insert CH10-2-1A
Next we want to print using

the design model and a
fence to define the plot area.
PLOT_DESIGN1.DGN.
2 Select the Place Fence
tool and snap to P1 and
P2 to place the fence
using the dotted shape
representing the edge of
the paper border.
Be sure to snap to the dotted outline to automate the plot dialog settings accurately.
3 Select File > Print to open the Print dialog.
Note that the following settings are automatically set from the fence definition.
Area: Fence
i
4 Set the Paper size to ANSI D and select the Maximize Print Size button
to refresh the preview and plot size.
The X and Y paper size should read 34.000 x 22.000 and the scale should read 50.00
automatically.
5 Set the printer to use a Bentley driver and select the PDF.PLT plot driver file.
Insert CH10-1-6A
6 Select the Print Attributes button and

verify the settings shown at right.
7 Activate the Print Border option and
key in the comment Exercise 9-2 to
label this print, as shown below.
Click on OK to save the settings
changes.
Insert CH10-2-7A
8 Select the Print button to send the print to a PDF file and save it to the following loca-
tion.
C:\MST_for_ACAD\out\Exercise 9-2.PDF
9 Open the PDF file to check the printed output.
Insert CH1021-9A
In Exercise 9-3, following, you have the opportunity to practice using pen
tables.
EXERCISE 9-3: USING PEN TABLES

In this exercise you will learn to use pen tables to modify the printed output without hav-
ing to make any changes to the design file.
1 Open the design file PEN_TABLES1.DGN.
First, let’s learn to correct the text display problems where some of the text is below the
filled building shapes. We can accomplish this by bringing all elements to the front and
then moving the building shapes to the back during the print process.
Insert CH10-3-1A
2 Select File > Print to open the Print dialog.

3 From the Print dialog, select the pull-down menu PenTable > New and create a new
pen table named EXERCISE 9-3.TBL.
4 Select Insert > Insert New Section Above and name the section Everything_to_Front.
5 From the Element Selection Cri-

teria tab, select all element types
in the list. Select the Level but-
ton and select all levels except
Buildings.
Pick OK to save these changes.
6 From the Element Output Actions
tab, activate the Priority setting
and set all elements to a priority
of 10.
7 Select File > Save to save the pen table.

8 Select Insert > Insert New Section Below and name the section Buildings_to_Back.
9 From the Element Selection Criteria tab, select the element type SHAPE in the list.
10 Select the Level button and select the level BUILDINGS to search for shapes on this
level only.
Click on OK to save these changes.
11 From the Element Output Actions tab, activate the Priority setting and set all building
shapes to a priority of 1.
Insert CH10-3-11A
Insert CH10-3-13A
12 Highlight the NEW section in the Processing Order

list and then go to the pull-down menu Edit > Delete
Section to remove this section from the pen table.
insert winclose.tif
14 Select the Windows Close button to close the Modify Pen Table dialog.
insert CH10-3-14A.tif
15 Use the Refresh Preview button to refresh

the print preview and to verify that your
pen table is working and that all text is
above the filled building shapes.
Next, let’s add a fill to the lot shapes.
16 From the Print dialog, select PenTable >
Edit to add parameters to the pen table
EXERCISE 9-3.TBL.
17 Select Insert > Insert New Section Below
and name the section FILL_LOTS.
18 From the Element Selection Criteria tab, select the element type COMPLEX SHAPE in
the list.
19 Select the Level button and select the level LOT_SHAPES to search for shapes on this
level only.
Click on the OK button to save these changes.
20 In the Element Output Actions tab, establish the following settings.
Fill: ON
Fill Color: By RGB (and select a green color)
Insert CH10-3-21A
21 Use the Up button to move the Fill_Lots sec-

tion to the top of the Processing Order list so
that the filled lots will process first.
insert winclose.tif
23 Select the Windows Close button to close the Modify Pen Table dialog.
insert refreshplot.tif
24 Use the Refresh Preview

button to refresh the
print preview and to ver-
ify that your pen table is
working and that all lots
are filled with the select-
ed green color.
Next, let’s use text substitution
to populate “intelligent” text
automatically at plot time.
Text substitution will replace
the existing text characters
with the current file name,
current date, and current user
name.
$FILES$
$DATE$
$USERNAME$
25 From the Print dialog, select PenTable > Edit to add parameters to the pen table
EXERCISE 9-3.TBL.
26 Select the Text Substitution button to assign the text substitutions needed.
27 Select Edit > Insert Design File > Short.

Note the default text format for the ACTUAL text placed in the design file. The
ACTUAL text $FILES$ is substituted with the pen-table-driven value _FILES_, which
will print as a short file name with no path.
You can change the value of the ACTUAL text in the design file here. The use of the $
character is intentional because this character is rarely found in standard engineering
drawing text.
28 Select Edit > Insert Date.
29 Select Edit > Insert New to create a custom text substitution.
Key in the following values for the user name text substitution.
Actual: $USERNAME$
Replacement: $(username)
HINT: $(username) is the Windows syntax for retrieving the name of the user currently
logged in to Windows.
insert winclose.tif
30 Select the Windows Close button to close the Text Substitution dialog.

32 Select the Windows Close button to
close the Modify Pen Table dialog.
33 Use the Refresh Preview button to
refresh the print preview and to verify
that your pen table is working and
that all text has been substituted with
current text values.
Batch Printing
The need to print multiple drawings and sets of drawings is common in

most organizations, and MicroStation provides very efficient and practical
tools for processing these drawings unattended. You can create a .JOB file
with preferred batch print settings and use these settings throughout the
project life cycle. This .JOB file will contain all printer, print area, layout,
and display settings, as well as a list of drawings to be printed.
Insert JOBset1
PRINTER
The Printer setting defines the
print driver file to be used. This
can be a Bentley driver or Win-
dows driver file. This driver file
will control the additional options
available when using the Batch
Print function.
The delivered options are:

Default
HPDesignJet, E-size, Landscape
HP-GL/2, D-size, Landscape
PDF, E-size, Single output file
PostScript, Color, Landscape
For example, PDF.PLT will allow output to files only, whereas HP 750C.PLT
will allow output to plot files or hardware devices. The batch print output
files are named the same as the design file, with varying extensions based on
your preferences. By default, the extension will increment automatically
from such as filename.000, to filename.001, to filename.002, and so on.
There are several substitution strings you can use to control the naming of
batch output files.
%d DGN file name
%b Boundary counter; 3 digits
%e Extension
%j Job name
%p Printer counter; 3 digits
%m Model name
%x DGN file extension
PRINT AREA
This setting defines the area of the drawing to be printed. The default
choices follow. You must customize your drawing files for the “user should
customize” options to function properly. The delivered options are:
Default
Sample Plot Cell (user should customize)
Sample Plot Shape (user should customize)
Sample Saved View (user should customize)
Sheet
You can use the view window to define your print area with the options Fit,
Fit Master, Fit All, and others.
Insert plotcell
Plot Cell
Using this setting requires you to specify a cell name
whose extents will be used as the print area.
Insert
Plot Shape
Using this setting requires you to define the shape
attributes whose extents will be used as the print area.
LAYOUT
This setting defines how Batch Print determines the location and size of the
area to be printed. The following size options are available.
Default
1” = 1 master unit
1/4” = 1 master unit
You can use the following

parameters to define the
layout for batch printing.
Maximize
Scale
% of minimum size
X size
Y size
DISPLAY
The Display setting defines the appearance of printed elements. This is the
batch printing equivalent of the View Attributes controls. This is the place to
control the printed output regardless of the design file’s saved settings. For
example, use these settings to permanently deactivate the plotting of enter
data fields, text nodes, or broken associations. Use it to permanently activate
the plotting of items such as line weights, line styles, or text regardless of
view attribute settings.
e
In Exercise 9-4, following, you have the opportunity to practice batch print-
ing.
EXERCISE 9-4: USING BATCH PRINT

In this exercise you will learn to use the Batch Print utility to create multiple prints easily
using standard settings and controls.
1 Open the design file BATCH_PRINT1.DGN.
Insert CH10-4-1A
2 Select File > Batch Print to open the Batch Print dialog.
]
3 Highlight the Printer specification from the list and click on the Select
Specifications button (the green button).
Select Printer PDF, E-size, and Landscape, and then click on OK to close
the dialog.
]
4 Highlight the Print Area specification from the list and then click on the
Select Specifications button.
Select the print area Sheet and then click on OK to close the dialog.
5 Leave the Layout and Display specifications set to default for this exercise.
6 Select File > Save to create a file of batch print specifications and then save it to the fol-
lowing location.
C:\MST_for_ACAD\out\Exercise 9-4.JOB
]
7 Click on the Add Design Files button to add the design files you want to
print.
Select the following files to be printed.
D01-Sections.dgn
D03-Details.dgn
P01-Plan_Profile.dgn
8 Remove all DEFAULT models from the drawing list.
9 Save these changes to the .JOB file.
]
10 Click on the Print button and print all files as PDFs to the following loca-
tion¨
C:\MST_for_ACAD\out\
11 Open the PDF file to check the printed output.
Insert CH10-4-11A
10: Working with DWG Files
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Learn what aspects of the DWG are compatible with MicroStation
Learn how to make MicroStation more or less DWG compatible
Learn to batch convert files between the DGN and DWG file formats
Learn how to remap data from the DGN to the DWG file format
Because of the many changes to the DGN file format, working with DWG
drawing files is easier than ever before. The files are not identical and there
are still some aspects to consider when exchanging information, but this
process has been greatly improved.
RULES FOR SUCCESS

There are some rules it is wise to follow when working with data that must
be exchanged between MicroStation and AutoCAD.
Enforce strict CAD standards for multi-CAD projects.
Do not convert data that does not need to be converted.
Do not round-trip converted data more than once.
Know the limitations of each CAD program and work within them.
If you have to deliver a certain format, begin with that format’s seed file.
With that said, we all know that sometimes these things are out of your con-
trol, and you have to work with what you get.
Chapter 10: Working with DWG Files
WHY STRICT CAD STANDARDS?

