MICROSTATION

….Part 2

Topics…

Modify Elements

Placing Points

Measure

Groups

Cell

Text

Dimensioning

Units

Reference Files
Modify Elements

The Modify Element command is similar changing the size and shape
of elements using the Element Selection tool. Like the Element
Selection tool, this command lets you manipulate the vertices of the
element, picking them and moving them to a different location. The
main difference between this command and Element Selection is that
you do not drag the vertices.
Command Sequence
a) Start the Modify Element command.
b) Identify the element to modify at the point where
you want to modify it. Note that elements will
react differently, depending where you select
them.
c) Pick the point where you want to move the item.
d) Continue as desired until you hit the Reset button.
e) Pick the next point or element to modify.

Notes

 Circles remain circles with this command; they do not become

ellipses.

 Be careful if you use this command with SmartLines. When you

choose a SmartLine it will add new segments to the group of lines
and arcs. Therefore, it may produce some unexpected outcomes.

 There are three choices available when you choose an arc: change
the included angle, change the radius around the center, and
change the radius while preserving the endpoints.

 When you pick a shape at an endpoint, you can add a rounded or

chamfered vertex or leave it sharp (similar to the SmartLine vertex
options). When you pick the shape in the middle of a segment, it
stretches that segment and the one next to it rather than just the
vertex.
 If you pick on the endpoint of a block you will have extra choices in
the tool settings. You change the Vertex Type just like the Shape.
You can also choose whether or not to modify the block in an
orthogonal direction. If Orthogonal is checked, the block will
change size but remains a block. If it is unchecked, you can modify
the location of the individual vertex just like you do to a shape.

Inserting and Deleting Vertices

Another way you can modify elements is by adding or deleting a

vertex. These are easy commands to use, though you may not find
that many uses for them in your drawings at first. Insert Vertex can
help you modify a shape without breaking the shape apart so you keep
a closed element. Delete Vertex removes an extra vertex and creates
a line segment between the two remaining vertices.
Command Sequence
a) To add a vertex, pick a point on the element
between the two vertices where you want to add
the vertex.
b) Pick a point to put down the new vertex.
c) Repeat as necessary
d) To delete a vertex, pick near the vertex you want
to remove.
e) Accept the removal or reset to cancel the
command.

Notes

Circular elements cannot have vertices added to them. If you try to

pick one, MicroStation reports “Element not found” in the status
bar. This is also true for arcs in SmartLines, but you can add or
delete vertices to the linear elements.
Deleting Parts of Elements

In the following sections we will show a variety of ways to delete parts

of elements, trim elements, and extend elements. Each command has
a special purpose. You will need to learn which one is the best tool to
use in different circumstances.

The Partial Delete command removes segments from existing entities

such as lines, SmartLines, arcs, circles, blocks and shapes. It will
remove the portion of the selected entity that lies between two user-
specified points, creating a break or opening.

Command Sequence

a) Select the start point for the opening for both

open and closed objects.
b) For an open object, select the endpoint of the
opening.
c) For a closed object, first choose the direction and
then the endpoint of the opening.

Note

 It is important to differentiate between open and closed elements

when using the Partial Delete command. With an open element you
simply pick the two points that define the opening. With a closed
element you need to pick the first point, then the direction of the
partial delete, and finally the second point.
Extending and Trimming Lines

If you need to lengthen or shorten individual lines, the Extend Element

command will allow you to dynamically choose a new endpoint or
specify a distance in the tool settings box. The line will be lengthened
or shortened, remaining at the same angle.

Command Sequence

a) Set up the distance in the tool settings box if

desired.
b) Pick on the line element you wish to trim or
extend.
c) If you did not set the distance, then you must
also choose a second point for the distance.

Notes

 To lengthen a line by a specific distance, type a positive number in

the tool settings box.

 To shorten a line by a specific distance, type a negative number in

the tool settings box.

 Make sure you choose a point close to the end that you want to
lengthen or shorten. If you choose in the middle, you cannot know
which end the computer will pick. You do not need to tentative
point.

 This command will not work with SmartLines that have arcs,
rounded vertices, or chamfered vertices, but will work with
SmartLines made up of only line segments.
 Extending Elements to an Intersection

Frequently in drafting it can be useful to trim or extend two lines to a

real or implied intersection. For example, you have two construction
lines that overlap but you want them to touch each other in the final
drawing. The lines are at the correct angles so you don’t want to
modify them. Use the Extend Elements to Intersection command to
make them touch.

Command Sequence

a) Pick the first element.

b) Pick the second element.
c) Accept in space if you like what it shows. Reset if
you don’t and try again.

