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Volume

MicroStation
Basic 2D Graphics
E&IS TRAINING MATERIALS

Basic 2D MicroStation

Kellogg Brown & Root


601 Jefferson Ave., Houston, TX 77002
Phone 713-753-2000 • Fax 713-753-5353
1
Chapter

Table of Contents
MicroStation Basics__________________________________________ 1
NT Overview ___________________________________________________ 1
Logging On: Project Explorer & MicroStation SE _______________________ 1
MicroStation SE Graphics Environment ______________________________ 4
Cursor/Mouse Button Definitions ____________________________________ 4
Moveable/Resizeable Views _______________________________________ 4
Status Bar Overview _____________________________________________ 4
MicroStation Screen Menus _______________________________________ 4
Views and View Scale Manipulations ________________________________ 4
VIEWS ___________________________________________________________ 4
VIEW MANIPULATION ______________________________________________ 5
Element Attributes _______________________________________________ 5
Grids _________________________________________________________ 5
Basic Element Placement Commands _______________________________ 5
Basic Element Manipulation Commands ______________________________ 5
Undo/Redo ____________________________________________________ 5
Saving and Exiting the Design File __________________________________ 6
Exiting MicroStation / Logging Off ___________________________________ 6
DAY ONE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS_________________________________ 7
DAY ONE - LAB EXERCISE _______________________________________ 8

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

MicroStation Basics

NT Overview

MicroStation SE runs on the NT4.0 platform. Refer to the NT Users Handout for information
specific to the NT operating system.
To access MicroStation SE at Project Explorer, we have developed an environment which will
automatically connect you to the desired project. This is known as the Project Explorer and
MicroStation environments, discussed in the next section.

Logging On: Project Explorer & MicroStation SE

1. Double Click on the Project Explorer icon in the PROJECT EXPLORER Program
Group. This will execute the login script to mount the required project and standards
directories.

2. The Project Explorer screen will display the project list. By selecting Options-->Tree
View you can choose whether to display the project list by Project Name or by Project
Number. Once selected, this should remain the default.

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

1. Use the slider bar to the right of the screen to locate your project number or name.
Double-clicking on the Project number or name will display a list of available
technology codes. For class purposes, use JOB NUMBER: 8d200503,
TECHNOLOGY CODE: 2DTRN.

2. Locate the technology code and select it by clicking on it. Select Connect to connect
to that project directory. The drive letter will be displayed in the status bar along with
the path. Make a note of the path for future reference. If the user has selected
“minimize on use” from the options pull down, the dialog box will shrink to a small “key”
icon indicating that Project Explorer is running.
3. Project Explorer will display an information box identifying the project you are
connected to. Select OK.
4. Double-click the KBR Ustation icon from the KBR Ustation program group to
execute MicroStation SE. This will bring up the KBR Ustation Work Space dialog box.
5. Select your technology Work space, (workspaces for MicroStation SE will be
designated with a SE suffix), using the down arrow and scroll bar. Click on the Accept
button.

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

1. MicroStation SE will start up with a MicroStation Manager Dialog box (step 9). On this
form, select the technology Work Space. The project directory and technology code
path should display automatically.
2. The list of design files based on the default file extension shown under List of File
Types will appear. Select the desired design file. A double click selects the file and
activates MicroStation SE immediately. A single click identifies the file and lets you
continue making selections on the form. To activate MicroStation, select the OK
button.

3. MicroStation will use the “Default User Interface” which is the MicroStation SE Power -
Draft interface.

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

MicroStation SE Graphics Environment

Create a new file for use in an exercise to follow along in class:


1. File --> Copy
2. Copy VIEW.DGN to "your initials".DGN
3. Use the file just copied to follow along with the lecture.

Cursor/Mouse Button Definitions

Data
Reset
Tentative

Moveable/Resizeable Windows

Use Data Button to Move or Re-size by Title Bar or Frame Edge


Directional Arrows - (Up/Down, Left/Right, Quad, Diagonal)

Status Bar Overview

Command Name, Command prompt


Snaps
Locks
Levels

MicroStation Screen Menus

Use Data Button to Pick


Pull Up/Down - Located on the Menu Bar
Tool Frame - Called from Pull Down Menus
Tool Box

Views

VIEWS
8 Views Maximum
Turning Views On/Off
Dual Screen Preference

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

VIEW MANIPULATION
Refresh View
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Window Area
Reset Button on cursor - Exit's view command
FIT
Rotate
Pan
Previous, Next

Element Attributes

Color
Style
Weight

Grids

Grid Lock
Unit Lock - usually set at half the distance of Grid
Turn grids on and off

Basic Element Placement Commands

Lines and Line Strings


Circles, Arcs, and Partial Ellipse
Shapes

Basic Element Manipulation Commands

Delete element

Undo/Redo

Negates the last drawing operation. The tool used to perform the operation is shown (for
example, Undo place line). You cannot undo settings changes.
After you undo a drawing operation, the operation previous to the negated operation can be
undone. You can, therefore, undo a series of previous operations by repeatedly choosing
Undo. The size of the Undo Buffer determines how many operations can be negated.
Note: To negate the last undo operation, choose Redo from the Edit menu.

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

Saving and Exiting the Design File

Save Settings (<CTRL><F>)


File -> Close

Exiting MicroStation / Logging Off

Select EXIT from the FILE pulldown menu


Select the EXIT button from the PROJECT EXPLORER workspace form.
Double click the Project Explorer icon (key) to expand it.
Select FILE --> Exit.
NOTE: Make sure you do not have the project drive open in Explore!

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

DAY ONE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. Describe two of the three buttons on the mouse.

2. What does the FIT command do?

3. Where can you find the Window Area command?

4. What function does "Save Settings" perform?

5. Under which option on the menu bar are the View Open/Close options found?

6. Which command do you select to exit graphics and return to the Explore Dialog box?

7. Which command do you select to completely log out of MicroStation?

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D E S I G N F I L E B A S I C S

DAY ONE - LAB EXERCISE

1. Log in to the NT workstation using your USERNAME & PASSWORD.


2. Select the PROJECT EXPLORER icon and enter the following accounting information:
Job # - 8D200503
Tech Code - 2DTRN.
3. Create a design file using the prefix PID and your initials. (Example: William R.
Wentzell would use PIDWRW.DGN.) Create the new file by copying the seed.dgn file
in your project directory:
File --> Copy
Copy SEED.DGN to "PIDyour initials".DGN
4. Make sure that both the Grid dots and the Grid crosses are visible in your view.
5. Using the element placement commands you learned in class, complete the drawing in
FIGURE 1.1. All elements should be on the grid as shown in the diagram.
6. When you have completed FIGURE 1.1, FIT VIEW to display all active elements.
7. After the instructor has checked your work, do a SAVE SETTINGS.
8. Exit the design file.
9. EXIT PROJECT EXPLORER completely.

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2
Chapter

Table of Contents
Element Manipulations ______________________________________ 1
Tool Settings Dialog Box __________________________________________ 1
Utilities - -> Keyin________________________________________________ 1
Element Identification ____________________________________________ 1
Manipulate Element Palette________________________________________ 1
Modify Element Palette ___________________________________________ 2
Change Element Palette __________________________________________ 2
Level Concepts & Commands ______________________________________ 2
Change Element Level _________________________________________ 3
DAY TWO - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ________________________________ 4
DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 1 _________________________________ 5
DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 2 _________________________________ 6

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

Element Manipulations

Tool Settings Dialog Box


Controls for adjusting tool settings are displayed in the Tool Settings window. For example, if
the Place Block tool is selected, the Method, Area, Fill Type, and Fill Color controls are
displayed in the window. If closed, the window opens automatically when a tool with settings
is selected.
The Tool Settings window displays settings specific to the selected tool. Not all settings are
specific to particular tools.
Note: When the Tool Settings window is closed, you cannot see the tool settings for the
selected tool. The settings still affect the behavior of the tool.

Utilities - -> Keyin


Opens the Key-in window, which is used to browse, construct, and enter key-ins. If the key-ins
of a single application (MicroStation or selected MDL) are displayed, the title bar identifies the
application.
The window is dockable and can be resized so only the key-in field is visible.
Before you enter key-ins, the Key-in window must have the input focus. When the Key-in
window has the input focus, the blinking text cursor appears in the key-in area and the title bar
is highlighted.
Element Identification
Set Hilite (color)
1 Data Point to Identify an Element
Element will highlight
1 Data Point to accept, or Reset to Reject

Manipulate Element Palette


To manipulate an element:
1. Select the manipulation tool.
2. Identify the element.
3. Enter a data point to position the results.

Copy Element Mirror Element ORIG/COPY


Move Element Mirror Element ORIG/COPY
Rotate Element ORIG/COPY
Scale Element ORIG/COPY

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

Modify Element Palette


Modify Element
Partial Delete Element
Extend Line by Distance
Extend Line by Key-in
Extend Two Lines to Intersection
Extend Line to Intersection

Change Element Palette


Change Weight
Change Color
Change Style
Change Symbology
Change Element to Active Fill Type
Filled Elements
Match Element Attribute

Level Concepts & Commands


Each element in a design is on one of 63 levels, which are numbered 1 through 63 and can
also be given names.
The level on which new elements are placed with most tools is the Active Level. The Active
Level is the same level in all views, and elements residing upon it are always displayed in all
views. The level number to which the Active Level is set is shown in the Primary tool bar; the
level name (if any) to which the Active Level is set is shown in the status bar.
To set the active Level, select the “Level” button on the status bar. In the dialog box, double
click the desired level to make it active.
To manipulate the levels displayed, select Settings -> Level -> Display from the menu bar.