The enforcement of CAD standards is always important on every project,
but when you are working with consultants and outside vendors using dif-
ferent CAD applications, the quality and predictability of the data is critical.
Nothing can destroy the success of this environment quicker than unpre-
dictable data. You must know the specifics of the data in order to control the
exchange. The following items deserve close attention.
Fonts Line styles

Level names Line weights
Symbol cells or blocks ByLevel/ByCell attributes
Fonts
You can really use any type of font you prefer, as long as it is a “common”
font to one of the CAD applications, or a delivered Windows font. Do not
use custom fonts unless you are prepared to manage the conversion. Most
fonts exchange well and the conversion process is quite simple using the
Remapping and Batch Convert utilities.
Both applications support the use of TrueType fonts, and thus it might sim-
plify things to use standard Windows-delivered TTF fonts where possible.
They are easy to read on the screen, they plot well, and they do not require
the use of line weight. A second suggestion is to use AutoCAD SHX fonts,
because both applications can read them, or you can use MicroStation fonts
and manage their conversion using the DWG remapping options.
One important side note on the font conversions performed from MicroSta-
tion is that when you save a DGN file to the DWG format the default setting
will convert all used MicroStation fonts to SHX fonts automatically. Initially,
you might think that this is good. However, it may cause problems for the
AutoCAD user. If you open the DWG using AutoCAD it will look fine
because you have these converted fonts on your system. When you send this
file to someone else, however, they will not have these fonts on their system
and the file will not look the same. You have two solutions to this problem.
1 Send the converted MicroStation SHX fonts with your DWG files.
2 Convert the MicroStation fonts to a delivered AutoCAD font using a
remapping file.
Why Strict CAD Standards?
Refer to the “Recommended DWG Settings” section for further information

on these settings.
Line Styles
MicroStation and AutoCAD both read line styles differently, and thus you
should manage how this conversion takes place. By default, MicroStation
will not drop unsupported line styles. Thus, if unexpected line styles are
encountered they may appear as solid lines in AutoCAD. You have two
solutions to this issue.
1 Manage the line style conversions using a remapping file.
2 Drop all unsupported line styles during the conversion. This is the easi-
est solution but not the most user-friendly.
Level Names
MicroStation has used level names for several years, but legacy users were so
familiar with level numbers that they were not widely adopted. In the V8 file for-
mat, the use of level names became mandatory, although numbers do still exist.
Fortunately, most users are making this transition and learning to embrace the
level name capabilities. If level names are not defined, V8 will rename the
numbers per the convention Level #. The use of a remapping file can easily
convert these very unfriendly level names to more appropriate level names.
ByLevel / ByCell
One of the many new concepts commonly misunderstood is ByLevel
attributes and their benefit in day-to-day use. This concept has been in
AutoCAD for many years and is a very efficient way of managing levels. It is
not required, but it deserves strong consideration when defining V8 CAD
standards. This is especially important for those exchanging data with
AutoCAD, because this is how AutoCAD utilizes ByLayer symbology. The
term ByLevel defines the “control” of element attributes such color, line
weight, and line style. Using the ByLevel functionality allows you to assign
element attributes to the actual level, eliminating the need to set color, line
weight, and line style independently.
The ByCell functionality allows for a “tweak factor” to the ByLevel attrib-
utes. Using this setting for an attribute value provides you with the ability to
modify a color, line weight, or line style “on the fly” when needed, but still
automatically uses ByLevel by default. If you understand ByLayer/ByBlock

in AutoCAD, you understand ByLevel/ByCell in MicroStation. The ByCell
setting is not activated by default. If you need this setting activated, you
must modify the workmode capability settings.
Symbols
The use of symbols in generating engineering drawings has been used since
the days of board drafting, and symbols continue to be useful in CAD draft-
ing today. MicroStation uses cells as symbols, and in the V8 file format they
are very compatible with DWG blocks. Cells and blocks can be exchanged
easily between the CAD applications, and (depending on the use of ByLevel/
ByLayer and ByCell/ByBlock) can be exchanged transparently.
Why Not Convert?

One of the most important rules to remember is to never convert DGN to
DWG, or DWG to DGN, if you do not have to. MicroStation V8 allows you
to reference DWG files directly. If you are being provided DWG data and
you plan to use it as reference data there is no need to convert it to DGN. V8
also allows you to open the DWG directly and make edits without the need
to convert it to DGN. Leave data in its original format whenever possible to
maintain data integrity.
Why Not Round-trip?

Even if you follow the previous rule most of the time, you know there will be
times when the data has to be converted. In this event, the next rule to
remember is to minimize the trips the data has to take. To round-trip data,
you are taking the data from its original format to a “foreign” format, and
back again. This round trip can cause unpredictable results. You should
convert the data one-way only, and avoid a return trip whenever possible.
Every time you round-trip data you increase the chance of inconsistencies
creeping into the data.
DGN AND DWG WORKMODES

What Are Workmodes?
Workmodes are “environments” available in MicroStation V8 that control
what capabilities are available and how various file types are processed.
DGN and DWG Workmodes
There are basically three different workmodes available in V8.

DGN workmode
DWG workmode
V7 workmode
DGN WORKMODE
The DGN workmode provides you with a fully functional DGN file with all
V8 features and enhancements. This is the default workmode when a V8
DGN file is opened.
DWG WORKMODE
The DWG workmode restricts the functionality in V8 DGN files to main-
tain compatibility with DWG files. This is the default workmode when a
DWG file is opened.
V7 WORKMODE
The V7 workmode restricts the functionality in DGN files to maintain com-
patibility with V7 DGN files. This workmode can only be activated by defin-
ing the following configuration variable.
/5A12'08
Active Workmode
You can determine the active workmode from the status bar in MicroSta-
tion. Click on the Workmode icon to check the active workmode settings.
Insert workmodes1
DWG workmode DGN workmode V7 workmode

insert workmodes2
DWG Workmode Limitations

This workmode is considered somewhat restrictive. However, this allows
the file to be 100% compatible with the AutoCAD DWG file format. Keep in
mind that you can “tweak” these settings as needed to allow for more flexi-
bility while working in DWG files. Below is a list of restrictions when using
the DWG workmode.
Annotation: Flags are disabled.

Area Patterning: Area patterns are replaced with AutoCAD hatching.
The Pattern settings window lists the patterns in the DWG pattern file
areapat.pat. This file contains a DWG pattern definition for each pattern
cell in the supplied cell library areapat.cel.
Cells: Only shared cells are allowed, and new cells cannot be created in
an attached DWG file. New cells must be created in a DGN or CEL
library file.
Colors: AutoCAD does not allow for custom color tables.
Complex Elements: Spline curves are not allowed as part of a complex
shape or complex chain.
Curves: B-splines are not supported.
Design History: Design History is disabled.
Dimension Driven Design: Dimension-driven tools are disabled.
Dimensions: Various dimension settings are disabled.
Element Class: Active class is set to primary, and construction class
cannot be activated.
Grid Orientation: Grid alignment with view is not available.
Raster Files: Intergraph, SUN, georeferenced TIFF, and LMG files can-
not be imported.
Line Styles: Line styles 1 through 7 are disabled, and only custom line
styles are allowed.
Models: Restricted to a single design model and multiple sheet models.
References: Self-referencing and clip masking are disabled.
Saved Views: Various limitations on saved views and sheet models.
Symbology: Element symbology is disabled and ByLevel symbology is
preferred.
Tags: Tags are attached only to shared cells.
Text Fonts: SHX and TTF fonts are supported.
Text Styles: Various text parameters are disabled.
View Groups: View groups cannot be created, modified, or deleted.
DGN and DWG Workmodes
View Windows: The black-to-white background user preference is disabled.

Background color can be modified using the DWG Open Options feature.
V7 Workmode Limitations
There are some limitations when you use the old V7 DGN file format.
View Groups: View group creation is disabled.
Levels: Level creation is disabled.
Models: All Model creation is disabled.
References: 3D-to-2D reference file attachment is disabled. Reference
associations are disabled. References to models in V8 are disabled. Ref-
erences to DWG files are disabled.
Modifying the Workmode Capabilities

Many of the workmode restrictions can be modified using the configuration
settings found in the following workmode configuration file.
C:\Program Files\Bentley\Program\MicroStation\config\system\workmode.cfg
Do not edit the delivered workmode.cfg file. Keep the original unchanged
because new versions will overwrite your changes. Use this file to investigate
what changes you can make and place your workmode configuration
changes in a site-specific or standards configuration file within your work-
space environment.
Workmode Configuration File Syntax

A workmode capability can be enabled or disabled using the following syntax.
914-/1&'8#4+#$.' 1RGTCVQT 2TGHKZ %#2#$+.+6;A0#/'
The components of this syntax are as follows.