Notes

 This command will trim a line that passes beyond the intersection
and extends a line that does not reach the intersection.

 You can use any mixture of arcs and lines with this command.
However, they must just be open objects. SmartLines that have
arcs, rounded vertices, or chamfered vertices will not work, but
SmartLines made up of only line segments will.
Extending an Element to an Intersection

Extending a line works without any other elements, and extending to

an intersection works with open elements. What do you do if you want
to butt an open element against a closed element? In this case, you
have to use the Extend Element to Intersection tool.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Extend Element to Intersection

command.
b) Pick the object you want to trim or extend (the
one that changes).
c) Pick the object to which you want to trim or
extend (the one that remains the same).
d) Accept out in space to finish or reset to try again.

Note

 The command will trim a line that passes beyond the intersection
and extends a line that does not reach the intersection.
Trimming Elements

The Trim Elements command was devised specifically to trim more

than one element at a time. It is as useful as the erasing shield is in
hand drafting. This command only trims; it will not extend.

Command Sequence

a) Select the object you want to trim against (the

one that stays whole).
b) Select the object(s) you want to trim on the side
you want trimmed.
c) Once you have picked all the elements to trim,
Accept.

Notes

 Note the sequence for selecting objects: this command works

exactly the opposite of previous commands.

 To make the Trim Elements command more useful, you can pre-
select any number of cutting edges using the Element Selection
tool. Then you can use these edges to trim out between two lines
or just save time since you don’t have to start the command again
to select a new cutting edge.

Fillet

SmartLines can automatically add rounded vertices when you create

them but what if you want to add them later? The Fillet command will
do this, and also to leave the existing line segments in place rather
than trimming them off. You can also use this command much like the
Extend Elements to Intersection command and force two lines to an
exact intersection.

Command Sequence

a) Set up the radius and Truncation method in the

tool settings box.
b) Select the first segment.
c) Select the second segment.
d) Accept to finish or Reset to try again.

Command Options

Truncate None Both segments you choose will remain the length
they were but the fillet will be created as an arc
touching the two segments.

Truncate Both The segments will be extended or trimmed to the

point where the arc begins.

Truncate First The first segment you pick will be truncated but the
second segment will remain the same length it was
when you started.

 Fillet will work on all open and closed elements except circles. It
will work with arcs.

Chamfer

The Chamfer command is similar to Fillet, except that it produces an

angled corner rather than a radius. Instead of a radius, you specify
distances for the chamfer. There are no truncation choices; it will
always trim or extend the lines.
 Command Sequence

a) Set up the chamfer distances in the tool settings

box.
b) Pick the first segment to chamfer.
c) Pick the second segment to chamfer.
d) Accept to finish the command or Reset to try
again.

Notes

 You can use this command on open or closed elements, but it will
not work on circles or arcs.

 The distances you set do not have to be equal values. “Distance 1”

applies to the first line picked and “Distance 2” applies to the
second line picked.
 Placing Points

Points are used to mark a location in your design file. Points are just
like other elements in that they take on the active attributes and can
be moved, copied, and so on. They can be made of an element, a
character, or a cell.

Point Types

Element This is a line with zero (0) length. It is a good idea

to increase the line weight before you enter element
points so the points will be easy to see.

Character Allows you to put in a letter, number, or other typed

character as a point. It will take on the active
attributes as well as the active text settings.

Cell You can use a cell from the attached cell library to
place as points. The active angle and scale affect
this placement, as well as the active attributes if it is
a point cell.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Place Active Point command.

b) In the tool settings box, choose the point type.
c) Pick a point in your design file to place the point.
d) Repeat as necessary.

Notes

 Use the tentative point snaps to position points precisely.

 If the point is set to Character or Cell, its origin will be the origin
point of the cell or the justification point of the text.
Using Points to Divide

Points placed individually, as we did in the last section, can be handy.

But they become a much more powerful feature when placed with
commands that will add multiple points and adjust the spacing
between them. Two of these commands are Construct Points between
Data Points and Construct Points Along Element. The first constructs
points at an evenly spaced distance between two points you pick in the
design file; the second places points evenly along an element.

Command Sequence

a) Start the desired Construct Points command.

b) In the tool settings box, choose the desired Point
Type and number of points to create.
c) Data pick the first point. (For Construct Points
Along Element, this point also selects the object.)
d) Data pick the second point.

Note

 The two commands are similar except that Construct Points Along
Element requires an element to base the points on. If you use a
complex chain, shape, or SmartLIne, the points will follow the
entire element.
Measure

The tools in the Measure toolbox are used to perform measuring

operations.