View Number: Sets the view for which the level map is indicated.

View Levels: Sets the level map for the chosen view.
Elements on levels shown in black are displayed in the view.
The circle indicates the Active Level.

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

TO: DO THIS
Toggle the display of elements on a level Click the level.
Set many levels at once Drag through the level map.
Set a rectangular block of levels Press <Shift> while dragging.
Set the active level Double-click the desired level.

Using the one of these alternate key-ins can be faster than using the controls in the View
Levels settings box.
To Display levels: ON=<level_list>
To Hide levels: OF=<level_list>

TO LIST: EXAMPLES:
Levels by number SET LEVELS ON 2,4,7,9
Range(s) of levels, indicated by hyphen (-) SET LEVELS ON 2-4
SET LEVELS ON 2-4,9-15

After either key-in, you must select the view(s).


Note: Elements on the Active Level are displayed in all views

Change Element Level


To change an element’s attributes, e.g. Level:
1. Select or fence the element(s).
2. Select the Change Element Attributes tool.
3. Turn on the attributes you wish to change in the Tool Settings Dialog Box.
4. Accept the change.

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

DAY TWO - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. How many levels does a MicroStation design file have?

2. How many levels can be DISPLAYED simultaneously?

3. How many levels can be ACTIVE simultaneously?

4. How do you change the ACTIVE LEVEL assignment?

5. How do you set the active color to red?

6. How many views does a MicroStation design file have?

7. Can each view have different levels turned ON or OFF?

8. Name at least one EXTEND LINE command and describe how to use it:

9. How are the current parameters (view, levels, etc. ) saved?

10. Which command do you select to exit graphics and return to the MicroStation Manager
Dialog box?

11. Which command do you select to completely log out of MicroStation?

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 1


The purpose of this lab is to familiarize the user with Element Symbology, how to change the
symbology of existing elements and how to place elements with the desired symbology. The
user will also practice View Scale manipulations.
1. Log in to the NT workstation using your USERNAME & PASSWORD.
2. Select the MWKSHELL icon and enter the following accounting information:
Job # - 8D200503
Tech Code - 2DTRN.
3. Text on the lab sheets is strictly informational.
DO NOT PLACE TEXT ON YOUR LAB WORK.
4. Log on to the system and access the drawing created during DAY 1 - LAB
EXERCISE.
DO NOT CREATE ANOTHER DRAWING.
NOTE: If the drawing does not display on the screen in the same way as when it
was last exited, it’s because the SAVE SETTINGS command was not executed.
5. Do a FIT on view 1.
6. Update the drawing using the following parameters (FIGURE 2.1). Use the CHANGE
SYMBOLOGY command to change the WEIGHT, COLOR, and STYLE.

ITEM ID LEVEL WEIGHT STYLE COLOR


Main Process Line M 1 6 0 yellow
Secondary Process Lines S 1 2 0 yellow
Drum 5 4 0 red
Level Gauge LG 2 0 0 green
Bridle B 2 0 0 green
Level Transmitter LT 2 0 0 green
Temperature Indicator Tl 2 0 0 green
Analyzer Element AE 2 0 0 green
Sample Draw SD 5 0 0 red
Electrical Signal Lines E 2 0 2 green
Light Regulator LR 2 0 2 green

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E L E M E N T M A N I P U L A T I O N

DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 2

1. Complete the attached drawing (FIGURE 2.2) as closely as possible, setting the
parameters shown below prior to placing the elements. Create a continuation arrow
like the one labeled PCD (do not place text).

ITEMS ID LEVEL WEIGHT STYLE COLOR


Level Indicating Cont. LIC 2 0 0 green
P&ID Connector Box PCD 1 2 0 white
Electrical Signal Lines E 2 0 2 green

2. To become familiar with view manipulations, do the following exercises. Turn on


views 2, 3 and 4.
Display the LG element in view 3.
Display the DRUM in view 1.
Display a part of your drawing as shown in view 4.
Zoom out in view 2 as far as possible. (Maximum Window Limit).
The finished result should resemble FIGURE 2.3.
3. Save the current parameters using the Save Settings command.
4. Exit the design file.
5. Exit KBR MicroStation completely.

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3
Chapter

Table of Contents
Group Manipulations _________________ 1
Element Selection Sets______________________ 1
Fence Placement and Removal _______________ 1
Fence Mode ______________________________ 1
Fence Contents Manipulation _________________ 2
Additional Element Manipulation Tools__________ 2
DAY THREE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS _________ 3
DAY THREE - LAB EXERCISE _______________ 4

Element Selection Sets________________ 5

REFERENCE SHEET ____________________ 5

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G R O U P M A N I P U L A T I O N S

Group Manipulations

Element Selection Sets


ELEMENT SELECTION TOOL - See reference sheet for additional information.
"Handles" Select All
Single Click Select None
Click and Drag Select by Attributes
<Click> <Shift>and Drag
Drop Set
Drop Elements
Copy - Move – Delete

Fence Placement and Removal


Place Fence Block
Place Fence Shape Note: One Fence at a time!

Fence Mode
The Fence (Selection) Mode determines the fence contents -- whether the elements (or parts of
elements) inside, outside, or overlapping the fence are "contained" by the fence.
Inside Manipulates only those elements completely inside the fence.
Overlap Manipulate only those elements inside or overlapping the
fence.
Clip Manipulate only elements completely inside the fence.
Elements overlapping the fence will be clipped at the fence
boundary.
Void Manipulate only those elements completely outside the fence.
Void-Overlap Manipulate those elements outside or overlapping the fence
Void-Clip Manipulate only elements completely outside the fence.
Elements overlapping the fence will be clipped at the fence
boundary.

Note: It is not necessary to place the fence in order to set the Fence Selection Mode.
Conversely, once the fence is placed, you can adjust the Fence Selection Mode to change the
fence contents without moving or replacing the fence.

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G R O U P M A N I P U L A T I O N S

Fence Contents Manipulation


Delete Fence Contents
Copy Fence Contents
Move Fence Contents
Change Symbology Fence Contents

Additional Element Manipulation Tools


Copy Parallel Distance
Copy Parallel Key-in
Move Parallel Distance
Move Parallel Key-in

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G R O U P M A N I P U L A T I O N S

DAY THREE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. What option on the MAIN PALETTE allows you to create an Element Selection Set?

2. How do you drop elements from a selection set?

3. Describe three types Modes associated with using a fence.

4. How is an active Fence shape removed?

5. Can more than one Fence be active simultaneously?

6. Can a Fence be used more than once?

7. Which palette contains the Copy Parallel command?

8. Which Fence Mode will copy all elements touching the fence if COPY FENCE CONTENTS
is selected?

9. Which fence mode would be useful to clean up the area outside of the drawing border?

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G R O U P M A N I P U L A T I O N S

DAY THREE - LAB EXERCISE


The user will learn the use of ELEMENT SELECTION SETS and FENCES to modify and copy
groups of elements in this lab.

1. Text on the lab sheets is strictly informational.


DO NOT PLACE TEXT IN YOUR LAB WORK.
2. Log on to the system and access the drawing worked on during DAY 2 - LAB
EXERCISE.
3. Make the following additions to the drawing (FIGURE 3.1). Use the Extend Line
command and as many "Selection Set" or Fence operations as possible to
manipulate groups of elements.
4. Use these parameters:

ITEM ID LEVEL WEIGHT STYLE COLOR

Secondary Process Lines S 1 2 0 Yellow

Pump P 5 2 0 Red

Pressure Indicator Tl 2 0 0 Green

Box BOX 1 0 0 White

P&ID Connector Box PCD 1 2 0 White

Exchanger EXCH 5 4 0 Red

5. Your drawing should be the same as Figure 3.2 when complete.


6. When you have finished the drawing. have the instructor check your work.
7. Exit KBR MicroStation completely.
8. Log off the system.

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G R O U P M A N I P U L A T I O N S

Element Selection Sets


R E F E R E N C E S H E E T

The ability to manipulate groups of elements in a graphics file can be an excellent time
conserving tool. The fence commands are ideal for certain tasks; however, placing a fence in
a congested file can be very frustrating and confusing. There are numerous group
manipulation tools which can be substituted for fence commands. The most useful tool which
can enhance your productivity are Element Selection Sets.
The Element Selection Tool is designed to help users modify and manipulate elements
(individually or in groups) “on the fly”. It can be used in place of creating, placing and
modifying cells as well as fence manipulations. For selecting, deselecting and dropping
elements, first make sure that the element selection tool is active. The Element Selection
Tool is the Large Arrow located in the upper right corner of the main palette.
Selecting Elements
• Single data point, to select one element.
• Hold the <ctrl> key and data point element(s), to add to a selected set.
• <ctrl><data point> and drag, to include elements into an existing selected set.
• Data point and drag, to use as fence inside command.
• <ctrl>,<shift>,<data point> and drag, to use as fence overlap command.