914-/1&'8#4+#$.'Sets the workmode for the file.
12'4#614 Appends (>) or prepends (<) the capability variable value to
the workmode variable. Do not use the (=) sign for these definitions.
24'(+:Indicates whether the function is to be enabled (+) or disabled (-).
%#2#$+.+6;A0#/': The name of the function to be enabled or disabled.

WORKMODE VARIABLES
The following workmode variables can be set.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6; The capability applies in all workmodes.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;A&)0 The capability applies in V8 workmode only.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;A&9)The capability applies only in DWG workmode.
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;A8 The capability applies only in V7 workmode.
OPERATORS
To define configuration variables, you can use the following operators.
< Prepend the capability variable value to the workmode variable settings
> Append the capability variable value to the workmode variable settings
PREFIXES
Use the following prefixes to activate or deactivate capability variables.
+ Activate the capability variable
- Deactivate the capability variable
The following are examples of capability definitions.

%#2#$+.+6;A$;%'.. If enabled, allows ByCell settings for element
attributes. The following, for example, adds the ByCell capability in all
workmodes:
A7560A%#2#$+.+6; %#2#$+.+6;A$;%'..
%#2#$+.+6;A.'8'.5A).1$#.&+52.#; If enabled, allows levels to be

turned on and off using global display. The following, for example, adds
the capability to create levels in DWG workmode:
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;A&9)%#2#$+.+6;A.'8'.5A).1$#.&+52.#;Ō
%#2#$+.+6;A.'8'.5A%4'#6': If enabled, controls levels the ability to cre-

ate new levels in a file. The following, for example, removes the capabil-
ity to create levels in DWG workmode:
A7560A%#2#$+.+6;A&9)%#2#$+.+6;A.'8'.5A%4'#6'Ō
RECOMMENDED DWG SETTINGS

The following sections discuss recommendations for the Open DWG and
Save As DWG options.
Recommended DWG Settings
Open DWG
The default settings for opening a DWG file are set exactly as needed, with
no changes unless you have a specific problem to fix.
Save As DWG
The default settings for saving a DWG file are primarily set as needed. How-
ever, the changes discussed in the following sections are recommended.
BASIC UNITS
You should modify the Units setting to Sub Units if you work with a base
unit of inches.
Insert DWGsave1
REFERENCES
If you use relative reference paths, you should make the following change to
the References setting.
Insert DWGsave2
CELLS
Make the following changes if you do not use ByLevel attribute settings for
your MicroStation cell color, line weight, and line style.
Insert DWGsave3
FONTS
Modify the name setting for Text Styles to not include the STYLE- variable
so that DWG file style names will not obviously be from MicroStation and to
match the AutoCAD style names more closely.
Insert DWGsave4
You should control the folder where the MicroStation SHX converted files are
stored so that you have easy access to them for submittals and so that they do not
end up in your default AutoCAD installation. You will have a better test environ-
ment if you leave your AutoCAD installation untouched by MicroStation.
The remaining settings are adequate for the majority of DWG output, but
remember to revisit this section if you encounter problems with specific files.
STANDARDS FOR THE DWG SAVE AS OPTIONS

Using MicroStation V8 is very robust for converting DGN data to DWG, or
DWG data to DGN. You can easily convert files individually or in bulk
using batch process utilities. Standard conversion settings can be saved in
resource files and remapping files to be used repeatedly, saving time
throughout a corporate or project life cycle.
With the significant number of settings that can be defined, some discussed
earlier in this chapter, the storage of your preferred settings is critical to
your sanity. The good news is that you can do just about anything to the
data. The bad news is that it can get a little confusing trying to organize and
define all of the settings. When you complete these settings changes,
MicroStation stores them in a resource file. This resource file can be a single
resource file or several, depending on your projects and standards environ-
ments. Use the workspace to point to this resource file, and if necessary lock
it so that critical settings cannot be changed haphazardly. Remember to test
these settings early on to avoid problems later on.
The DWG Settings Resource File

So where is this resource file? By default it is located in:
C:\Program Files\Bentley\Home\prefs\dwgdata.rsc.
Standards for the DWG Save As Options
Whenever you make a change to the DWG options dialog, those changes
are written to this resource file.
TIP: If you want to revert back to the default DWG options resource set-
tings, delete this file and MicroStation will create a new default settings re-
source file the next time you access the DWG options.
What Is a Remapping File

A remapping file is a spreadsheet provided with MicroStation that contains
specific parameters for handling and processing data. This data can be con-
verted in many different directions, such as DGN to DGN, DGN to DWG,
or DWG to DGN. So what parameters can you modify during this process?
The following are categories provided for parameter mapping.
Levels Font
Line Styles Color
Weight Symbol
TIP: Each sheet in the remapping Excel file contains instructions at the
bottom of the page. Scroll down to find additional instructions for each
sheet type. There is also a General Instruction sheet provided.
Insert REMAP1
LEVEL MAPPING
Level mapping allows you to control how level data is distributed between
level and layer structures, and to manipulate level values and evaluate and
filter nonstandard levels into standard levels. The following parameters can
be manipulated.
Level name V8 output level
DWG output layer V7 output level
V7 output level name Required levels
Level description Level number
Override color Override line weight
Override line style Override line style scale
Override line style origin width Override line style end width
ByLevel color ByLevel line weight
ByLevel line style ByLevel line style scale
ByLevel line style origin width ByLevel line style end width
Global display Element access
Plot
FONT MAPPING
Font mapping allows you to control how font data is converted between
MicroStation, AutoCAD, and Windows, and to manipulate, evaluate, and fil-
ter font values from nonstandard fonts into standard fonts. The following
parameters can be manipulated.
Font name Font type
V7 output font V8 output font
DWG output font DWG output font type
Output width factor Output height factor
LINE STYLE MAPPING

Line style mapping allows you to control how line styles are converted
between MicroStation and AutoCAD, and to manipulate, evaluate, and filter
line styles from nonstandard line styles into standard line styles. The follow-
ing parameters can be manipulated.
Line style name V7 output line style
V7 output scale V8 output line style
V8 output scale DWG output line style
DWG output line style scale DWG output line style resource file
COLOR MAPPING
Color mapping allows you to control how color is utilized in both MicroSta-
tion and AutoCAD, and to manipulate, evaluate, and filter color values from
nonstandard colors into standard colors. The following parameters can be
manipulated.
Color number V7 output color
V8 output color DWG output color
WEIGHT MAPPING
Weight mapping allows you to control how line weight is exchanged
between MicroStation and AutoCAD, and to manipulate, evaluate, and filter
color values from nonstandard colors into standard colors. The following
parameters can be manipulated.
Weight numbers V7 output line weight
V8 output line weight DWG output line weight
DWG output color
SYMBOL MAPPING
Symbol mapping allows you to control how symbols are converted between
MicroStation V7 and V8, and to manipulate, evaluate, and filter symbols
from nonstandard cells into standard cells and blocks. The following param-
eters can be manipulated.
Symbol name
V7 output cell name
In Exercise 10-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice converting

DGN files to DWG files.
EXERCISE 10-1: CONVERTING DGN TO DWG FILES

In this exercise you will learn how to save a V7 DGN file to the DWG file format. Learn
what settings to change (and why) to ensure quality DWG output.
First, let’s discuss how this old DGN file was set up using an older version of MicroStation.
In V7, most files did not have level names (only numbers associated with the levels). V7
files also did not use the ByLevel attribute symbology, causing these files to be not as
AutoCAD friendly as they could be.
1 Open the design file DWG_SAVE1.DGN.

2 To access the Save As DWG tool, go to the pull-down menu File > Save As and set the
Save As Type setting to AutoCAD Drawing Files .DWG.
Click on the Save button to save as a DWG file.
3 Review the DWG/DXF Units dialog that appears and select the applicable units.
Set the Units setting to FEET
Do not select the Do Not Display Again setting unless this is the unit setting for all
DWG files from this point forward. If you do, you can go to File > Open and set Files
of Type to DWG. Then click on the Options button and select Advanced > Display
Unit Alert and activate this setting to restore the Units Alert dialogs.
Click on OK to continue the file conversion.
Insert CH11-1-3A
HINT: This dialog is asking you what the “base” unit should be in the DWG file. Remem-
ber, AutoCAD does not have working units, so MicroStation is trying to determine what
discipline this file should be configured for. Because this is a civil discipline file you should
select Feet for English units.
As you can see, the file appears to convert correctly, and if you were not an AutoCAD user
you would think everything is fine. Let’s look at some of the possible problems for the
AutoCAD user.

Insert CH11-1-3B
Text styles were created with the Style- prefix, mak-

ing it obvious that this file originated in MicroSta-
tion. This may be your preferred method. If so,
ignore this problem. If not, you can change this so
text styles have no prefix.
The MicroStation fonts were converted to SHX files,
requiring that these custom fonts be sent to the
AutoCAD user. If this is your preferred method,
leave as is. If not, use the remapping feature to
remap these fonts to true AutoCAD-delivered fonts.
The levels have numbered names, not logical names.