Used to measure distance.

Commad Options:

Distance: To measure:
Between Points Cumulative distance from an origin
Along Element Along an element from an origin.
Perpendicular Perpendicular distance between an element and a
data point.
Minimum Between Minimum distance between two elements.

Key-in: MEASURE DISTANCE [ALONG | MINIMUM | PERPENDICULAR |

POINTS]

Command Sequence:

To measure the cumulative distance from an origin:

a) Select the Measure Distance tool.
b) In the Tool Settings window, set Distance to
Between Points.
c) Enter a data point to identify the origin (the point
from which to measure).
d) Enter a second data point. The distance between
that point and the origin is displayed in the status
bar.
 e) Enter another data point(s). The cumulative
distance from the origin is displayed or Reset to
return to step 3.

To measure the distance along an element:

a) Select the Measure Distance tool.
b) In the Tool Settings window, set Distance to Along
Element.
c) Identify the element at the origin (the point from
which to measure).
d) Enter a data point to define a point along the
element. The distance from the origin along the
element is displayed in the status bar. If the
element is closed, this data point defines the
direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) in
which measurements are made.
e) Enter a data point(s). The distance along the
element from the origin is displayed in the status
bar. Or Reset to return to step 3.

To measure perpendicular distance from an

element:

a) Select the Measure Distance tool.

b) In the Tool Settings window, set Distance to
Perpendicular.
c) Identify the element.
d) Enter a data point. The perpendicular distance
between the element and this point is displayed in
the status bar. A temporary “line” is displayed as
a visual aid but is not placed in the design.
e) Enter another data point(s) to define other
perpendicular measurements.
f) If the element is a line string, shape, curve,
complex chain, or complex shape, the distance is
measured perpendicular to the segment identified
in step 2. Or Reset to return to step 3.
 To measure the minimum distance between
elements:
a) Select the Measure Distance tool.
b) In the Tool Settings window, set Distance to
Minimum Between.
c) Identify the first element.
d) Identify the second element.
e) Accept the elements. The minimum distance
between the elements is displayed in the status
bar. A temporary “line” is displayed as a visual
aid but is not placed in the design.

Measure Radius

Used to measure:

a) The radius of a circle or circular arc.

b) The radius of a cone or cylinder.
c) The primary and secondary axes of an ellipse or elliptical arc.
d) The radius of a circular segment or axes of an elliptical segment of
a complex chain or complex shape.

Command Sequence:

a) To measure an element’s radius:

b) Select the Measure Radius tool.
c) Identify the element or segment.
d) Accept the element. The measurement is
displayed in the status bar.
Measure Angle Between Lines:

Used to measure the angle between two lines or segments of a line

string, shape, or multi-line. If the identified lines do not intersect, an
intersection point is computed to serve as the vertex of the measured
angle.

Command Sequence:

a) To measure the angle between two lines:

b) Select the Measure Angle Between Lines tool.
c) Identify the first line.
d) Identify the second line.
e) Accept the lines. The angle measurement is
displayed in the status bar.

Key-in: MEASURE ANGLE

Measure Length:

Used to measure the length of an element(s) and to analyze mass

properties. For a closed element or a surface, the length of the
perimeter or wireframe geometry is measured.

Command Sequence:
 a) To measure an element(s) length or mass
properties:
b) Select the element(s).
c) Select the Measure Length tool. The length is
displayed in the status bar. If Mass Properties is
on, the mass properties are displayed in the Mass
Properties window.
OR
d) Select the Measure Length tool.
e) Identify the element.
f) Accept the element. The length is displayed in
the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the mass
properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window.

Key-in: MEASURE LENGTH

Measure Area: Used to measure area and perimeter.

Key-in: MEASURE AREA [DIFFERENCE | ELEMENT | FENCE | FLOOD |

INTERSECTION | POINTS | UNION]

Command Sequence:
To measure the area and perimeter of one
element:

a) Use the Element Selection tool to select the

element.
b) Select the Measure Area tool.
c) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to
Element.
d) Accept the element. The element’s area (A=) and
perimeter (P=) in master units are displayed in
the status bar.
OR
e) Select the Measure Area tool.
f) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to
Element.
g) Identify the element. The element’s area (A=)
and perimeter (P=) in master units are displayed
in the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the
mass properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window.

To measure the area defined by a fence:

a) Use the Place Fence tool to place a fence.

b) Select the Measure Area tool.
c) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to Fence.
d) Accept the fence contents. The fence’s area (A=)
and perimeter (P=) in master units are displayed
in the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the
mass properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window.