Deselecting Elements
• Single data point on new element to deselect from previously selected selection set.
• Hold <ctrl> key and data point element(s) to deselect from set.
• Single data point “in space” deselects ALL selected elements.

Manipulate Selected Element(s)


• Modify an existing element by dragging from the handles.
• Use the COPY ELEMENT palette commands.
• Delete selected elements by selecting delete from the menu palette or by using the delete or
backspace key on the keyboard.
• Some commands cause elements to be deselected automatically, such as commands from
the MODIFY palette.

EDIT MENU Features


Select All Places handles on all elements in the file.
Group consolidates selected elements into a group for manipulation
a single entity.
Ungroup releases “group”.
Lock “locks” elements from being manipulated
Unlock “unlocks”

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4
Chapter

Table of Contents
Text Placement __________________________ 1
Text Settings __________________________ 1
Text Placement ________________________ 2
Editing Text ___________________________ 2
Enter Data Fields ______________________ 3
View Attributes ________________________ 3
DAY FOUR - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ______ 5
DAY FOUR - LAB EXERCISE ____________ 6

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T E X T P L A C E M E N T

Text Placement

Text Settings
To set text attributes, select the ELEMENT -> TEXT option from the menu. This will activate
the text settings dialog box. The following text parameters should be set prior to placing text
in the design file. Once these parameters are set, a SAVE SETTINGS (<ctrl><f>) will save
them for future use.

TEXT PARAMETER EQUIVALENT KEYIN


Font FT=(number)
Size TX=height & width
TH=height
TW=width
Line Length LL=(1 through 255)
Line Spacing LS=
Weight WT=
Color CO=
Active Angle AA=(degrees)
Level LV=

Text Justification
Sets the position of text relative to its origin (the position where the data point is
entered) when using the Place Text tool.
Mirror Text
If ON, text is mirrored when using the element or fence Mirror commands.

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T E X T P L A C E M E N T

Text Placement
The tools in the Text tool box are used to place text, modify existing text elements, and fill in
enter data fields. In this class we will cover only the items highlighted in gray the table below.

TO: SELECT IN THE TEXT TOOL BOX:


Place text in the design or fill in empty text Place Text
nodes.
Place a note. Place Note
Edit a text or text node element to Edit Text
replace, add, or delete characters.
Display the attributes of a text or text node Display Attributes of Text Element
element.
Set the active text settings the Match Text Attributes
same as the attributes of a text element.
Change selected text-specific Change Text Attributes
element attributes of a text or tag
element(s).
Place empty text nodes to be filled with text Place Text Node
later.
Copy and increment a text element that Copy and Increment Text
contains numbers.
Copy the contents of one enter data Copy Enter Data Field
field to another.
Copy and increment the contents of an Copy and Increment Enter Data Field
enter data field that contains numbers into
another enter data field.
Fill in or change an enter data Fill In Single Enter Data Field
field.
Fill in all enter data fields in a view. Automatic Fill In Enter Data Fields
Change the justification of an enter data Use the JUSTIFY key-in (see Justify Enter
field. Data Field).

Editing Text
Used to edit text in a text string, text node, or dimension element to replace, add, or delete
characters. Text Justification is preserved if the text is lengthened or shortened.
1. Select the Edit Text tool.
2. Identify the text.
3. Accept the text.
4. The text displays in the Text Editor window.
5. In the Text Editor window, make the desired changes to the text. To start a new
text line while typing in the edit field, press <Return>. See Entering and Editing
Text.
6. Click the Apply button or press <Alt-A> to change the text element. Click the
Reset button to discard the changes.

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T E X T P L A C E M E N T

Enter Data Fields


An enter data field is a one-or-more-character placeholder for future text input. You can insert
empty enter data fields in a text element and fill in the actual text later. The Enter Data Field
character is typically an underscore “_” and is placed in the design file using the Place text
command. Enter data fields are particularly useful for variable text such as line numbers, or
title block information. The Text tool box (see Text Placement section above) has special
tools for copying and filling in enter data fields.

View Attributes
Opens the View Attributes settings box, which is used to set view attributes that affect whether
and how certain types and classes of elements are displayed and whether certain drawing
aids are displayed. Changes take effect only if applied with the Apply or All button.

View Number Sets the view for which attribute settings are displayed.
ACS Triad If on, a coordinate triad representing the Active Auxiliary
Coordinate System (ACS) is displayed.
Background If on, the view background is displayed.
Camera If on, the view camera is on for the view. This control is
disabled (dimmed) if the active design file is 2D.
Constructions If on, construction elements (those with the Class attribute
of Construction) are displayed. In general, construction
elements are placed to assist in drawing but are not actually
part of the design. Note: Constructions typically are turned
off in a view before plotting or rendering.
Dimensions If on, dimension elements are displayed. Turning
Dimensions off can decrease view update time.
Dynamics If on, elements are dynamically updated as they are
displayed or modified, letting you see an element or
modification before it is actually placed in the design.
(Enter) Data Fields If on, Enter data fields are displayed.
Fast Cells If on, cells are displayed as outlines. Turning Fast Cells on
can decrease view update time.
Fast Curves If on, curve elements display as line strings (with line
segments connecting the vertices). If off, curves are
smooth.
Fast Font If on, all text elements in traditional MicroStation fonts are
displayed in the fast font, and all text elements in industry-
standard fonts are displayed as outlines -- that is, without
fill.
Fast Ref(erence File) If on, reference files are clipped to the largest rectangle that
Clipping encloses the clipping boundaries. Turning on Fast Ref.
Clipping can decrease view update time if the reference file
clipping boundaries in the view are non-rectangular.

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T E X T P L A C E M E N T

Fill If on, solid, closed elements with Fill Type of None or


Opaque and text characters in a filled font display with color
fill.
Grid If on, the grid is displayed. Its uniformly placed dots (grid
points) and crosses (grid references) provide an indication
of distances as a visual aid and a means of facilitating
drawing precision with Grid Lock.
Level Symbology If on, level symbology -- the color, numbered line style, and
line weight associated with each level -- is displayed in the
view, instead of the color, numbered line style, and line
weight of each element.
Line Styles If on, elements are displayed with their custom line style, if
they have one. If off, all elements with custom line styles
are displayed with the standard solid line style (0).
Line Weights If on, elements are displayed with their line weight. If off,
all elements are displayed with a line weight of zero.
Patterns If on, pattern elements are displayed.
Ref(erence File) If on, reference file clipping boundaries, represented by
Boundaries dashed polygons, are displayed .
Tags If on, tags are displayed in the selected view(s).
Text If on, text elements are displayed. Since text elements take
longer to display than most other elements, turning Text off
can decrease view update time.
Text Nodes If on, empty text nodes are displayed as small crosses with
numeric identifiers.
Apply Applies attribute changes to the chosen View. To discard
changes (not apply them), choose a different view from the
View option menu.
All Applies the displayed attributes to all views.

Text Sizes - Scaled Drawings


To calculate text size for scaled drawings, use the following formula:
‘Inverse of the drawing scale’ times ‘desired text size’ = TX (in Master Units)
Ex: 1/8” - 1 scaled drawing: 1” text, (8/1 x 1/1) = 8, TX=8
½” text, (8/1 x ½) = 4, TX=4
¼” text, (8/1 x ¼) = 2, TX=2
1/8” text, (8/1 x 1/8) = 1, TX=1

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DAY FOUR - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. What is KBR’s standard text Font?

2. Which of the following parameters affect text at the time of placing it?
Active Weight ____
Active Color ____
Active Scale ____
Active Angle ____
Active Level ____

3. The PLACE TEXT command is used to place Text Strings, Paragraphs and Enter Data Fields
(True or False)? _________________________

4. Which dialog box contains the setting to turn off the display of Enter Data Fields?

5. What purpose does the TEXT JUSTIFICATION serve?

6. After identifying and editing text, what must be done for the change to take affect?

7. What command will allow you to select a different text font?

8. If the drawing scale is 1/8”=1’ and you want the text to be plotted at 3/32”, what should the
text size be?

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DAY FOUR - LAB EXERCISE


The purpose of this lab is to familiarize the user with the parameters that affect Text. The user
will become familiar with Text placement, Data Field placement, filling in Enter Data Fields
and Text Editing.

1. Log on to the system, and access the PID file.


2. Place text on the drawing as shown in FIGURE 4.1. Use the following parameters
for the text strings:

Text Size Level Color Weight Font Justification

1 Char Text 1/8" 9 0 1 11 Lower Left

All Other 1/8" 9 0 1 11 Bottom Center

3. Place Enter Data Fields in the drawing using the following specifications. Fill them in
as shown in FIGURE 4.2.

Text Size Level Color Weight Font Field Length

PCD 1/8" 1 0 0 11 10 Characters

Box 1/8" 1 0 0 11 10 Characters

Drum 3/16" 5 3 1 11 6 Characters

Exchanger 3/16" 5 3 1 11 6 Characters

4. Turn the Enter Data Field Display OFF in view 1.


5. Save Settings (<ctrl><f>)
6. When you have finished the drawing, have the instructor check your work.
7. Complete all unfinished lab exercises, if any, at this time.
8. Exit the design file.
9. Exit completely out of MicroStation SE.