All colors, line weights, and line styles are hard-
coded to the individual elements.
4 Reopen the design file DWG_SAVE1.DGN.

The first problem, text style names, is very easy to fix. Let’s adjust that setting first.
5 Select the pull-down menu File > Save As and set the File as Type setting to DWG.
6 Click on the Options button to access the DWG Save As options.
7 Expand the Fonts portion of the General tab and remove Style- as the prefix for the
Text Style Name template.
Leave the %s so that the text style will inherit the font name as the style name.
HINT: If you want all text to be converted to a single font, remove the %s and all text will
be converted to a single text style.
8 Deactivate the Convert MicroStation fonts to AutoCAD fonts setting because we do not
want to use these custom fonts in our DWG file output.
Insert CH11-1-8A
Insert CH11-1-11A
9 Click on the OK button to save these option settings.

10 Click on the Save button and overwrite any existing DWG file
of the same name.
11 Select FEET for the base units and then click on OK to save
the DWG file.
12 Select Element > Text Styles and verify the new text style names and their associated
font settings.
The next few steps require a remapping file to direct MicroStation to perform the follow-
ing remapping procedures.
Remap MicroStation fonts to AutoCAD fonts
Remap level numbers to useful layer names
Remap all colors, line weights, and line styles to AutoCAD line styles
13 Reopen the design file DWG_SAVE1.DGN.
14 Select the pull-down menu File > Save As and set the File as Type setting to DWG.
15 Click on the Options button to access the DWG Save As options.
16 Select the Remap tab and then click on the Create CSV Remapping button.
Insert CH11-1-15A
Key in the name DWG_SAVE1 for the remapping CSV file name.
Be patient at this point, because MicroStation is now launching the Microsoft Excel
application with a specific spreadsheet you can use for these remapping features.
HINT: You may get a security notification concerning the security levels in Excel allowing
macros to run. You must allow this macro to run for this procedure to work properly.
Remap the Fonts

17 In Excel spreadsheet, select the Fonts tab and fill in the following information to
remap the fonts used.
Save the spreadsheet with these changes.
Insert CH11-2-16A
Insert CH11-2-17A
18 Reopen the file DWG_SAVE1.DGN and navigate

back to the Remap dialog in MicroStation and
activate the Font Mapping option.
Click on OK to save the remapping settings.
Save the DWG file and overwrite any existing
files of the same name.
Use the Element Information command to verify the font for the lot numbers. The
font should be converted to ROMANS.
Remap the Level Names
19 Navigate back to the Excel spreadsheet and
select the Levels tab.
20 In Excel, click on the button to automati-
cally populate the level names from the
active design file.
This will add the DGN levels to the spreadsheet.
21 Fill in the following level names and descriptions in the spreadsheet and save the
spreadsheet file.
Insert CH11-1-20A
22 Scroll to the right of the spreadsheet to find the BYLEVEL columns for the following.
BYLEVELCOLOR BYLEVELWEIGHT BYLEVELSTYLE
Fill in the following information to remap the level attribute settings, and then save the
spreadsheet file.
Insert CH11-1-21A
Save the
spreadsheet
with these
changes.
HINT: Note that the BYLEVELSTYLE for the level Lot-Line is forced to the AutoCAD line type
CENTER2. This allows you to modify the actual level settings during the conversion if
needed. The AutoCAD line style CENTER2 must exist in the DGN file before MicroStation
can use it during the conversion process. You can import them directly from the ACAD.LIN
file using Custom Line Style > Edit > File > Import.
Insert CH11-1-22A
23 Reopen the file DWG_SAVE1.DGN and navigate

to the Remap dialog in MicroStation and activate
the Level Mapping option.
Click on OK to save the remapping settings.
Save the DWG file and overwrite any existing
files of the same name.
24 Check the Level Manager in the DWG file for the new named levels with BYLEVEL
symbology defined.
Remap the Elements
Next, we need to remap the element attributes to BYLEVEL symbology for color, line
weight, and line style.
Insert CH11-1-24A
25 Navigate back to the Excel spreadsheet and select

the Color tab.
Fill in the following color information.
%unmapped will filter all element colors.
%bylevel will assign the BYLEVEL definition to
all colors.
Insert CH11-1-24A
26 Select the LineStyles tab and fill in the following

line style information.
%unmapped will filter all element line styles.
all line styles.
27 Select the Weight tab and fill in the following

line weight information.
%unmapped will filter all element line weights.
all line weights.
28 Save these changes to the spreadsheet.

These remapping definitions will apply ByLevel symbology to all elements in the
design file, which is identical to the ByLayer environment in AutoCAD.
TIP: You might need to change the active linestylescale to see the new line styles in Mi-
croStation. Use the following key-in as needed:
#%6+8'.+0'56;.'5%#.'
29 Navigate back to the Remap dialog in MicroStation and activate the Level Line Style
and Weight Mapping options.
Click on OK to close the remapping dialog.
Save the DWG file and overwrite any existing files of the same name.
30 Use the Element Information command to check the attribute symbology of any
graphical element.
Note that the color, line style, and line weight attributes are set to ByLevel.
Once the remapping file is completely defined with your CAD standards you can batch
process your DGN-to-DWG conversions using the Batch Convert utility.
Batch Conversion utility.
EXERCISE 10-2: BATCH CONVERSION UTILITY

This exercise will batch convert several DGN files to the DWG format using a remapping file.
1 Open the design file BLANK_V8.DGN.
2 To access this utility, go to the pull-down menu Utilities > Batch Converter.
3 In the Batch Convert dialog, set the Default Output Format setting to DWG and the
Default Destination setting to C:\Training\MSTforACAD\DWGout.
If necessary, navigate to the correct folder using the Browse button.
Insert CH11-2-3A
Insert CH11-2-4B
4 Click on the Add Files button or Directories button and add the following
files to the conversion list.
Insert CH11-2-4A
CB1.DGN
CB2.DGN
CB3.DGN
5 Save this settings file to the fol-
lowing file location.
C:\Training\MST_for_ACAD\
Resource\BATCH1.BCNV
6 To assign a remapping file to the batch conversion, go to the pull-down menu Edit >
DWG Save Options.
7 Select the Remap tab and browse to the location of your remapping spreadsheet. For
this exercise, we will use the following remapping spreadsheet.
C:\Training\MST_for_ACAD\Resources\Remap_CBdrawings.xls
Insert CH11-2-8A
8 Click on the Process Batch Convert Job button to process all files in the list.
Click on the Convert button to start the batch conversion.
9 Open the DWG files and verify the output.
11: Best Practices
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
Determine project requirements and file format considerations.
Explore DGN format considerations.
Explore DWG format considerations.
The objective of this chapter is to assist you when working in a multi-CAD

environment, which involves working with DGN and DWG data. The sce-
narios listed here are intended to help you get started down the right path
and to help you avoid some of those stumbling blocks along the way.
STANDARDS AND WORKFLOWS

Using CAD standards and enforcing them can greatly improve the consis-
tent flow of information between DGN and DWG files. The key to success is
preparation and standardization. If you know what to expect in the data
files, you can control the outcome. Unpredictable data will inevitably cause
unpredictable results in both file formats.
The least desirable scenario is to round-trip files from one format to another
and back again. Doing this can create data exchange inconsistencies, and the
more trips through this process the data takes the more likely you are to see
unexpected and undesirable results. Use the data files in their native format as
as long as possible throughout the design process, and collaborate with outside
resources (using their native formats whenever possible). You first need to
determine which scenario most closely matches your production environment.
Designing in DGN, using DWG resources, and delivering in DGN
Designing in DWG, using DWG resources, and delivering in DWG
Designing in DGN and delivering in DWG
Chapter 11: Best Practices
Designing in DGN, Using DWG Resources, and

Delivering in DGN
This scenario assumes that you will be creating, opening, and editing in the
DGN file format and using DWG resource files for references but delivering
the final output in the DGN format. In this type of project you would not
need to restrict any of your MicroStation capabilities because you would be
retaining the DGN file format through to the final output. This scenario
may require some modifications to your CAD standards in order to manage
the DWG references and their symbology. However, this can easily be han-
dled using level symbology or pen tables. In fact, you might consider using
the AutoCAD plot style tables to help you develop the MicroStation pen
tables as needed.
Designing in DWG, Using DWG Resources, and

Delivering in DWG
This scenario assumes that you will be creating, opening, editing, and deliver-
ing in the DWG file format. In this type of project you will be working in the
DWG workmode, and some MicroStation capabilities will be disabled. This
environment may be too restrictive and you can loosen the restrictions using
the workmode capability settings. However, be sure to test any of these modi-
fications in the AutoCAD environment to ensure complete compatibility.
Designing in DGN and Delivering in DWG