To measure the area of the intersection or union

of closed elements:
 a) Select the element(s).
b) Select the Measure Area tool.
c) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to
Intersection or Union. The edges that do not
serve as the basis for the measured area are
hidden. If the elements do not overlap, the
following occurs, depending on the Method:

Method: If elements do not overlap,

then:
Intersection "Elements do not intersect" is
displayed.
Union Each element is highlighted.

To measure the area of the difference between

elements:
a) Select the Measure Area tool.
b) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to
Difference. If any elements are selected are de-
selected.
c) Identify the element from which to subtract.
d) Identify the element(s) to subtract from the
element that was identified in step 3.
e) After you have identified all the elements to
subtract from the element identified in step 3,
enter a data point to accept. The edges that do
not serve as the basis for the measured area are
hidden.
f) Reset to display the area (A=) and perimeter (P=)
in master units in the status bar. If Mass
Properties is on, the mass properties analysis is
displayed in the Mass Properties window. Or
Return to step 4 to identify more elements to
subtract.
 To measure the area enclosed by elements that
touch or whose endpoints are within the
Maximum Gap:
a) (Optional) Select the element.
b) Select the Measure Area tool.
c) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to Flood.
d) Enter a data point in the area enclosed by the
bounding elements.
e) Accept the elements. The area (A=) and
perimeter (P=) in master units are displayed in
the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the mass
properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window.

To measure an area defined by data points:

a) Select the Measure Area tool.
b) In the Tool Settings window, set Method to Points.
c) Enter a data point to define each vertex of an
imaginary shape that encloses the area. The
imaginary shape is dynamically displayed.
d) When gone, Reset. The area (A=) and perimeter
(P=) in master units are displayed in the status
bar. If Mass Properties is on, the mass properties
analysis is displayed in the Mass Properties
window.
Measure Volume:

(3D only) Used to measure the volume enclosed by an element or a

set of elements and to analyze mass properties. The element(s) must
completely enclose a volume; if a volume is not enclosed, a message
appears in the status bar.
 Command Sequence:

To measure volume:

a) (Optional) Select the bounding element(s). Since

only solid cones and solids of projection or
revolution can completely enclose a volume by
themselves, it is usually necessary to select
multiple elements.
b) Select the Measure Volume tool. If an element(s)
were selected (step 1), the volume is displayed in
the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the mass
properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window. Otherwise, continue with step
3.
c) Identify the element.
d) Accept the element. The volume is displayed in
the status bar. If Mass Properties is on, the mass
properties analysis is displayed in the Mass
Properties window.

Key-in: MEASURE VOLUME.

Groups

Drop Element
 Used to break up an element(s) into simpler components. Tool
settings (see table below) are used to specify the element types on
which the tool operates.

Command Options

Tool Settings: Effect:

Complex If on, complex elements (cell, complex chain,
complex shape, text node, surface, or solid)
are dropped into their components.
Dimensions If on, dimension element(s) are dropped into
lines, line strings, ellipses, arcs, and text.
Line If on, line strings and shapes are converted to
Strings/Shapes series of individual line elements.
Multi-lines If on, multi-line elements are converted to sets
of line strings, lines, and /or arcs.
Shared Cells If on, shared cells are dropped. If To
Geometry is chosen from the option menu,
they are dropped into their components; if To
Normal Cell is chosen, they are converted to
unshared cells.
Text If on, text characters in text elements are
converted to the individual elements that are
used to draw the characters -- lines, line
strings, arcs, ellipses and shapes.

Command Sequence
 a) Select the element(s).
b) Select the Drop Element tool.
c) Turn on the appropriate tool settings (see table
above) to specify the element type(s) on which to
operate.
d) Accept the settings and initiate the drop. Only
the selected elements of the specified type(s) are
dropped. The tool has no effect on selected
elements of other types. If none of the selected
elements is of the specified type(s), the message
“Nothing to drop” is displayed in the status bar.

Creating Complex Chains and Shapes

While you can use SmartLines to create groups of arcs and lines,
another method is to create the lines and arcs separately and then
make them into a complex chain or complex shape. In some cases,
you will have to use this method – for example, if you create your
radial geometry from circles that you then trim off.

 Complex chains are open groups of lines and arcs. Complex shapes
are close groups of lines and arcs and will close automatically if you
do not have a line in place.

 You can add SmartLines to complex chains.

Command Sequence
 a) Draw the desired geometry.
b) Start the Create Complex Chain or Create
Complex Shape command.
c) Pick the first element.
d) If you are using Manual mode, pick the rest of
the elements you want included in the order you
want them included. If you are using Automatic
mode, you can just accept as many times as you
need; MicroStation will join each connected
segment.