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5
Chapter

Table of Contents
Precision Drawing____________________ 1

Snap Locks ___________________________ 1

Working Units _________________________ 1


How working units are expressed ____________ 2
KBR’s Standard Working Units ______________ 2
Grid Settings ____________________________ 2

Precision Input Keyins __________________ 3

Measure Commands ____________________ 3

Automatic Dimensioning ________________ 3


Dimension Settings _______________________ 4
Dimension Element _______________________ 4
Dimension Size with Arrows_________________ 4

DAY FIVE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ________ 6

DAY FIVE - LAB EXERCISE ______________ 7


PRACTICE EXERCISEError! Bookmark not defined.
SCALED DRAWING EXERCISE ______________ 7

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Precision Drawing

Snap Locks
Snap locks are controls that are used to determine how tentative points snap to elements. If
on, tentative points are forced to snap to nearby elements. Snaps allow the user to be more
accurate when placing elements associated with each other.

SNAP MODE: TENTATIVE POINTS SNAP TO:


Nearest The closest points on elements.
Keypoint Pre-defined keypoints on elements.
Midpoint The midpoints of elements and segments of elements.
Center The centers and centroids of elements.
Origin The origins of cells.
Bisector The midpoints of entire elements.
Snap Mode: Constrain an Element To:

A “tentative point” used with one of the above, must be accepted with a data point. If you use
a tentative to snap, you will see the cursor change to a large highlighted cursor. If the point
selected is not the one you want, simply move the mouse and select the “tentative point”
again.
For more information about Snap Modes, see Snaps -> Button Bar.

Working Units
Although MicroStation "thinks" in positional units, it lets you draw in "real world" units like feet
and inches, or meters and centimeters. These real world units are called working units.
Working units are expressed as master units (the largest units in common use in a design)
and fractional sub-units.
The number of positional units per sub-unit is called the working resolution.

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How working units are expressed


Distances in design files are sometimes expressed in the form of three numbers separated by
colons "MU:SU:PU." (Distances are always keyed in this way.) For example, "3:4:100" means
three master units (MU), four sub-units (SU), and 100 positional units (PU). The table has
examples of distances expressed in this form.

Examples:
WORKING UNITS MU:SU:PU DISTANCE
Feet / inches / thousandths 120:10: (or 120:10) 120 feet, 10 inches
Miles / feet / inches 350::6 350 miles, 6 inches
Millimeters / thousandths :500: (or :500) One half millimeter
Yards / feet / inches :12:8 12 feet, 8 inches
Yards / feet / inches ::11 11 inches

KBR’s Standard Working Units


DRAWING TYPE MASTER UNIT (MU) SUB-UNITS (SU) POSITIONAL UNITS (PU)
Scaled English 1 FT 12 IN 2032
Non-Scaled English 1 IN 16 TH 192000
Scaled Metric 1M 1000 mm 80

Grid Settings
Grids are tools used for quickly laying out drawings. They are most useful for non-scaled
drawings, e.g. Flow Sheets. Cross hairs typically represent a master unit, the dots between
the cross hairs are sub-units.
Turning on the Grid Lock forces each data point to lie on the grid cross hair or dot. If both the
GRID LOCK and UNIT LOCK are on, the Grid Lock will normally override the unit lock.
Grid Lock is not normally used when working with scaled drawings.

Grid Master is the distance between the individual dots in the grid. This is typically set by
entering GU=[mu:su:pu]. It can also be set via the Grid dialog box (Settings -> Design File
-> Grid). For the labs up to this point, your grid units have been set at 1/8 of an inch. To set
this, the key in is GR=8, GU=:2. This means there are 8 divisions between each set of cross
hairs and 2/16” between each dot.

Grid Reference sets the distance between grid references (the cross hairs) expressed as a
multiple of Master/Grid. This can be keyed in as: GR=[units] or set on the Grid dialog box
(Settings -> Design File -> Grid).

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Precision Input Keyins


Precision input is a method of entering data points with the keyboard. Keyins are entered at
the keyin window (select UTILITIES -> Key-in if it is not already open). Note: Keyins are
used “in place of” data points. Using this method, you can specify the exact location of a data
point by specifying any of the following:

XY= absolute X, absolute Y Places a Data Point at specified design


plane coordinates.
DI= distance, direction (angle) Places a Data Point at the specified
distance and direction, relative to the X-
axis from the last Data Point or
Tentative Point.
DX= delta X distance, delta Y distance Places a Data Point along the horizontal
and vertical distances along the view
axes, from the most recently entered
tentative point or data point.

Measure Commands
Used to measure distance, the measure commands can perform multiple functions. The chart
below describes some of the more commonly used measure commands. Items highlighted in
gray will be covered in class.

DISTANCE: TO MEASURE:
Between Points Cumulative distance from an origin.
Along Element Along an element [a] from an origin.
Perpendicular Perpendicular distance between an element [a] and a data point.
Minimum Between Minimum distance between two elements. [a]
Measure Radius The radius of a circle or circular arc.
The primary and secondary axes of an ellipse or arc.

[a] Line, line string, multi-line, arc, ellipse, shape, curve, B-spline curve, complex chain, or complex shape.

Automatic Dimensioning
A dimension is a label in a design showing a linear, angular, or radial measurement.
MicroStation has many dimensioning tools which can be customized for individual drawing
types. In this class, we will simply be reviewing the dimension settings and using the
Dimension Element tool for quickly dimensioning a detail.

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Dimension Settings
As they work, designers and drafters in particular disciplines usually only need to change a
few settings relating to dimensions. However, each discipline seems to frequently use a
different group of settings.
MicroStation's dimensioning tools are flexible enough to accommodate users in all disciplines,
so the number of dimension settings available can seem daunting at first. However, once you
are familiar with their organization, finding the correct setting is no problem.
To open Dimension Settings, select Element -> Dimensions. Dimension settings are divided
into the following categories in the Dimension Settings box:

CATEGORY: CONSISTS OF SETTINGS WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO:


Custom Symbols Include custom symbols in dimension text.
Dimension Lines Determine the characteristics of dimension lines.
Extension Lines Determine the characteristics of extension lines.
Placement Affect the dimension Alignment, dimension text Location, and the
placement of dimensions in general.
Terminators Determine the characteristics of terminators.
Terminator Symbols Use custom terminators in dimensions.
Text Determine the characteristics of dimension text.
Tolerance Control the generation of toleranced dimensions.
Tool Settings Affect how a particular dimensioning tool operates.
Units Define the units of measurement in dimensions.
Unit Format Affect the unit display format in dimension text.

Dimension Element
To dimension an element:
1. Select the Dimension Element tool.
2. Identify the element.
The name of a dimensioning tool that can be used on the element displays in the
status bar.
3. If you desire a different tool, click the Next button (or press <Return>) to display the
name of a different tool, until the name of the desired tool displays.

Dimension Size with Arrows


Used to dimension the linear distance between two points (length). Each dimension (except
the first) is computed from the endpoint of the previous dimension. Dimensions are placed in
line (chained).

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To dimension the distance between two points:


1. Select the Dimension Size with Arrow tool.
2. Enter a data point to define the origin.
3. Enter a second data point to define the length of the extension line (the offset
distance from the origin to the dimension line).
4. Enter a data point to define the endpoint of the dimension.
5. If Location is set to Manual, or if it is set to Semi-Automatic and the text does not fit,
enter a data point to position the dimension text.
6. (Optional) Press <Return> to edit the dimension text.
The Dimension Text dialog box opens if it is not already open, letting you edit the
dimension text.
7. Go back to step 4 to define another dimension endpoint.
or
8. Reset to place the dimension in the design.

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DAY FIVE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. A Working Unit is made up of what three parts?

2. How can the Working Units of a drawing be checked?

3. List three Precision Placement key-ins and describe their usage:

4. How can the absolute coordinates of an element be determined?

5. How do you measure the diameter of a circle?

6. What are KBR’s standard Working Units for Non-Scaled English drawings?

7. What are KBR’s standard Working Units for Scaled English drawings?

8. What are KBR’s standard Working Units for Metric drawings?

9. Under which menu item is the DIMENSION Palette found?

10. Name and describe one DIMENSION command.

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DAY FIVE - LAB EXERCISE


In this lab, the user will learn how to review the drawing working units and practice using
precision input key-ins while creating a full scale drawing. A simple dimensioning exercise is
included to teach the user how to access the dimensioning commands.

1. Log on to the system and COPY SEEDSCL.dgn to a new design file using prefix
SCALE and your initials (e.g., SCALEWRW.DGN).

2. Access this design file and check to see if the Working Units are set to KBR's
standard for a scaled drawing. If not, make the necessary changes.

HAVE THE INSTRUCTOR CHECK THE WORKING UNITS BEFORE CONTINUING !