This scenario assumes that you will be creating, opening, and editing in the
DGN file format and delivering DWG as final output. In this type of project
you want to use MicroStation and all of its tools and features, but you have
to deliver the final output in DWG file format. You could work in the DWG
workmode, but this would restrict some of the MicroStation capabilities.
A better solution would be to work with DGN files for as long as possible
before sending them to DWG. The key to success using this scenario is
starting the project correctly. Use a controlled standards environment and
use as many of the DWG-compatible features as possible. For example, con-
sider the following.
Use tag data in cells rather than enter data fields. Tag data will migrate to
DWG as block attributes, which provide editable text in AutoCAD
blocks.
Standards and Workflows
Use only one design model. AutoCAD does not allow for multiple
modelspaces in a single DWG file. Multiple sheet models are acceptable
because AutoCAD supports multiple paperspaces.
Use text styles and dimension styles whenever possible.
Use AutoCAD line types whenever possible. However, you can remap
line styles during the Save As DWG process.
Use no nesting or live nesting with reference file attachments. AutoCAD
allows for “all or nothing” reference file attachments. No nesting will not
inherit nested reference files. Live nesting will inherit all nested refer-
ence file attachments. Most AutoCAD users prefer no nesting when ref-
erencing other files.
Overlay = No Nesting
Attachment = Live Nesting
Use a logical number for the nest depth associated with live nesting.
After all, do you really need to go 10 files deep? Probably not. Using a
nest depth of 2 or 3 is usually sufficient. If in doubt, ask the DWG recip-
ients if they prefer overlay or attached references.
Set the DWG Open and DWG Save As settings carefully. These settings
are stored in the following file, which can be placed on a server so that
you can control all project team members’ DWG settings.
C:\Program Files\Bentley\Home\prefs\dwgdata\dwgsettings.rsc
The following DGN-only capabilities will not transfer to the DWG file for-
mat.
Design history
Custom line styles (require custom AutoCAD definitions)
Custom patterns (require custom AutoCAD definitions)
Reference file clip masks
DESIGN HISTORY
You can use the Design History functionality while working in the Micro-
Station environment and DGN project files. However, all design history will
be removed during the Save As DWG process. That should not limit your
ability to take advantage of this tool internally while using MicroStation and
the DWG file format.
Chapter 11: Best Practices
CUSTOMIZED RESOURCES
You can use custom line styles and custom patterns. However, you must
choose how you want them to save to DWG. Your first option is to drop
them during the Save As DWG process. Your second option is to create
matching custom line styles and/or patterns in the DWG environment so
that you can remap to them during the Save As DWG process.
The use of splines in patterns cannot be duplicated in AutoCAD and should

be avoided. All other custom patterns must be created for both the DGN
and DWG file formats for remapping to be successful.
REFERENCE MASKS
You should not use reference file masking capabilities in MicroStation
because they will be removed during the Save As DWG process.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORKFLOWS

Which of the previous workflows fit your project needs? Once you have
determined which workflow applies to you, use the following list of ques-
tions to narrow down the more specific project requirements.
What file format will the final project deliverables need to be? DWG,
DGN, or both?
What percentage of the files used in the project will be DWG? DGN?
Who will be responsible for doing most of the editing and assembling of
files? MicroStation users or AutoCAD users?
Are there downstream or add-on applications requiring a particular file
format? Third-party PDM software, presentation software, discipline-
specific application software?
Are there advanced functions of MicroStation that will facilitate the
completion of the project (such as custom line styles, design history, self
references, and multiple models)?
Will the project files go through revisions and return to MicroStation
repeatedly for reviews and changes?
The answers to these questions should help you to clarify the scenario into
which your particular project falls. Specifically, the format of the deliver-
ables and the cycling of revisions are of importance.
A: MicroStation Key-in Shortcuts
Key-in Shortcuts FI = database row as active TI = copy and increment value
AA = active angle entity TV = dimension tolerance
AC = active cell FT = active font limits
AD = data point – delta ACS GO = Global Origin TW = active text width
AE = define active entity GR = grid reference spacing TX = active text size (height &
AM = activate menu GU = grid unit spacing width)
AP = active pattern cell KY = keypoint snap divisor UC = active user command
AR = active cell, place relative LC = active line style UCC = compile user command
AS = active scale factors LD = dimension level UCI = active user command by
AT = activate tutorial LL = active text line length index number
AX = data point – absolute ACS LS = active line spacing UR = unit distance
AZ = Set Active Depth LT = active line terminator VI = attach named view
CC = create cell LV = active level WO = Window Origin
CD = delete cell from cell NN = active text node number WT = active line weight
library OF = level display off XD = open design file, keep
CM = Place Active Cell Matrix ON = level display on view config
CO = active color OX = retrieve user command XS = active X scale
CR = rename cell index XY = data point – absolute
CT = attach color table PA = active pattern angle coordinates
DA = active displayable PD = active pattern spacing YS = active Y scale
attribute type PS = active pattern scale ZS = active Z scale
DB = attach control file to PT = active point
design file PX = delete ACS $ key-in
DD = Set Display Depth RA = attribute review selection / key-in
(relative) criteria * key-in
DF = open Fonts settings box RC = attach cell library | key-in
DI = data point – distance, RD = open design file ; key-in
direction RF = Attach Reference File
DL = data point – delta RS = name report table Command Line
coordinates RV = Rotate View (relative)
RX = Select ACS Switches
DP = Set Display Depth
SD = active stream delta -o does not open any
DR = display text file
SF = separate fence - move references
DS = fence filter
fence contents to design -m specifies model to open
DV = delete saved view
file -r opens design file in read-
DX = data point – delta view
ST = active stream tolerance only
coordinate
SV = save named view -I passes parameters to
DZ = Set Active Depth (relative)
SX = save ACS INITAPPS
EL = create element list file
TB = tab spacing for importing -wu specifies user
FF = file fence - copy fence
text configuration
contents to file
TH = active text height -wp specifies project
configuration
Appendix A: MicroStation Key-in Shortcuts
-wi specifies interface V View Rotation Leveldisplay dialog toggle

configuration T Top Rotation Levelmanager dialog toggle
-wd specifies database F Front Rotation Model dialog toggle
configuration S Side Rotation Raster dialog toggle
-wa specifies MDLapp to start B Base Rotation Popset toggle
in MS_INITAPP E Cycle Rotation View toggle
-wc specifies config to use on X Lock X Lock axis toggle
startup Y Lock Y
Dialog cellmaintenance popup
-wr specifies Z Lock Z
Dialog cmdbrowse popup
_USTN_WORKSPACEROOT D Lock Distance
Leveldisplay dialog popup
-ws specifies config variable to A Lock Angle
Levelmanager dialog popup
define L Lock Index
-s dumps text to specified RQ Rotate Quick
Dialog Palette 40line
startup file RA Rotate ACS
RX Rotate about X
Choose all
-debug RY Rotate about Y
Choose none
-debug =1 least detail RZ Rotate about Z
Choose last
-debug =5 most detail ? Show Shortcuts
H HOLD AccuDraw
DWG audit fix
-help or -? Displays command ~ Bump Tool Setti
DWG recover
line help for ustation.exe GT Go to Tool Sett
GK Go to Keyin
Change direction
Action Types GS Go to Settings
GA Get ACS
E, keyinCommand entry keyin Mark
WA Write to ACS
T, keyinTerminated keyin Undo mark
P Point Keyin (si
K, keyinNon-terminated keyin
M Point Keyin (mu
M, messageMessage Match color fromcursor
I Intersect Snap
C, cellnameAbsolute cell Match level fromcursor
N Nearest Snap
placement Match style fromcursor
C Center Snap
R, cellnameRelative cell Match weight fromcursor
K Snap Divisor
placement Match symbology fromcursor
U Suspend AccuSna
J Toggle AccuSnap Match element fromcursor
/d pause for data point
Q Quit AccuDraw
/k pause for key-in Mdl silentload MDLAPP
%d pause for data point no
prompts Helpful Key-ins Model set annotationscale
%k pause for key-in no Create symbol SCALE_VALUE
prompts Delete symbol annotationscale add
null executes NULL to Accusnap suspend annotationscale change
suspend all commands Accusnap toggle annotationscale remove
set refleveloverrides on
AccuDraw Shortcuts Reference adjustcolors
Dialog toolbox NAME toggle VALUE, SATURATION,
Enter Smart Lock
Dialog toolsettings toggle REFERENCE
Space Change Mode
Dialog cellmaintenance toggle
O Set Origin
Dialog reference toggle Set hilite COLOR
B: AutoCAD Commands and Their MicroStation
Equivalents
AutoCAD MicroStation Equiv Alias Menu or Shortcut
+customize … … Workspace > Customize
'+dsettings … … …
+options Preferences … Workspace > Preferences
+publish Print, Batch Print … File > Print, File > Batch Print
+ucsman Auxiliary Coordinates … Tools > Auxiliary Coordinates
+view Saved Views … Utilities > Saved Views
+vports View Groups … Window > Views > Dialog
A About Dialog Aboutustn … Help > About Microstation
acadblockdialog Dialog Di Ce AC=Cellname
Cellmaintenance
acadwblockdialog File Fence ... FF=
acisin Import ACIS … File > Import > ACIS SAT
acisout Export ACIS … File > Export > ACIS SAT
adcclose … … …
adcustomnavigate … … …
adcenter … … …
adcnavigate … … …
Ai-Box Place Slab Pla SI …
Ai-Cone Place Cone Pla Con …
ai_dim_textabove Dimstyle Text Di Dimset Element > Dimension Styles > Text
ai_dim_textcenter Dimstyle Text Di Dimset Element > Dimension Styles > Text
ai_dim_texthome … … …
ai_dish … … …
ai_dome … … …
Ai-Molc Match Level Mat L ...
ai_pspace Model Active name Mo A Viewgroups
ai_pyramid … … …
ai_selall Select All Elements Ctrl + A Edit > Select All
Ai_Sphere Place Sphere Pla Sp …
Ai-Torus Place Torus Pla To …
Ai-Wedge Place Wedge Pla We …
aidimfliparrow … … …
aidimprec Dimstyle Units Di Dimset Element > Dimension Styles > Units
aidimstyle Dimension Styles Di Dimset Element > Dimension Styles
aidimtextmove Dimstyle Leader Di Dimset Element > Dimension Styles >
Dimension with Leader
aliasedit Accudraw Shortcuts … Accudraw Dialog Shortcuts | Edit
Align Align Element … …
alignspace … … …
ameconvert … … …
Aperture Locate Tolerance … Tools > Preferences > Operation >
Locate Tolerance
Appendix B: AutoCAD Commands and MicroStation Equivalents