1. In Manual Mode pick a final Accept and then a Reset. In Automatic

Mode you just need to pick a final Accept.

 If you use the manual mode, MicroStation will add a line between
two points that are not touching.

Complex Shapes with the Region Command

The Create Complex Shape command is easy if the geometry is

already there to be used. However, you may have several shapes
overlapping and want to create a new shape at the area of overlap. Or
you may have lines that intersect, rather than touching at the
endpoints. As long as there is a closed area to work with, you can use
the Create Region command to create complex shapes.

Command Options
Keep Original If checked, the original items will remain in the
design file. If unchecked, the original elements will
be deleted.

Methods

Intersection Creates a shape formed by the area where the

selected closed elements overlap.

Union Creates a shape formed by the area of all the

closed elements selected.

Difference Creates a shape formed by the first closed

element picked minus any other closed
elements picked.

Flood Creates a shape formed by the boundaries of

the overlapping shapes. This Method can be
used with all elements either open or closed.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Create Region command, choose the

method and whether or not to keep the originals.
b) For Intersection, Union, and Difference, select
each closed element you want, then Accept to
show a highlighted version of what you will get.
If that is what you want, hit a Reset.
c) For Flood, pick a point inside an area where you
want to create a boundary. The command will
automatically search for a closed area and
highlight the area of the shape. Accept to create
the shape.

Notes

 To see the new shapes you create, change the active color or line
weight so it is different from the originals.
 Add to Graphic Group

Used to do the following:

a) Create a graphic group.

b) Add elements to an existing graphic group.
c) Combine two or more existing graphic groups into a single graphic
group.

Command Sequence:

a) Select the Add to Graphic Group tool.

b) Identify the first element. If the element is not in
a graphic group, a new graphic group is created.
If the element is in a graphic group, all elements
subsequently identified are added to that graphic
group.
c) Identify another element(s) to add to the graphic
group. If the element is already in a graphic
group, all of the elements in that graphic group
are added to the graphic group being created or
added to.
d) Accept the graphic group.

Drop From graphic Group

Used to do the following:

a) Remove (drop) an element(s) from a graphic group.
b) Drop the grouped status of the entire graphic group; that is, break
up the graphic group into its component.
 Command Sequence:

To remove an element(s) from a graphic group:

a) In the Settings menu’s Locks sub-menu, turn

Graphic Group Lock off.
b) Select the Drop from Graphic Group tool.
c) Identify the element(s) to be removed from the
graphic group.
d) Accept the drop.

To break up an entire graphic group:

a) In the Settings menu’s Locks sub-menu, turn

Graphic Group Lock on.
b) Select the Drop from Graphic Group tool.
c) Identify a member of the graphic group.
d) Accept the drop.

Group Holes

Closed objects can be either Solids or Holes. It is best to leave the

choice at Solid and come back later and change any elements to Holes
when needed. Another way of doing this is to use the Group Hole
command. This command not only changes certain elements to Holes
but also groups the holes with the corresponding solid.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Group Hole command.

b) Select the Solid element first.
c) Select the Hole elements as needed.
d) Accept in space and Reset.
 Note

 Group holes are used most often in mechanical design and drafting.

Dropping Elements

Sometimes you will create a complex chain or shape, or even a

SmartLine, and then need to get back to their component lines or arc
segments. The Drop Element command will do this for you.

The tool settings show that there are different types of elements that
you can drop, including Text, Dimensions, and Cells. The important
types for us now are Complex elements and Line Strings/Shapes.

Because MicroStation sees Complex elements and Line Strings/Shapes

differently, you should make sure that both items are checked in the
tool settings box. Then you don’t have to worry if the elements you
want to drop are complex or not.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Drop Element command and check the

type(s) of element(s) you want dropped.
b) Pick the element.
c) Accept to drop the element.
Cell

A group of elements can be converted into a single symbol, or cell,

that can be used in any design file. Since most drawings are
constructed with complex components rather than simple lines or
circles, using cells is one of the most important and powerful
techniques in MicroStation.

A cell can be as simple as a circle with two lines through it (an outlet
symbol) or as complex as an entire detail of a roof drain.

MicroStation includes many pre-defined cells that may be suitable to

use in your designs. You can also create cells for your specific
discipline and needs.

Loading a Cell Library

Pull-down: Element >Cells

To use cells, you must first load the cell library where they are stored.
Typically, cells are grouped together in libraries in logical categories.
For example, all Architectural cells would go in one library, all
Mechanical cells in another, all Landscape cells in a third, and so on. If
your office works in only one discipline, you may want to organize the
cells in even more specific categories, such as all trees in one library,
all bushes in another, and cars or parking symbols in a third.