SCALED DRAWING EXERCISE

Do not use GRIDS and GRID/UNIT Locks in this lab. If you see a GRID displayed on the
screen, turn of the display under VIEW ATTRIBUTES and turn off the Grid and/or Unit lock
before beginning.
1. Starting at XY=100,100 for the bottom left corner of the lower left column, create
the drawing as shown in FIGURE 5.1.
2. Use the following symbology:

ITEM LEVEL WEIGHT LINE CODE COLOR

Center Line 1 0 4 0

Column Bubbles 2 0 0 4

Columns (Squares) 3 2 0 2
Misc. Text 10 1 0 4

3. The dimension settings for this design file have already been set. Dimension the
drawing as shown in FIGURE 5.1. Include ONLY the dimensions (the labels for
DETAIL "A" and "100,100" are strictly informational.)
4. Create the detail of the column shown in the lower right hand corner of FIGURE 5.1.
Note: Use a FENCE or an Element Select Set to copy the existing column and
scale it twice. When dimensioning the detail, you will need to manually edit the
dimensions using the edit dimension option.
5. Save the current settings, exit the drawing and log completely out of MicroStation SE.

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6
Chapter

Table of Contents
Precision Drawing - Part II _____________ 1

AccuDraw _____________________________ 1
Activating AccuDraw ______________________ 1
The AccuDraw Compass ___________________ 1
The Origin Point __________________________ 1
The Drawing Plane Indicator ________________ 2
The X/Y Axes ____________________________ 2
Drawing Plane Coordinate Systems __________ 2
AccuDraw's Window and the Input Focus ______ 2

DAY SIX - LAB EXERCISE________________ 4


DRAWING THE PROFILE ___________________ 4
Create a new file _________________________ 4
Place a line as a Construction Element ________ 4
Wrench Profile ___________________________ 5
Drawing the Shank. _______________________ 7
Completing the Wrench.____________________ 7
Complete Wrench Profile ___________________ 8
Creating the Hexagonal Opening_____________ 9
OPTIONAL EXERCISE - MODIFYING THE
WRENCH _______________________________ 10
Creating a Complex Shape. ________________ 10
Placing Hatching into the wrench. ___________ 10

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Precision Drawing - Part II

AccuDraw
AccuDraw is a drafting aid that evaluates such parameters as your current pointer location,
the previously entered data point, the last coordinate directive, the current tool's needs, and
any directive you have entered via either keyboard shortcuts or AccuDraw options. AccuDraw
then generates the appropriate precision coordinates and applies them to the active tool.

Use the HELP utility in MicroStation to explore these other topics under AccuDraw:
A simple example of using AccuDraw
Learning AccuDraw
Activating AccuDraw
AccuDraw compass
AccuDraw drawing plane
The AccuDraw window
AccuDraw' settings box

Activating AccuDraw
By default, when MicroStation is started, AccuDraw is not active. Once AccuDraw is activated,
all drawing tools utilize it for dynamic data input. In the Primary tool bar, select the Start
AccuDraw tool. The AccuDraw window will open.
Normally, the AccuDraw compass does not appear until you enter the first data point after
selecting a tool.

The AccuDraw Compass


The most recognizable feature of AccuDraw is its compass. The compass acts as both a
status indicator and a focus for input from the user. It is only visible when AccuDraw is active
and has control of MicroStation's coordinate input.

The Origin Point


At the center of the compass is the origin point. The origin is the focal point of all AccuDraw
operations. As various AccuDraw options are selected their functions operate from the origin
point.

This last point is important. All AccuDraw directives (distance key-ins, keyboard shortcuts,
etc.) operate in conjunction with the compass. In most cases, the compass is located at the
last entered data point.

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The Drawing Plane Indicator


Surrounding the origin point is the drawing plane indicator. Its primary purpose is to show the
current orientation of AccuDraw's drawing plane and the current coordinate system in effect.
When the plane appears as a dashed rectangle, the rectangular coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is
in effect. When the plane appears as a dashed circle then the polar coordinate system
(Distance, Angle) is active.
When working in a 2D design file the drawing plane portion of the compass functions simply
as an indicator of the current coordinate system.
Hint: You can explicitly locate the origin to the current pointer location or tentative point using
a keyboard shortcut (the <O> key).

The X/Y Axes


The final part of the AccuDraw compass are the two axes. Oriented at right angles to one
another, these axes represent the drawing plane x and y axes.
To differentiate between the two axes each is color coded. By default, the positive or +X axis
is displayed in red while the positive or +Y axis is green in color.
As you will learn later, the X/Y axes and the drawing plane indicators are also used to indicate
the drawing plane's orientation in 3D. Under 2D the compass only shows the rotation of the
drawing plane around the view axis similar to the Active Angle.

Drawing Plane Coordinate Systems


AccuDraw's drawing plane supports two different coordinate systems. This echoes
MicroStation's normal support for rectangular and polar coordinate values:
• Rectangular, for specifying distances along the drawing plane axes. It appears as a
square indicator.
• Polar, for specifying distances and angles relative to the origin. It appears as a circular
indicator.

To switch between Rectangular and Polar coordinate systems:


1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press <space bar>.

AccuDraw's Window and the Input Focus


When AccuDraw is active it becomes part of the input focus order controlled by the <Esc>
key. The focus order toggles between the AccuDraw window and the Tool Settings window
unless the Key-in window is open. In this case, the input focus cycles from the AccuDraw
window through the Tool Settings window to the Key-in window. Pressing <Shift-Esc>
reverses the cycle, moving the focus from the Key-in window through the Tool Settings
window to the AccuDraw window.
This is important to remember as no AccuDraw keyboard shortcuts will work unless
focus is in the AccuDraw window. Fortunately, after every data point or tentative point, the
focus is forced to the AccuDraw window where it will remain until you press the <Esc> key.

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The AccuDraw window initially comes up floating just like any other window. However, it can
be docked to either the top or bottom edge of the MicroStation application window.

Docking the AccuDraw window has the advantage of minimizing its intrusion into the working
area of your drawing. As with the floating window version, the fields found in the docked
version change depending on whether you are in polar or rectangular mode and whether you
are in a 2D or 3D design file.

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DAY SIX - LAB EXERCISE

In this lab you will draw a simple wrench. The tutorial is structured as a series of exercises that
are meant to be performed consecutively. You will learn about:

• Drawing the profile

• Completing the wrench

If you have trouble when going through the lesson, remember the following options:

• Reset, by pressing the reset button. This is most useful when you have trouble using a tool.

• Undo, by choosing the Undo from the Edit menu. This is most useful after you finish using a
tool and realize that you have made a mistake. Remember, MicroStation lets you undo more
than just the last operation.

DRAWING THE PROFILE

Create a new file


1. In MicroStation Manager, from the File menu, choose Copy. Copy wrench.dgn to a
new file (“your initials”w.dgn).
2. Call up the new file you have just created.

Place a line to use as a construction element


1. Set the Active Color to Red.
2. Set the Active Line Style to Dashed.
3. Make sure the Active Line Weight is zero.
4. In the Primary tool bar, select the Start AccuDraw tool.
The window’s fields should be labeled X and Y. If they are not, press the <space bar>
to change them to X and Y.
5. From Settings -> Locks submenu, choose Grid to turn on the Grid Lock.
6. Select the Place Line tool.
7. Enter a data point on one of the Grid cross hairs (your Grid Lock should be on. Look
for the GR abbreviation in the status bar).
AccuDraw’s compass will appear as a dashed square at the location of the data point.
As you move the pointer to the right, both fields in the AccuDraw window update to
show the distance in the X and Y planes from the compass to the current pointer
location.
8. Move the pointer horizontally to the right of the first data point until it highlights.

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This indicates the line currently being placed is now indexed to the X axis. AccuDraw’s Y field will
display a 0 value and AccuDraw’s input focus (for a keyin value) will be on the X field.

9. Key-in a value of 5.
The line is tentatively constrained at 5”.

Figure 1: Constrained line of 5 inches.

10. With X showing 5, and Y showing 0, enter a data point to accept AccuDraw’s value.
11. Reset to finish.

Wrench Profile
The wrench’s profile includes the open end and the shank. When the profile is drawn, it looks
like this:

Figure 2: Wrench Profile

1. Set the active Color to Blue.


2. Set the active Line Style to Solid.
3. Set the active Line Weight to 1.
4. Select the Place SmartLine tool.
5. Snap a tentative point to the left end of the reference centerline and enter a data
point to begin the Profile. If the current tentative point snap mode is not set to
keypoint, then set it by clicking on the snap mode icon in the status bar and selecting
the correct snap mode.
6. Move the pointer up vertically from the AccuDraw’s compass. The line should index
( i.e., a fat highlighted appearance of the line) to the vertical axis.
The input focus will automatically be on the Y data field of the AccuDraw window.

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7. Key-in 0.5.
The dynamic segment will lock to half an inch. Enter a data point to place the segment.

Figure 3: Step 5 showing Tentative point, Step 7 showing vertical line


segment

8. Still in the Place SmartLine tool, go to the Tool Settings window and set the Vertex
Type to Rounded.
9. In the Rounding Radius field, key-in 0.1 and hit a return.
10. Click on the AccuDraw window to return input focus to AccuDraw.
11. Move the pointer to the left of the AccuDraw compass. Keep the line indexed to the
compass’ X axis.
12. Key in 1.0.
Note how AccuDraw locks the horizontal element to 1 unit of length. The rounded arc vertex
automatically displays.

Figure 4: Step 11 showing line indexed to X axis.