Appload Mdl Load Mdl L …
Arc Place Arc Pla A …
Archive Archive … Utilites > Archive
arctext Place Text Along Pl Tex Al …
Area Measure Area Mea Ar …
Array Array Ar …
Arx Mdl Load … Utilities > Mdl Applications
aseadmin Database … Settings > Database
aseexport Database … Settings > Database
aselinks Database … Settings > Database
aserows Database … Settings > Database
aseselect Database … Settings > Database
asesqled Database … Settings > Database
assist Tracking … Help > Tracking
assistclose … … …
attachurl Engineering Links … Tools > Engineering Links
Attdef Mdl L Tags Define … Element > Tags > Define
Attdisp Tags Display … Settings > View Attributes > Tags
Attedit Edit Tags Edi T …
Attext Mdl L Tags Report ... Element > Tags > Generate Reports
attin … … …
attout … … …
attredef Define Tags … Element > Tags > Define
attsync … … …
Audit Mdl Load Fixrange Mdl L …
Fixrange
B Background Active Background Act Ba …
baction … … …
bactionset … … …
bactiontool … … …
Base Active Origin GO= …
bassociate … … …
battman Edit Tags Edi T …
battorder … … …
bauthorpalette … … …
bauthorpaletteclose … … …
bcount … … …
bcycleorder … … …
bedit … … …
bextend Extend Ext …
bgripset … … …
Bhatch Pattern Pat …
blipmode … … …
Block Define Cell DC CC=Cellname
block? … … …
blockicon … … …
blockreplace Replace Cells Rep C …
blocktoxref … … …
blookuptable … … …

Bmake Dialog Di Ce CC=Cellname
Cellmaintenance
bmod Create Cell Cre C CC=Cellname
bmpout Screen Capture Ca D Utilities > Image > Capture
bonusmenu … … …
bonuspopup … … …
borrowlicense … … …
Boundary Create Shape Automatic Cr S A …
Boundary or Bpoly Create Shape Automatic Cr S A …
Box Place Slab Pla Sl …
bparameter … … …
bpoly Create Region Cre R …
break Delete Partial Del Pa …
express breakline … … …
browser Browser Connect Br A name …
browser2 … … …
bsave … … …
bsaveas … … …
bscale … … …
btrim … … …
burst Drop Element Dro …
bvhide … … …
bvshow … … …
bvstate … … Utilities > Microstation Link
C Cal Accudraw Activate AA …
camera Camera ca …
cdorder … …
Chamfer Chamfer Ch …
Change Change Element Ch E E …
Properties
checkstandards … St e Utilites > Standards Checker > Check
chk Check Standards St e
Chprop Change Element Ch E E …
Properties
chspace … … …
churls Engineering Links … …
Circle Place Circle Pla Ci …
cleanscreenoff … … …
cleanscreenon … … …
clipit Reference Clip, … …
Clip Volume
close Close Clo …
closeall … …
Color or Colour Active Color CO= CO=color or number
commandline Key in Browser Di Cm …
commandlinehide … … …
Compile … UCC= …
Cone Place Cone Pl Con …
config Workspace … Workspaces > Configuration
Configuration

content … … …
Convert … … …
convertctb … … …
convertplines … … …
convertpoly … … …
convertpstyles … … …
Copy Copy Cop Shift + F5
copybase … … …
Copyclip Clipboard Copy Cli C Ctrl + C
copyhist Message Center … …
Copylink Capture View Contents ... Utilities > Image > Capture
copym Copy Cop …
copytolayer … … …
count … … …
cui Workspace Customize … Workspace > Customize
cuiexport … … …
cuiimport … … …
cuiload … … …
cuiunload … … …
customize Workspace Customize … Workspace > Customize
Cutclip Clipboard Cut Cli Cu Ctrl + x
Cylinder Place Cylinder Pla Cy …
D date … … …
dbclose Database … Settings > Database
dbconnect Database … Settings > Database
dblkclkedit Database … Settings > Database
dblist Database … Settings > Database
dbtrans Database … Settings > Database
Ddattdef Edit Tags Edi T …
Ddatte Edit Tags Edi T …
Ddattext Mdl Load Tags Report … …
Ddchprop Change Element Ch E E …
Properties
Ddcolor Active Font FT= FT=font number or name
Ddedit Edit Text Edi Te …
Ddgrips Handles … Workspaces > Preferences > Input >
Highlight Selected
Ddim Dialog Dimsettings … Element > Dimensions
Open
Ddinsert Dialog Di Ce AC=Cellname
Cellmaintenance
ddlmodes Level Manager Levelm D O …
ddltype Line Styles Custom Lines S Element > Line Styles > Custom
Ddmodify Element Information An Ctrl + I
ddosnap Active Snaps, … Settings > Snaps
Multi-Snaps
ddplotstamp Plot Stamp, … Printing only
Text Substitution
Ddptype Active Scale … AS=scale factor

Ddrmodes Mdl Load Dgnset Mdl L Dgnset Settings > Design File
Ddselect Select Se Tool Settings: Method/Mode
Dducs Dialog Coordsys Di Coo …
Dducsp Dialog Coordsys Di Coo …
Ddunits Dialog Units Di U …
Ddview Dialog Namedviews Di Namedv SV=ViewName, VI=ViewName, DV=
ViewName Save, Restore, Delete Views
Ddvpoint Dialog Rotateucs Di Ro …
Delay Pause Pau …
detachurl Engineering Links … …
Dimensions
Dim Dimension Dim …
DimAligned Dimension Element Dim E Tool Settings: Alignment>True
DimAngular Dimension Angle Lines Dim A L ...
DimBaseline Dimension Linear Dim L Tool Settings: Dimension Stacked On
DimCenter Dimension Center Mark Dim C M ...
DimContinue Dimension Linear Dim L Tool Settings: Dimension Stacked Off
DimDiameter Dimension Diameter Dim D …
dimdisassociate Dimension Update Dim Up …
dimedit Dimension Element Dim E …
dimex … … …
dimim Dimension Style Import … Element > Dimension Styles > Import
dimjogged … … …
DimLeader Place Note Pla Not Optional: Place Note Multi
Dim:Ordinate Dimension Ordinate Dim 0 …
Dim:Override Dimension Update Dim Up …
Dim:Radius Dimension Radius … …
dimreassociate Dimension Reassociate Dim Re …
dimregen Update View Up F9
Dimension Update Dim Up …
DimStyle Dimension Style Dims Element > Dimension Styles
DimTedit Modify Element Modi …
Diml Dimension Dim …
Dimaligned Dimension Element Dim E Tool Settings: Alignment > True
Dimangular Dimension Angle Lines Dim A L …
Dimbaseline Dimension Linear Dim L Tool Settings: Dimension Stacked On
Dimcenter Dimension Center Mark Dim C M …
Dimcontinue Dimension Linear Dim L Tool Settings: Dimension Stacked Off
Dimdiameter Dimension Diameter Dim D …
Dimedit Modify Element Modi …
Dimlinear Dimension Linear Dim L …
Dimordinate Dimension Ordinate Dim 0 …
Dimoverride Dimension Update Dim Up …
Dimradius Dimension Radius … …
Dimstyle Dimension Styles Setm S D Element > Dimension Styles
Dimtedit Modify Element Modi …
Dist Measure Distance Points Meas …
Divide Construct Point … …
Between

dline Place Multi-Line … …
Doughnut Or Donut Place Circle Pla Ci Tool Settings: Fill Type > Opaque
Dragmode Set Dynamic On/Off/ … Settings > View Attributes > Dynamic
Toggle
drawingrecovery … … …
drawingrecoveryhide … … …
Draworder Wset Add and Wset … …
Drop
dropgeom Clear Selection … …
dsettings Design File Settings … Settings > Design File > Grid
Dsviewer … … Window > Open/Close
Dtext Place Text Pla Tex …
Dview Rotate View Extended … …
Dwfout … … …
dwfoutd … … …
dwglog … … …
dwgprops … … …
dxbin … … …
dxbout … … …
Dxfin Dxf In Dx I File > Import > Dwg Or Dxf
Dxfout Dxf Out Dx 0 File > Export > Dwg Or Dxf
E eattedit Edit Tags Edi T …
eattext Generate Reports … Element > Generate Reports
edge … …
edgesurf Construct Surface by … …
Edge
edittime … … …
Elev Active Zdepth Absolute Act Z A AZ=
Elevation Set Active Depth Act Z A AZ=
Ellipse Place Ellipse Pla E …
End (Not In R14) Exit Exi File > Exit
eplotext … … …
Erase Delete Del Alt + F5
etransmit Packager … Utilities > Packager
exoffset Copy Parallel Cop P …
exp Save Image As … Utilities > Image > Save
explan Rotate View Extended Ro V E VI=TOP
Explode Drop Element Dro …
Export … Dw O or Dx O File > Export > Dwg or Dxf
expressmenu … … …
expresstools … … …
Extend Extend Line Intersection Ext L I …
extrim Trim, Intelli-trim Tri …
Extrude (Acis) Extrude Surface Region Extru S R …
F field … … …
FileOpen Dialog Openfile Di 0 Rd=
Fill Set Fill On/Off … Ctrl + B > Fill
Fillet Fillet Fill M ...
Filter … … Edit > Select By Attributes