It’s essential for a company to decide on a standard arrangement of

cell libraries, and also where those cell libraries will be stored. It’s also
essential to make sure all users know what cells are available and
where they are stored. This is a major part of CAD management.

Command Sequence

a) Open the Cell Library dialog box

(Element>Cells).
b) In the File pull-down of the settings box, choose
to Attach a library.
c) Choose from the list of cell libraries available.
You may need to change directories.
d) The cells in the library will be listed in the dialog
boxes.

Note

 Only one cell library can be open at a time. When you attach a
second library, it automatically closes the first one.

Placing Cells

As with many settings in MicroStation such as Active Angle, Active

Scale and Active Attributes, cells also have an Active status. There are
actually four types of Active cells: the active Placement cell, the Point
cell, the Terminator cell and the Pattern cell. In this section we will
concentrate on the Place Active Cell command with the active
Placement cell.

There are two ways of selecting the Active Cell:

1. Highlighting it in the Cell Library settings box and picking the

Placement button.

2. Typing the cell name in the Active Cell edit box in the Place Cell tool
settings box.

 If you pick a cell in the Cell Library settings box, it will

automatically show up in the Place Cell tool settings box.

Command Options

Active Cell The cell you want to place.

Active Angle You can change the Active Angle here. Be sure to
return it back to 0 before you leave the command or
it could interfere with other commands.

X & Y Scale This is the Active Scale. You can set X and Y the
same size or different sizes. Like the Active Angle, be
sure to return them both back to 1 before you leave
the command or it could interfere with other
commands.

Relative Controls the placement of levels within the cell. For

now leave it off.

Interactive If checked, you can specify the scale and rotation

angle on the screen by picking Points. Not used
in most cases.
 Command Sequence

a) Select the cell you want to place through either

method listed above.
b) Set the appropriate angle and scale.
c) Enter a point on the screen where you want the
cell to be put down.
d) Continue placing the copies of the cell as needed.
e) Reset to end the command.

Note

 The point around which the cell is placed is the origin point. It is
important to know that point, because it impacts how and where
you place the cell.

Shared Cells

When you put a cell into your design file, MicroStation keeps track of
each instances that you put in. To save space and to keep a cell
useful even after another cell library is opened, you can use shared
cells.
When you pick the Use Shared Cells button in the Cell Library settings
box, MicroStation will keep track of the first instance of the cell you
put in and then point back to this instance for each additional cell.
This saves space in your design file. You can also load a different Cell
Library and the shared cell will still be usable in the file. If you update
the cell, the change will also be reflected in all instances of the shared
cell.
 Because there are some problems with incompatibility, you
should check with your CAD manager to see whether or not to
use shared cells.
Creating Cells
While MicroStation provides many ready-made cells in the
sample directories, you will probably need to make your own cells for
your specific discipline or company. Remember that a cell can be as
simple as a circle and a number for a tag, or as complicated as a detail
for a circuit board.

You can plan many of the cells you need in advance and make them all
at one time, or you can make them as you need them. In either case,
you need to plan the cell libraries you will use. These should be
grouped in a logical format for your type of work, and be consistent
with any standard arrangement your company uses.

Types of Cells

There are four types of cells you can create. In this class we will be
focusing on two types: Graphic and Point.

Graphic This is the type of cell you will use the most. It
keeps the color, line style, line weight, and level of
the elements from which it is created. Use this if
you are creating a cell that is on a number of
different levels with different attributes.

Point This cell will take on the active color, line style, line
weight, and level. Use this when the cell is only one
level and attributes. You must remember to set the
active attributes before you insert this type of cell.

Command Sequence to Create a Cell

a) Create or attach a cell library.
b) Draw the elements that will make up the cell.
c) Fence the elements or group them using the
Element Selection tool.
d) Use the Define Cell Origin command to place an
origin point with a data point. Remember to use
the tentative button to snap to a specific point.
 e) In the Cell Library dialog box, choose the Create

button.
f) Fill out the name, description, and type of cell.
g) Pick OK. The new cell should appear in the list in
the Cell Library dialog.

Notes

 Cell names are limited to six letters.

 Use the description for more information about the cell. The
description can be up to 27 letters, including spaces.

 The origin point of the cell should be a logical point to place the cell
when you insert it. For example, if you generally want to put a
filing cabinet up against the wall, pick the middle of the back line as
the origin, rather than the center of the block that defines the cell.