13. Enter a data point to place the segment.


14. Return to the Tool Settings window and set the Segment Type to Arcs and Vertex
Type to Sharp.
The AccuDraw drawing plane automatically switches to Polar coordinates.
15. Move the pointer to the right of the compass keeping the arc’s radius line indexed to
the horizontal axis.
AccuDraw displays both the indexed radius indicator line and a dynamic arc.
16. Key-in 0.9 which will appear in the Distance field of the AccuDraw window.
17. Enter a data point to define the center point of the arc.

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As you move the pointer to the right a semi-circular arc is dynamically displayed.
18. Key-in a Tab to switch input focus to the Angle field. Key-in 180°.
If a “circle” appears instead of the arc, move the pointer to the right of the AccuDraw
compass.
19. Enter a data point to place the arc segment.

Drawing the Shank.


1. Switch the drawing place coordinate system back to Rectangular (press <spacebar>).
2. In the Tool Settings window, set Segment Type to Lines.
3. Move the pointer to the right of the compass until the dynamic line is indexed to the X
axis.
4. Enter a data point to place the line segment.

Figure 5: Wrench Shank

5. Enter a data point to place the line segmen


6. Reset to complete the construction of the profile..

Completing the Wrench.


The first portion of the wrench is now complete. To create the other half of the wrench, a
mirrored copy is made from the first half.
1. In the Manipulate Tool box, select the Mirror tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window, set or confirm Mirror About: Horizontal
3. Set Make Copy option to on (has an X in its check box).
4. Enter a data point on the wrench profile (the blue SmartLine created in
previousexercises).

Figure 6: Wrench arc data point 1

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5. As you move the pointer, the mirror image of the wrench profile is dynamically
displayed. The location of the pointer defines the axis that the image is mirrored
about.Snap a tentative point to the reference centerline (the red dashed line).
6. Enter a data point to accept the mirrored copy of the wrench profile

Figure 6: Mirrored wrench halves.

Complete Wrench Profile


1. Select the Place SmartLine tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window set Segment Type to Arcs and Vertex Type to
Sharp.
3. Snap a tentative point to the right end of the upper wrench profile (the horizontal line
segment).
4. Data point to accept the tentative point and begin the arc placement.
5. To establish the center point of the arc, snap a tentative point to the right end of the
reference centerline (the red dashed line).
6. Accept the center location with a data point.

Figure 7: Wrench arc points and finished arc.

If the arc does not appear, move the pointer in a clockwise rotation about the arc’s
centerpoint.
7. Snap a tentative point to the right end of the lower wrench profile.
8. Accept the arc endpoint with a data point.
9. Reset to complete the arc.
10. Close the AccuDraw window.

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Creating the Hexagonal Opening


1. In the Polygons tool box, select the Place Regular Polygon tool.
2. In the Tool Settings Window, set:
Method = Circumscribed
Edges = 6
Radius = 0.5
Area = Solid
Fill Type = None
3. Snap a tentative point to the right end of the reference centerline.

4. Data point to accept the tentative point to place the hexagon.


5. A hexagon is dynamically displayed at the location of the pointer. Enter a Data Point
for the direction to place the hexagon.
6. Reset.
The wrench profile is complete and the reference centerline is no longer needed and can be
deleted.

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OPTIONAL EXERCISE - MODIFYING THE WRENCH

Creating a Complex Shape.


Link the elements into a single complex shape which can then be modified and/or filled with a
pattern.
1. In the Groups tool box, select the Create Complex Shape tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window set:
Method = Automatic
Max Gap = 0.0004
Area = Solid
Fill Type = None
3. Identify the wrench’s upper shank with a data point.
4. Enter subsequent data points to accept each new link in the chain as it is
highlighted.

Figure 8: Creating a single complex element from a chain.

5. When the last data point is entered, the entire outline of the wrench is highlighted.
6. Accept with a data point.

Placing Hatching into the wrench.


1. Set the hatch pattern symbology:
Active Color = Red
Active Line Style = Solid
Active Line Weight = 0
2. In the Patterns tool bar, select the Hatch Area tool.
3. In the Tool Settings window, set hatching options to:
Spacing = 0.125
Angle = 45
Tolerance = 0.0
Associative Pattern = On
Method = Difference

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Difference mode hatching patterns the area between two or more closed shapes, each identified
by data points.

4. Identify the wrench profile with a data point.

Figure 9: Identifying hatching data points.

5. Identify the hexagon at the wrench’s closed end. This data point also accepts the
profile.
6. Accept the hexagon with a data point.
Both the profile and the hexagon will be highlighted.
7. Reset to complete.

Figure 10: Completed the hatching points.

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7
Chapter

Table of Contents
Cells & Symbol Libraries ______________ 1

Cell Libraries __________________________ 1


To Create and Attach a Cell Library___________ 2
To Attach a Previously Existing Cell Library ____ 2

Placing Cells __________________________ 2


To place the Active Cell: ___________________ 2
Cells Tool Box ___________________________ 4
Deleting Cells (CD= ) _____________________ 4

Cell Selector ___________________________ 4

Line Terminators _______________________ 5


To place the Active Line Terminator: __________ 5

Creating a Cell _________________________ 5

Cell Palette Commands__________________ 6

Compress Design ______________________ 6

DAY SEVEN - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ______ 7

DAY SEVEN - LAB EXERCISE ____________ 8

Line Terminator (For reference only)_______ 9


To Place the Terminator____________________ 9

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Cells & Symbol Libraries

Cell Libraries
Cell libraries are indexed files containing cells, which are small drawings -- usually of
frequently-used or complex symbols -- created in MicroStation. Cell libraries cannot be
viewed as a normal design file, they must be viewed using special tools available in the
MicroStation environment. For further information, see the MicroStation help files under the
topics:
• Building a Cell Library
• Using multiple cell libraries

Cells are used for these reasons:


• To save time drawing patterns and repeated details.
• To make it easy to update details throughout a design(s).
• To provide uniformity.

Users can create their own cell libraries, although typically you will be using cell libraries
already created for your project or technology (e.g. CIVIL.CEL). Just as new design files are
based on seed design files, each new cell library is based on a seed cell library.
To place parts of a design in a cell library, you first associate the cell library with the design
file by attaching the cell library to the design file.
Each cell has a cell origin, defined when the cell is created, that can be thought of as the cell's
"handle." When you enter a data point to place the cell, the origin is placed at that point.
In this chapter, you will find procedures concerning using cells, including:

For additional help on working with Cell Libraries, consult the MicroStation Help files on the
following topics:
• Creating and Editing Cells
• Placing Cells
• Cells tool box

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To Create and Attach a Cell Library


1. From the Element menu, choose Cells. The Cell Library settings box opens.
2. From the File menu in the Cell Library settings box, choose New. The Create Cell
Library dialog box opens.
3. (Optional) To select a different seed file for the cell library, click the Select button
and select a seed file in the Select Seed File dialog box.
4. (Optional) To select a different destination disk drive, choose the desired drive from
the Drives option menu.
5. (Optional) To select a different destination directory, use the Directories list box.
6. In the Files field, key in a name for the new cell library.
By convention, cell library files end in the extension ".cel."
7. Click the OK button.

To Attach a Previously Existing Cell Library


1. From the Element menu, choose Cells. The Cell Library settings box opens.
2. From the File menu in the Cell Library settings box, choose Attach. The Attach
Cell Library dialog box opens.
3. Select the name of the cell library in the Files list box.
4. Click the OK button.

Placing Cells

To place the Active Cell:

1. Select the Place Active Cell tool.


2. Enter a data point to position the cell origin.
3. Reset to finish.
or
4. Return to step 2 to place another instance of the cell.

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The ACTIVE CELL (AC=) key-in can be used to make a cell in the attached cell library the
active cell and place it in the design.

1. Key-in: AC= <cell_name>


For example, to set CELL1 as the active cell and place in your design file, key in
AC=CELL1. Move your cursor and you will see the cell attached, allowing you to
drag and drop it in your design file.

Many other parameters can affect cell placement, such as the angle, scale and level. The
table below shows which tool settings affect cell placement and their effect on the cell. Items
highlighted in gray will be covered in this class:

TOOL SETTING: EFFECT:


Active Cell Can be keyed-in here or set in the Cell Library settings box (Element
menu/Cells).
Active Angle Sets the angle by which the cell is rotated, if
Interactive is off.
X Scale Horizontal scale factor (along x-axis) [a]
Y Scale Vertical scale factor (along y-axis) [a]
Z Scale Depth scale factor (along z-axis) [a]
Relative If the active cell is a graphic cell and
Relative is:
On -- lowest level in cell is placed on the Active Level, and higher levels in cell
are placed relative to the Active Level. [c]
Off -- cell is placed on same level(s) as in cell library (the level(s) that
components were on when the cell was created).
Interactive If on, the scale and rotation angle are defined graphically by data points.

[a] Direction in the cell definition. If a scale factor is between 0-1 (for example, 0.25), the size is
decreased. If a scale factor is 1, the size is unchanged from the cell definition. If a scale factor is
greater than 1, the size is increased.
[c] For example, consider a graphic cell that was created with elements on levels 5, 7, and 8. If
Relative is on and the Active Level is 1, the cell is placed on levels 1, 3, and 4. If the Active Level is 45,
the cell is placed on levels 45, 47, and 48.