find Find and Replace … Edit > Find and Replace
finish … … Settings > Rendering > Materials
flatten Place Cell Pl Ce Tool Settings: Flatten
Fog Dialog Viewrenderset Di Viewr Settings > Rendering > View Attributes
fs … … …
fsmode … … …
fullscreen … … …
fullscreenoptions … … …
G gatte Change Tags Chan T Setting: All
getsel Select By Attributes … Edit > Select By Attributes
gotourl Follow Engineering … Tools > Engineering Links
Link
gradient … … …
Grid Active Gridunit GR= Settings > Design File > Grid
grips Handles …
Group Group Selection Gr S Ctrl + G
H Hatch Pattern Pat …
hatchedit Change Pattern Pat Modi …
Help or '? Help He F1
Hide Render View Hidden Rend V H …
hlsettings Export Visible Edges … File > Export > Visible Edges
hyperlink Engineering Links … Tools > Engineering Links
hyperlinkbase … … …
hyperlinkfwd … … …
hyperlinkopen Follow Engineering … Tools > Engineering Links
Link
hyperlinkoptions … … …
hyperlinkstop … … …
I Id … … Tentative Point Snap to Display XYX
Coordinate
igesin Import IGES … File > Import > IGES
igesout Export IGES … File > Export > IGES
Image Raster Attach Interactive Ras A I …
Imageadjust Mdl L Imagevue … Image > Gamma Correction
Imageattach Raster Attach Interac- Ras A I …
tive
Imageclip Raster Clip Boundary Ras C B …
imageedit … … …
imageframe … … …
Imagequality Mdl L Imagevue … …
Import … Dw I or Dx I File > Import > Dwg Or Dxf
Insert Dialog Cellmaintenance Di Ce Ac=Cellname
Insertobj … … Edit > Insert Object
inserturl Attach Engineering Link … Tools > Engineering Links
interfere Intersection Feature … Tools > Feature Modeling > Intersec-
tion
intersect Intersection Feature … Tools > Feature Modeling > Intersection
isoplane … … …
J join Create Complex Shape Cre S Tool Settings: Simplify Geometry

jpgout Export Image … Utilities > Image
justifytext … … …
L laycur Match Element Mat Tool Settings: Level
Attributes
laydel Level Purge Le P …
Layer Active Level Act L LV=
layerp … … …
layerpmode View Previous Vi P …
layfrz LevelDisplay Global- … Level Display > Global Freeze
Freeze
layiso All Except Element … Level Display > All Except Element
laylck … … …
laymch … … …
laymgr Level Manager … …
layoff Off By Element … Level Display > Off by Element
layon All Levels On … Level Display > Levels On
layout Create Model … Models > Sheet Models
layoutmerge … … …
layoutwizard … … …
laythw All Levels On … Level Display > Levels On
laytrans Remapping Utilities … File > Save As > Options
layulk … …
layvpi All Except Element … Level Display > All Except Element
layvpmode … … …
laywalk … LV=+1; …
OF=ALL
Leader Place Note Pla Not …
Lengthen Extend Line Ext L …
Light Light Define Li D …
Limits … … Settings > Design File
Line Place Line Pla L ...
Linetype Active Terminator … LC=
Linetype or Ddltype Active Style # Act S # LC=
List Analyze Element An Ctrl + I
listurl … … …
lman … … …
Load Mdl Load Mdl L Utilities > Mdl Applications
logfileoff … … …
logfileon … … …
lsedit … … …
lslib … … …
lsnew … … …
lsp user commands UC= …
lspsurf … … …
ltscale Active Linestylescale Act Lines …
lweight Line Weights WT= Workspace > Preferences > View
Options
M Markup Redline … …
markupclose … … …

Massprop Measure Volume Mea V Tool Settings: Mass Properties
matchcell … … …
Matchprop Match Element Mat E …
Matlib Material Palette Open Mate P O …
Measure Construct Point … …
meetnow … … …
Menu Attach Menu AM= Workspace > Customize
Menuload Attach Menu AM= …
Menuunload Detach Menu AM= Workspace > Customize
Minsert Place Cell Matrix CM= CM=(Matrix Cell)
Mirror Mirror Original Mi O Tool Settings:
Mirror3d Mirror Original Mi O Tool Settings:
mkltype Create Custom Line … Element > Line Styles > Edit
Style
mkshape Create Symbol … …
Mledit Dialog Toolbox Joints Di T J …
Mline Place Mline Pla Ml …
Mlstyle Dialog Multiline Open Dial Mu O …
mocoro … … …
model … … …
Move Move Mov Ctrl + F5
movebak MS_BACKUP … Workspace > Configuration
mpedit All edits are multiple … …
mredo All Redo are multiple … …
Mslide … … Utilities > Render > Animation
mspace … … …
mstretch Fence Stretch … …
Mtedit Edit Text Edi Te …
Mtext Place Dialogtext Pla Di …
Mtprop Edit Text Edi Te …
multiple All commands are multiple …
mview Clip Reference Ref C Reference File dialog
mvsetup Copy/Fold Reference Ref C F Reference File dialog
N ncopy Copy from Reference … Settings: Locate On
netload … …
New Create Drawing Cr D Ctrl + N
newsheetset … … …
O Offset Copy Parallel Cop P …
oldmtext Place Text Pl Tex …
oldmtprop … … …
Olelinks Edit Links … Edit > Dde Links
oleopen Open Links … Edit > Links
olescale … … …
Oops Undo … Ctrl + Z
Open Newfile RD= Ctrl + O
opendwfmarkup … … …
OpenSheetSet … … …
Openurl Engineering Links … File > Open Url

options Preferences, … Workspace > Preferences or
Configuration Configuration
Ortho Lock Axis … ...
Osnap or Ddosnap … … Tentative Snap
overkill Data Cleanup … Utilities > Data Cleanup
P pagesetup Plot Configurations … …
painter Match Tools Mat Tools > Match
-Pan Pan View Pan View > Scroll Bar Buttons
Pan or Rtpan Dynamic Pan … Shift + Datapoint
partialload … …
pasteashyperlink … … Edit > DDE Links
pasteblock … …
Pasteclip … … Edit > Paste
pasteorig … …
Pastespec … … Edit > Paste Special
pcinwizard … … …
pcxin … … …
Pedit Modify Element Modi E …
Pedit Insert Vertex Ins V …
Pedit Delete Vertex Del V …
pface Create Planar Surface … Tools > Surface Modeling
plan Rotate View VI=TOP …
Pline Place Smartline Pl Sm …
pljoin Create Chain … …
Plot Plot Print Ctrl + P
plotstamp Plot Attributes, Text … …
Substitution
plotstyle .PLT plot driver file … …
plottermanager … … …
plt2dwg … … …
pngout Save Image … Utilities > Image
Point Place Point Pl Po …
Polygon Place Polygon Pl Pol …
pqcheck … … …
Preferences ... … Workspace > Preferences
Preview Preview Prev …
properties Attributes, Element … …
Information
propertiesclose … … …
propulate … … …
psbscale … … …
psdrag … … …
psetupin … … …
psfill … … …
psin Paste Image … Edit > Paste, Ctrl + V
psout Save Image … Utilites > Image
pspace … … …
psltscale … … …
publish Print to PDF … File > Print, Ctrl + P

publsihtoweb … … …
purge Compress Design Com D Shift + F3
Q qcclose … … …
qdim Dimension Multiple … Tool Setting: Select Multiple Elements
Elements
qlattach Reassociate Note … …
qlattachset Reassociate Note … …
qdetachset Drop Association Dro A …
qleader Place Note Pl Not …
qnew … … …
qquit Save Design SD Ctrl + S
qsave Save SD File > Save, Ctrl + S
qselect PowerSelector, Select By … Edit > Select By Attributes
Attributes
Qtext Fast Font … Ctrl + A
quickcalc … … …
Quit Quit Q …
R r14penwizard … … …
ray … … …
Recover Mdl L Fixrange … …
Rectangle Place Block Pl B …
Redefine … … Workspace > Configuration
redir … … Workspace > Configuration
redirmod … … Workspace > Configuration
Redo Redo … Ctrl + R
Redraw Update View Up V F9
Redrawall Update All Up A …
refclose … … …
refedit Exchange Reference … Reference dialog > Exchange
refset … … …
regen Update View Up V …
regenall Update View Up V …
regenauto Update View Up V …
Region (Acis) Group Holes Gr H …
reinit … … …
rename … … …
Render Render View Rend V …
renderundload … … …
renderupdate … … …
rendscr … … …
Replay ... … Utilities > Image > Animation
repurls … … …
resetblock … … …
resume … … …
returnlicense … … …
revcloud … … …
revert … … …
revolve Construct Revolution … …
revsurf Construct Revolution … Tool Setting: Surface