Placing Multiple Cells

Sometimes you will want to put many cells into a design file at one
time. One way to do this is with the Place Active Cell Matrix
command. This command is similar to Construct Array, except that
you choose a cell name instead of picking objects in the drawing to
array.

Command Sequence
 a) Start the command and specify the Active Cell,
the number of Rows and Columns, and the Row
and Column Spacing in the tool settings box.
b) Pick a point on the screen for the lower left corner
of the matrix.

Note

 The first cell will come in with its origin point at the point at the
point you pick. The other cells will be the distance you set from the
first cell.

Selecting and Placing Cells

You can speed up the process of choosing what cell to place by

selecting a cell already present in your design file and using that as
the active cell. The Select and Place Cell command let you do this.

 This command works only with shared cells or when the cell library
that holds the cell is attached to the design file.

 The difference between this and the Copy command is that you can
also set the angle and scale of the new cell insertion.

Command Sequence

a) Start the command and set up the required angle

and scale.
b) Select the cell you want to repeat.
c) Put the new cell down by picking in the screen.
d) Repeat as needed.

Using the Active Line Terminator

A Line Terminator is any cell that you use to end a line, linestring,
curve, or arc. Usually you will use a cell that looks like an arrowhead.
The best part about using this tool is that you do not have to know the
angle of the line or arc. You simply pick towards the end of the
element and Accept. The Line Terminator will be placed at the angle
of the element.

Command Sequence

a) Make sure that a line, linestring, curve, or arc is

placed in your design file at the appropriate size
and angle.
b) Attach the Cell Library with the cell you need.
c) Make the cell the Active Terminator cell in the Cell
Library box.
d) Start the Place Active Line Terminator command
on the Cells toolbar.
e) Data point to the line, linestring, curve or arc near
the end. (You do not need to tentative point.)
f) Accept out in space. Your Line Terminator will be
attached.

Notes

 Create the Line Terminator cells at an angle of zero.

 If you use one or two terminators in most of your design files, you
may want to include the cell in all of your cell libraries to save you
from having to load a different library.

Placing Text in Your Design File

A large portion of many drawings is filled with text in the form of
notes, titles, captions, and revision information. Adding text to your
drawing is a fundamental part of creating the drawing. When you
select the Place Text command, it will bring up both the Text Editor
and the Text tool settings.

Text Editor

The Text Editor box will come up as soon as you select the Place Text
command. This is where you type in your text.

 MicroStation’s text is a paragraph-oriented text. You can type in

one line or many lines of text with the same command.

Text Tool Settings

The Place Text tool settings box includes many of the basic settings
needed to place text in your drawing, including the method of
insertion, the height and width of the text, the font, the justification,
and the active angle.

 The default method of entering text is placing it “By Origin.” This

means the text will be inserted at the justification specified in the
tool settings.

 If your text comes in at an angle, the Active Angle has been set in
some other command. To change the Active Angle back to 0, set it
in the text tool settings box, or type in AA=0 in the Key-in window.

Command Sequence

a) Start the Place Text command. This will bring

up the Text Editor and the Text tool settings box.
b) In the tool settings box, set the desired height,
width, justification, etc.
c) Type the text in the Text Editor.
d) Data point on the location where you want to put
the text.
e) You will still have the text in your crosshairs. You
can place another copy of it, or Reset to stop.

Note

 All the active attributes (color, line weight, level, and active angle)
affect the text except the active line style. Text also uses the active
Text Attributes shown in the next section.
 Setting Up the Text Style

Before putting text into your drawing, you need to specify the text
height, justification, and other properties. Many of these attributes
can be set in the Text tool settings box, as we saw in the last section.
But they are also available, along with other settings, in the Text
Settings box.

Command Options

Font You can choose from a variety of different items.

There are three ways to set the font: by number,
by name, and by View, if you want to seean example
of each of the fonts.

Height & Width You can set the height and width the same size or
different sizes. If the height is larger than the width
you will get tall skinny letters. If the width is larger
than the height you will get fat letters. The “lock”
controls whether or not the sizes must be the same.
If locked, changing one will automatically change the
other. If unlocked, you can change Height and
Width independently.
Line Spacing The distance between the lines of text when you are
working with multiple lines of text. We recommend
that it is at most half of the text height.

Line Length The maximum number of characters allowed per line.

You can set this to a number that will control the
length of your line with the word wrap. Use this if
you are doing a set of notes that must fill a certain
space. The maximum number is 255.

Interchar Spacing The distance between each character. In most

cases you will leave this at 0 and let the
default work.

Fractions If checked, it will treat any fractions as one character

as long as the font you are using supports fractions.