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Cells Tool Box


The tools in the Cells tool box are used to place and manipulate cells.
TO: SELECT:
Place the active cell. Place Active Cell
Place a matrix (rows and columns) of the active cell. Place Active Cell Matrix
Identify a cell and place an additional instance(s). Select and Place Cell
Define the cell origin (the point about which the cell is placed) Define Cell Origin
when creating the cell.
Display the name and level of a cell that is in the design. Identify Cell
Add a terminator to a line segment. Place Active Line Terminator
Replace a cell(s) (or all instances of a shared cell) in the design Replace Cell
with another of the same name from an attached library.
Hint: To select and place cells by clicking thumbnail representations, use the Cell Selector settings
box (Utilities menu/Cell Selector).

Deleting Cells (CD= )


Until you get familiar with cell libraries, you may find you have to create the same cell several
times to achieve the symbol you want. To recreate a cell, you must first remove the existing
cell with the same name. To do this quickly, use the CD=cellname keyin from the command
line.

Cell Selector
Cell Selector is found under the Utilities -> Cell Selector menu item. This opens the Select
Cell Library to Load dialog box, which is used to select a cell library. The Cell Selector has a
wide variety of options for loading and viewing cell libraries. For purposes of this class, we
simply be viewing our cell library and placing cells. For additional information on Cell
Selector - please consult the MicroStation HELP topics under Cell Selector.

Selecting a cell library opens the Cell Selector settings box, which is used to find and place
cells. Each button is associated with a cell stored in a cell library. In the settings box's default
button configuration, clicking a button has the effect of activating the associated cell and
selecting the Place Active Cell tool.

The Cell Selector settings box is resizable and can be customized with buttons for cells from
different cell libraries. Each button can be set to display either the associated cell or its name.
File -> Load Cell Library... Opens the Select Cell Library to Load dialog box, which is used
to load the buttons. The button configuration and the default button settings are automatically
based on the contents of the cell library selected in the dialog box.
File -> Exit… Closes the Cell Selector settings box.

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Line Terminators
Place Active Line Terminator is used to place the Active Line Terminator cell on a line, line
string, or arc, primarily to place arrowheads. The terminator command will automatically
calculate the angle and end point of a line and place the terminator accordingly.

TOOL SETTING: EFFECT: ALTERNATE KEY-IN:


Terminator Sets Active Line Terminator, which can also LT= <terminator>
be set in the Cell Library or settings box
(Element menu Cells).
Scale Sets Active Line Terminator scale. TS= <scale>

To place the Active Line Terminator:


1. Key in LT=terminator name
2. Identify the element near the endpoint of the element where the terminator is to be
placed.
3. Accept the line terminator. (Note, be sure your cursor is not on the line when
accepting it).

Creating a Cell

1. If you are on an NT workstation, go to step 2. If you are on a CLIX workstation


(numbered IPxx or IXxx), make sure your cell library has been "Checked Out" to
your workstation
2. Attach the cell library using the RC= key: RC=filename.cel. (Where 'filename' is the
name of your cell library). If it is attached correctly it should show that the cell library
path is "rc=filename.cel".
3. Draw element(s) to be included in the cell.
4. Make a selection set of or place a fence around the element(s).
5. Make sure your Fence Lock is either INSIDE or OVERLAP (depending on which you
need).
6. Select the DEFINE ORIGIN command.
7. Data Point the origin (a small “o” will appear at this point).

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8. Enter CC=name,description (where name = 6 character cell name, description =


optional 1-27 A/N characters)

EXAMPLES:

CC=TITLE,TITLE BLOCK
CC=TARGET,TARGET POINT CELL

9. A message will display "CELL ADDED TO LIBRARY”. (if successfully created).


10. Key in AC=name (same name as above) and place the cell to verify it works prior to
deleting the original graphics used to create the cell.
Note: This is extremely important if multiple cell libraries are used on the current
drawing. This will verify the existence of nested cells, and whether they have been
used correctly.

Cell Palette Commands


Identify Existing Cells
Select Cells
Replace Existing Cells

Compress Design
Compresses the active design file, permanently removing deleted elements from the file.

Note: Compressing prevents previous changes from being undone.

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DAY SEVEN - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. What is the key-in to attach a cell library?

2. What is the key-in to place an active cell?

3. Does the Active Angle affect cell creation?

4. Does the Active Angle affect cell placement?

5. On what menu is the command to review the cell library?

6. Does the Active Scale affect cells being placed as Line Terminators?

7. Text may be edited inside of a cell without dropping the cell. (True or False)

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DAY SEVEN - LAB EXERCISE


This lab is designed to teach the user how to create cells and place them in the drawing as
cells and as line terminators.

1. Log on to the system.


2. In the File Manager, copy 2DCLASS.CEL to "your initials".CEL (e.g. KLC .CEL).
3. Access the PID drawing.
4. Attach the cell library to the drawing:
rc=your initials".cel.
5. Create the graphics for FIGURES 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 and make a cell out of each of
them.
DIMENSIONS ARE STRICTLY INFORMATIONAL; DO NOT PLACE THEM ON
THE DRAWING.

The cell origin is illustrated for each figure. Making use of the grid, place the origin at
the center of the line indicated for the two VALVES. For the arrowhead, be sure to
place the origin at the tip of the arrowhead. Use the following specifications:

FIGURE LEVEL WEIGHT COLOR CELLNAME

6.1 1 1 4 OGV

6.2 1 1 4 (FILL) CGV

6.3 2 1 4 (FILL) ARR

6. Place these newly created cells in the drawing as shown in FIGURES 6.4 and 6.5.
Place all ARROWS using the line terminator command. TS=1 for small ones, TS= 2 for
large ones.
7. Place any remaining cells until your drawing is the same as FIGURE 6.5.

NOTE: You may have to search the cell library to find them.
When you have finished, have the instructor check your work.
Complete all unfinished lab exercises, if any, at this time.
Save current settings and log completely out of MicroStation SE.

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Line Terminator (For reference only)

The following is a step by step procedure for creating a cell to be used as a Line Terminator.
It is understood that a cell library is attached prior to beginning.

1. To create a cell as a terminator, use the same steps as in Creating a Cell, with the
following exception:
NOTE: The cell should have a zero degree direction when the graphics are
created.

To Place the Terminator


1. Enter LT=cellname to attach the cell as a terminator.
2. Enter terminator scale TS=# (where '#' is the scale factor. TS=1 by default).
3. Data Point the end of the element to place the terminator on.
4. Data Point to accept or Reset to reject. If accepting, the data point should not be in
the same place as this would place two terminators on the end of the element
identified.

NOTE: The angle of the terminator is dictated by the angle of the identified
element. The terminator will be placed on the end of the line closest to your first data
point.

NOTE: AA= and AS= do not affect placement of Line Terminators.

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8
Chapter

Table of Contents
Reference Files & Plotting _____________ 1

Reference Files ________________________ 1


Attaching Reference Design Files ____________ 1
Identifying Reference Files__________________ 2
Reference Files Settings ___________________ 2

Reference File Manipulations _____________ 3


Reference File Move ______________________ 3
Define Reference File Clipping Boundary ______ 3
Scale Reference File ______________________ 4

View Manipulations _____________________ 4

Plotting / Printing_______________________ 4
KBR PLOT MANAGER ______________________ 5
Submitting Plots with PMGR ________________ 5
PRINT/PLOT - LASER PRINTS _______________ 6

DAY EIGHT - WRITTEN QUESTIONS _______ 7

DAY SEVEN - LAB EXERCISE ____________ 8

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Reference Files & Plotting

Reference Files
Reference files are design or raster files that can be attached and displayed, plotted, and (in
the case of reference design files) used for construction purposes, but they cannot be
modified in any way.

A reference design file is a design file that is attached or associated with the active design file.
Elements in a reference file are displayed as though they were in the active design. They can
be used as construction aids as well. (Although you cannot manipulate the elements in a
reference file, you can snap to them and even copy them into the active design file.)

Additional HELP on using Reference Design Files can be found in the MicroStation Help Files
under:
• Attaching reference design files
• Working with attached reference design files
• Reference Files tool box

Attaching Reference Design Files


The most common way to attach a reference design file is to attach it coincidentally, which
means that the coordinates of the reference file's design plane are aligned with those of the
active design file, without any rotation, scaling, or offset.

1. Inside MicroStation SE select File, Reference. The Reference file dialog box will
appear.
2. Select Tools, Attach. The Attach Reference file dialog box will appear.
3. To select files within the same Technology code scroll down with the slide bar and
double-click on the file to reference.
4. When file is selected, the Attach Reference file dialog box will change to allow
users the option to save the full path and type in a logical name and description for
the reference file. The logical name is required, the description is optional.
5. If OK is clicked at this time the reference file will attach at the reference origin.

Hint: Since the same design file can be attached many times, give the attachments logical
names and descriptions that help you remember which attachment is which.

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Three options available on the reference file dialog box are:


Display On/Off Keep the reference file attached, but temporarily turn the display on or off.
Snap Lock When on, enables the user to snap to the elements in the reference file.
Locate Lock When on, enables the user to use the copy commands to copy elements
from the reference file into the active file.