rfileopt … … …
Rmat Material Palette Open Mate P O …
Rotate Rotate Ro …
rotate3d Rotate … …
Rpref … … Settings > Rendering > Setup
Rscript … … Utilities > Macros or Utilities > Run
rtedit Text Substitution … …
rtext Text Substitution … …
rtpan Pan … Shift + Data drag
rtucs Rotate ACS … …
rtzoom Wheel Zoom … Roll Wheel Mouse
rulesurf … … …
S Save Save Design … …
saveall … … …
Saveas Dialog Saveas Di S File > Save As...
saveasr12 Save as DWG File > Save As...
C Saveimg Dialog Saveimage Di Savei Utilities > Image > Save
Saveurl … … Utilities > Microstation Links
Scale Scale Sc …
scalelistedit Edit file Scales.def … …
scaletext Annotation Scale … …
Scene … … Utilities > Image > Animation
Script Macros … Utilities > Macros
Section … … Utilities > Generate Section
securityoptions … …
Select Choose Element … F5
Selecturl … … Utilities > Microstation Links
setidrophandler … …
send … … File > Send
Setuv … … Settings > Rendering > Assign Materials
Setvar Set Set …
Shade Render View Filled Rend V F Settings > Rendering > Define Materials
shademode Render View Rend V Settings > Rendering > View Attributes
shape Place Symbol Pl Sy …
sheetset … … …
sheetsethide … … …
Shell or Sh ! ! …
showmat … … …
showurls Show Engineering Links … …
shp2blk … … …
sigvalidate … … …
Sketch Place Lstring Stream Pl Ls St …
slice … … …
Snap Lock Grid … …
soldraw Export Hidden Lines … File > Export > Hidden Lines
solid Place Solid … …
solidedit Modify Solid … …
solprof … … …
solview Render View Ren V Utilities > Render > Hidden Line

spacetrans … … …
spell Spell Checker … …
Sphere Place Sphere Pl Sp …
Spline Place Bspline Pl Bs …
Splinedit Modify Bspline Curve Mod B C …
ssx … … …
standards Standards Checker … Utilities > Standards Checker
stats … … …
status … … …
Stretch Fence Stretch F St …
Style or Ddstyle Active Font FT=Font# Element > Text
stylesmanager Line Style Editor … Element > Line Styles > Edit, Custom
subtract Construct Difference … …
superhatch … … …
sysvdlg … … …
syswindows Window Tile wT Window > Tile, Arrange
T Table … … …
tabledit … … …
tablexport … … …
tablestyle … … …
Tablet Digitizer Setup … …
tabsurf Extrude along Path … …
taskbar … … …
tbconfig … … …
tcase … … …
tcircle … … …
tcount Increment Text Incr T …
Text Place Text Pl Tex …
textfit Place Text Fitted Pl Tex F Tool Settings: Fitted
textmask Text Style Background … Element > Text Styles
textscr Message Center … Status Bar
texttofront … … …
textunmask Text Style Background … Element > Text Styles
tframes … …
tiffin Import Image … File > Import > Image
tifout Save Image … Utilities > Image
time … … …
tinsert … … …
tjust … … …
today … … …
Tolerance Mdl L Geomtol … …
Toolbar Tool Boxes … Tools > Tool Boxes or Ctrl + T
toolbox Toolbar, Toolframes … …
toolpalettes … … …
toolpalettesclose … … …
torient … … …
Torus Place Torus Pl To …
trace … … …
transparency … … …

traysettings … … …
treestat … … …
Trim Trim, Intellitrim Tri …
tscale … … …
tutclear … … …
tutdemo … … …
text2mtext … … …
txtexp Drop Text Dro …
U U Undo Undo E Ctrl + Z
Ucs Dialog Coordsys Di Coo SX=AscName, RX=AcsName, PX=Acs-
Name, Save Acs, Attach Acs, Delete Acs
Ucsicon Set Acsdisplay On/Off/ … Ctrl + B
Toggle
Undefine … … Workspace > Configuration
ucsman Define ACS …
undefine … …
Undo Undo Undo Ctrl + Z
union Construct Union … …
Units Dialog Units Di U ...
updatefield … … …
updatethumbsnow … … …
V vbaide … … …
vbaload VBA Load … Utilities > Macro > Project Manager
vbaman … … Utilities > Macro > Project Manager
vbarun VBA Run … Utilities > Macro > Project Manager
vbastmt … … Utilities > Macro > Project Manager
vbaunload VBA Unload … Utilities > Macro > Project Manager
View Dialog Namedviews … SV=, VI=, DV=
viewplotdetails … … …
viewres … … …
vlide … … …
vpclip Clip Reference Ref C File > Reference
vplayer … … …
vpmax … … …
vpmin … … …
Vpoint Rotate View Rot V RV=
vports … … …
vpscale … … …
vpsync … … …
Vslide … … Utilities > Image > Animation
vtoptions … …
W Wblock File Fence … FF=
Wedge (Acis) Place Wedge Pl W …
whohas … … …
wipeout … … …
wmfin Import Image … File > Import > Image
wmfout Save Image … Utilities > Image
wmfopts … … …
workspace Customize … Workspace > Customize

wssave … … …
wssettings … … …
X Xattach Reference Attach Ref At RF=Filename
Xbind Reference Detach Ref D …
Xclip Reference Clip Boundary Ref C B …
xdata … … …
xdlist … … …
xline … … …
xlist … … …
xopen Reference Exchange … File > Reference
Xplode Drop Element Dro Tool Settings: Controls
Xref Dialog Reference … File > Reference
xrefclip Clip Reference … File > Reference
Z Zoom or Rtzoom Zoom Z F11
? ? ? Or $ … …
3 3D … … …
3darray … … …
3dclip Clip volume … …
3dconfig … … …
3dcorbit Rotate View Rot V …
3ddistance … … …
3ddwfpublish … … …
3dface Create Planar Surface … …
3dmesh … … …
3dorbit Rotate View Rot V …
3dorbitctr … … …
3dpan … … …
3dpantransparent … … …
3dpoly Smartline Pl Sm …
3drender Render View Rend V Utilities > Render
3dsin … … …
3dsout … … …
3dswivel … … …
3dzoom … … …
3dzoomtransparent … … …

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1: Surviving the Interface

The objective of this chapter is to overcome those AutoCAD interface habits

The first difference is the appearance of the MicroStation Manager dialog.

A workspace is a custom environment that configures MicroStation to a

The following workspace components are available from the MicroStation

Main Tool Frame

In Exercise 1-1, following, you have the opportunity to practice working

EXERCISE 1-1: USING TOOLBAR TEAR-AWAYS TO CUSTOMIZE THE

Zooming and Panning

The command line in MicroStation is not dis-

Select Help > Key-in Browser to open the dialog

The key-in to place a line in MicroStation is

Refer to the “AutoCAD Key-in Commands” sec-

In Exercise 1-2, following, you have the opportu-

AutoCAD Key-in Commands

It is common practice for an AutoCAD user to key in commands instead of

Select Workspace > Configuration and select the DWG/DXF category.

Select Workspace > Configuration and select the DWG/DXF category.

EXERCISE 1-2: WORKING WITH THE COMMAND LINE

2 To open the Command Line dialog,

3 In the “first” browser column, select the PLACE command.

4 Key in the letters PL and you should notice that MicroStation

Using the Command Line with AutoCAD Key-ins

5 You must exit MicroStation before this modification can be used.

Get a Grip on Handles

EXERCISE 1-3: GETTING A GRIP ON HANDLES

Modify Desk Size

Modify Text Position

8 Select the text element that reads

9 Close the design file HANDLES.DGN.

MicroStation provides double-click editing capability through the use of the

MicroStation V8 allows you to establish a

The following figure shows a comparison between the default MicroStation

One AutoCAD habit that is extremely difficult to

EXERCISE 1-4: ESTABLISHING USER PREFERENCES

3 Select the Input category and activate the

4 Stay in the Input category and set the

6 Select the Operation category and activate

The COMPRESS command, which is similar to the PURGE command in

Unused Anonymous Shared Cells: Removes all unused shared cells in a

UNIQUELY BENTLEY TOOLS

Access to directory history is a unique aspect of the Bentley Windows-like

Select Configuration Variable

Another uniquely Bentley option is Set Configuration Variable option,

Tool Settings Dialog Control

When PopSet is enabled (a green light),

The speed of this automatic disap-

MicroStation commands automatically repeat until the next tool is selected.

A Different Class of Command

There are basically two types of commands performed by MicroStation: pri-

EXERCISE 1-5: USING THE POPSET UTILITY

SmartLine tool Place Block tool

Place Text tool

Activating the PopSet Utility

3 Click on the PopSet Utility

6 Close the design file INTERFACE.DGN.

TAMING THE MOUSE

Insert Wheel_Mouse Settings.tif

Left button: Selects items and is commonly referred to as the