Underline If checked, it will underline all the text characters.

Vertical Text If checked, it will change the text characters to

display in vertical lines rather than horizontal lines.

Slant Slants the letters to make them italic. Positive

numbers give a right-leaning slant,negative numbers
a left-leaning slant. You should not use a number
much higher than 15 because it will be unreadable.

Justification You can have different justifications for Single and

Multi-line text. The basic justifications are Left,
Center, and Right; Top, Center, and Bottom.

Note
 Your company will probably have a number of styles that they
prefer you to use. Check with your CAD Manager.
Text Placement Methods

While you will normally use the By Origin method of inserting text,
other methods are sometimes helpful. These methods include fitting
text between two points on your screen, putting text above, below or
on another element, and even placing text along the path of an
element such as a curve or a circle.

Command Options

By Origin The basic method of inserting text. It follows

the information setup in the text settings
including justification. The active angle affects
this text.

Fitted This will only work with one line of text. When
you pick the two data points to specify the
beginning and end of the line of text you are
also specifying the text height and angle.
Other attributes remain the same.

Above an Element You must have another element such as a line

or shape in your drawing for this to work. It
will automatically place the text above the
element at the distance set by the line spacing
in the text attributes. Other attributes remain
the same including justification.

On and Element You must have another element such as a line

or shape in your drawing for this to work. It
will automatically place the text on the element
and break out the area needed by the text.
 Other attributes remain the same including
justification.

Along an Element You must have another element such as line,

SmartLine, curve or shape in your drawing for
this to work. It will automatically place the
text above or below the element at the
distance set by the line spacing in the text
attributes. Other attributes remain the same
including justification. The text created by
this method becomes separate letters of text.
The distance between the letters can be set
with the Interchar spacing available in the tool
settings box.

Notes:

 Don’t forget to change the text method back to By Origin after you
have used any of the other methods.

 Above, Below, On and Along Element only allow for one line of text.

Editing Text

Text is one of the most frequently modified types of elements in any

CAD drawing. It is easy to make spelling and typing errors. Most
drawings also have to be changed and updated as new information
comes along. MicroStation allows you to change text through the Edit
Text command.
 Command Sequence

a) Start the Edit Text command.

b) Pick the piece of text in your design file that you
want to edit.
c) Accept out in space. The Text Editor dialog box
will appear (if it was not already up) and the
line(s) of text that you chose will show up in it.
d) Change the text within the Text Editor as needed.
e) Pick the Apply button in the Text Editor to update
the text in your drawing.

Note

 It’s easy to forget to hit the Accept data point to make the text go
into the Text Editor. Remember your highlight color, and you will
know you have to do something else when the text highlights but
does not show in the editor.

Changing and Matching Text Attributes

Another aspect of editing text is to change the text attributes: its

height, width, font, slant, and more. You may need to do this if you
forgot to change the text style before you started typing, or if you
have decided to use a different font after you start the drawing.

There are two commands that will help you change text attributes.
The first matches the text attributes. This allows you to make the
active text attributes match a piece of text that is already in the
drawing. The second changes existing text to the active text
attributes.
 Command Sequence

Match Text Attributes

a) Select the Match Text Attributes command

from the tool bar (or from the Match button in
the Text Attributes settings box).
b) Pick a piece of text that has the desired
attributes.
c) Accept out in space to apply the attributes. The
Text Attributes settings box will update to the
new attributes.

Change Text to Attributes

 a) Set up the Active Text Attributes as you desire.
(You can use the Match Text Attributes
command if you have a style in your drawing that
you want to use.)
b) Select the Change Text Attributes command on
the Text tool bar.
c) Pick the text you want to update.
d) Accept to update the text.

Notes

 You can change or match only part of the text attributes by using
the check boxes in the tool settings box.

 You can change several pieces of text by picking one after another
rather, than accepting out in space. Make sure you do a final
accept when you are done, or the last text will not change.

Using Enter Data Fields

When you need to fill in title blocks or tables, it is easier to use a

feature called an Enter Data Field than to use regular text. An Enter
Data Field is nothing more than a series of underlines that bring all the
text attributes with them. You can then use the Enter Data Field
commands to fill the underlines in.

To Create Enter Data Fields

1. Set up the text attributes, layer, color, and line width, as you want
them. Make sure you have the right text font and size.
2. Start the Place Text command.
3. In the Text Editor, type in the number of underlines that will fill the
space needed, and data point to the location of the text. For
example, if you name all your design files with eight-letter names,
you can put in eight underlines in the Enter Data Field for the
drawing name in your titleblock.