Identifying Reference Files


When manipulating reference files (moving, scaling, rotating, etc.) the system will prompt you
to identify the reference file. This is because you can have more than one reference file
attached at a time (up to 255 reference files), and the command needs to know which file to
act on. This can be done a variety of ways as described below:
• Reference File Dialog Box
• Data Point on the Reference File
• Identify by the Logical Name
• Identify by File Name
• Key in “ALL” to manipulate ALL reference files at the same t ime.

Reference Files Settings


The tools in the Reference Files settings box (File menu/Reference) are used to:
• Attach reference design files to the active design file.
• Control the positioning, scaling, and orientation of attached reference design files.
• Detach reference design files from the active design file.
The controls in the Reference Files settings box are used to adjust reference files settings as
well. Items in gray will be covered in this class.
(These tools can also be selected from the Reference File Tool Box. Refer to the on-line
MicroStation HELP files for additional information about the individual commands.)

TO: SELECT IN THE REFERENCE FILES TOOL


BOX:
Attach a reference file to the active design file. Attach Reference File
Change a reference file clipping boundary. Define Reference File Clipping Boundary
Mask (cover) part of a reference file that is inside the Define Reference File Clipping Mask
clipping boundary.
Selectively delete a reference file's clipping mask(s). Delete Reference File Clipping Mask(s)
Set the back clipping plane for a 3D reference file. Define Reference File Back Clipping Plane
Set the front clipping plane for a 3D reference file. Define Reference File Front Clipping Plane

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Reread and redraw a reference file to see recent Reload Reference File
changes made to it.
Move a reference file. Move Reference File
Scale a reference file. Scale Reference File
Rotate a reference file. Rotate Reference File
Mirror a reference file about a horizontal axis. Mirror Reference File About Horizontal
Mirror a reference file about a vertical axis. Mirror Reference File About Vertical
Detach a reference file from the active design file. Detach Reference File
Note: Tools that operate only on reference raster files are not in the Reference Files tool box. They can
be accessed only through the Tools menu in the Reference Files settings box (see Using Reference
Raster Files).

Reference File Manipulations


Reference File Move
Used to move a reference file.
1. Select the Move Reference File tool.
2. Identify the reference file, unless it is selected in the Reference Files settings box.
See To identify a reference design file: for more information.
3. Enter a data point to define the origin of the move.
4. Enter a data point to define the destination.

Define Reference File Clipping Boundary


Used to define a reference file clipping boundary -- a shape that defines the outside boundary
of the area of a reference file that is displayed.
1. To define the reference file clipping boundary's position, place a fence with the
Place Fence tool.
2. Select the Define Reference File Clipping Boundary tool.
3. Identify the reference file, unless it is selected in the Reference Files settings box.
See To identify a reference design file:

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Scale Reference File


TOOL SETTING: EFFECT:
Scale Sets the ratio of design file Master Units to reference (Master:Ref) file master
units. For example, to set five design file master units for each reference file
master unit, key in 5 in the left-hand field and 1 in the right-hand field.

1. Set the Reference File Clipping Boundary (see Define Reference File Clipping
Boundary). Note: This is a critical step if scaling reference files to make them larger.
2. Select the Scale Reference File tool.
3. Identify the reference file, unless it is already selected in the Reference Files
settings box. See To identify a reference design file: for more information.
4. Enter a data point to define the point about which to scale the reference file.

View Manipulations
When working with reference files, these additional view commands will be useful:
Fit Reference
Fit All

Plotting / Printing
There are a variety of ways to plot from a MicroStation drawing. This class covers the two
primary methods: Plotting and Printing.
For issue plots, most projects generate a PLOT using KBR Plot Manager for D and E-size
plots. This method pre-processes the file to make sure enter-data fields, text nodes, etc. are
turned off and line weights are displayed correctly.
For quick check prints and B-size drawings, you can submit a PRINT to a local HP4V or B-
size printer using the File -> Print/Plot feature in MicroStation. This option is typically a “what
you see is what you get” method, so the user must remember to make sure the screen
displays exactly what they want, or change the display characteristics at plot time.

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KBR PLOT MANAGER

The KBR Plotting Manager (PMGR) was developed to standardize and simplify the plotting
interface on MicroStation platforms at KBR. Plot Manager saves plot attributes as “named”
plots that can be recalled for future modification and submittal. This section contains the
necessary information for creating a named plot and submitting it to one of the production
plotters located on KT26. Many additional features are available for advance plotting
capabilities. Information about specific items can be found in the on-line HELP utility found on
the PMGR dialog box.

Submitting Plots with PMGR


1. Enter MDL L PMGR to activate the new PMGR dialog box.
2. Enter a PLOT NAME or select one from the associated pick list. (Six characters or
less, no spaces.)
3. Select a plotter.
4. Select a drop box.
5. From the TOOLS menu on the PMGR dialog box, select FENCE to place a fence
around the portion of the drawing to be plotted.
6. From the TOOLS menu, select PLACE DATE STAMP to place a date stamp in the
drawing. If you forget to place a stamp, the utility will prompt you to place one when
you select the “SUBMIT” option, or it will place one automatically depending on your
workspace setup.
7. Verify the plot size. You can key in the Width or the Height, or select a scale by
entering an associated scale.
Note: A one to one drawing will be designated as a scale of 1:12.
8. Select SUBMIT to save the selected plot parameters and submit the file for plotting.

Comments
• PMGR will automatically turn off level 55 in reference files when submitting plots during
an interactive session. This prevents the problem of having date stamps
superimposed on top of each other. Try to avoid putting any drawing data on level 55.

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PRINT/PLOT - LASER PRINTS

Plots generated from File -> Print/Plot can be sent directly to your default laser printer if you
have the printer.plt driver selected, or saved to an output file using one of the other default
printer drivers. For purposes of this class we will be submitting a plot to a default printer using
the printer.plt driver. For general information about plotting, see the MicroStation Help files
under Plotting and Printing.

1. Make sure you have a B-size printer attached and designated as your default
printer. (See your NT handout if you are unsure how to do this.) Your instructor will
tell you which printer number to use for class purposes.
2. Select File -> Print/Plot
A dialog box will appear on the screen with menu’s showing the options available for
generating and submitting a print or plot.
3. Make sure that “..\printer.plt” displays next to the Plotter option on the Print Menu.
If the plotter driver file "printer.plt" is selected, plot output is sent to the system default
printer.
4. Place a fence around the drawing (Snap to the border cut line for a more accurate
plot size).
5. Select Entity -> Fence to designate that you will be plotting the fence contents.
6. Select Setup -> Page to open the Page Setup dialog box which is used to select a
page size for plotting.
7. Select a page size of 11 x 17 (this will only be available if your default printer is
equipped with a B-Size tray).
8. Select Landscape orientation.
9. Select OK to exit the Page Setup dialog box.
10. Select Setup -> Layout to open the page layout options. This dialog box will show a
rectangular area indicating how the plot will appear on the paper. Make sure you
have a horizontal orientation. If selected correctly, the paper blue outline will fit the
white paper space. Select OK to accept it.
11. Select Setup -> Options. This dialog box shows options to adjust the appearance
of the plot. This will normally display the screen options you have turned on. You
can only turn on/off items highlighted in black. To place a comment at the drawing
border, make sure “border” is checked and type the comment in the description
field. Select OK to exit the options dialog box.
12. Select File -> Preview to preview the plot.
13. Select File -> Plot to submit the plot.

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R E E R E N C E F I L E S & P L O T T I N G

DAY EIGHT - WRITTEN QUESTIONS

1. How many Reference Files can be attached to an active drawing?

2. The FIT command will fit both the Active File and the Reference File (True or False)?

3. What Reference File Manipulation command will allow copying elements from a reference
file to the Active File?

4. What Reference File Manipulation command may be used to make the reference file
attachment larger?

5. You can delete elements in a reference file - TRUE or FALSE?

6. What plotting method is used to print a D-size drawing?

7. On what menu is the option for generating a b-size laser print?

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R E E R E N C E F I L E S & P L O T T I N G

DAY EIGHT - LAB EXERCISE


In this lab the user will learn how to attach reference files and manipulate them.
1. Log on to the system.
2. Call up the PID file created earlier in class.

Attaching a reference file with a 1:1 scale - non-scaled drawings:


3. Attach the file 2DBORD.REF as a Reference file. The reference file will have to be
moved to make it resemble Figure 7.1
4. Plot the drawing. (The instructor will tell you which plotter to use for class
purposes).
5. Save the current settings and exit the drawing.

Attaching a reference file with a scale factor - scaled drawings.


6. Call up the SCALE drawing and attach WAREHOUS.DGN (use WH as the logical
name).
7. Turn off the Column Bubbles in the active file (level 2).
8. Set up the view so that it appears similar to Figure 7.2
9. Clip off all of reference file WAREHOUS.DGN except for the lower left warehouse,
which should be lined up with the columns in the active drawing.
10. Turn off the parking strip lines in the reference file (Level 15).
11. Attach SCALEBORD.REF (using BORD as the logical name).
12. Scale the border (Master:ref ratio = 48:1). Move it into a position to resemble Figure
7.3.
13. Plot the drawing (the instructor will tell you which plotter to use).
14. When completed, have the instructor check your work.
15. Save settings and exit the drawing.
16. Complete all unfinished lab exercise, if any, at this time.

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