5 More Than Straight Lines

Transcription

1 5 We have drawn lines, shapes, even a circle or two, but we need more element types to create designs efficiently. A 2D design is a flat representation of what are generally 3D objects, represented basically by a collection of lines. These lines are not always straight, so this chapter will be introducing more features of the Place SmartLine tool, along with Arcs, Ellipses and Curves. In the last chapter we learned how to manipulate elements, both as individuals and as groups. As well as manipulating existing elements to collect them into a complete design, we will often need to modify them. We may need to move a vertex, change the length of a line, extend elements to meet, trim them - there are many forms of modification that we will be able to carry out after working through this chapter. When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to: Use the Place SmartLine tool to create complex elements Place Circles and other Ellipses using various techniques Place circular and elliptical Arcs Place Curves Use Active Points to help construct our designs Modify various types of existing elements Enter Key-in Commands. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-1

2 5 Smarter Lines Smarter Lines The Place SmartLine tool has been used to place lines, or simple shapes with straight segments so far. It is capable of much more than that, as will be seen from the following exercises. We are going to create a wall mounting plate for items such as framed mirrors. The suspension slot and the attachment screw holes are offset, allowing it to be mounted high on the frame for stability. It is to be designed with a keyhole suspension slot to allow easy removal of the item from the wall. It will use recessed screws for attachment to the frame of the item to be mounted, thus reducing the likelihood of scratching the wall. The design will not be completed in the one session, we will start it now and return to it as more tools are introduced. When it is complete, it will resemble Figure 5.1. It will be in its own design file, named Mounting Plate.dgn. Figure 5.1 Mounting Plate 5-2 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

3 Smarter Lines We will start with a new design file, with millimeters as both master and sub units. A new AccuDraw shortcut will be used when preparing the drawing area, M for Multiple point keyin. This is the same as P (single point keyin, see Window a View Area on page 3-24), except the window remains open for more inputs after the first. Prepare the DGN 1. Create a new design file in our Student directory from 2dMetricGeneral.dgn named Mounting Plate.dgn. Use File > New if there is a DGN already open. 2. Under Settings > Design File, set the Working Units to Millimeters for both Master Units and Sub Units. 3. Set the Coordinate Readout to be in Master Units, with an Accuracy of 1 decimal place (0.1). 4. Create a new level named Plate, make this the Active level. 5. In the Attributes tool box, set the Color to 0, the Line Style to 0, the Line Weight to Select the Window Area tool, with the AccuDraw window Active, press <M> (for Multiple Data Point keyin). The Data Point Keyin window opens. 7. Enter 0 (press the <Enter> key after keying it in) into the Data Point Keyin window to define the bottom-left of the view. 8. Enter 120,100 in the keyin window to define the top-right of the view area. Close the Data Point Keyin window. The M shortcut is useful when we have 2 or more absolute coordinates to key in, as with P the window closes after each set of coordinates are entered. 9. Turn the ACS Triad Off (see View Attributes on page 2-9), ensure that PopSet is On. 10. Save the settings we have made (File > Save Settings, see Saving Settings on page 2-12). We now have a window area suitable to place the plate outline, without needing to use the view control tools during the operation. We also know that the plate will be placed near the Global Origin for future reference. All movements will be made indexed to either the x or the y AccuDraw axis in the following exercise. Unless instructed otherwise, every snap to and keyed-in dimension to the AccuDraw window will be accepted with the data button. For example, accept is assumed after an instruction such as... to the left, key in 70. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-3

4 5 Smarter Lines Placing the Mounting Plate Outline 1. Select the Place SmartLine tool, make the tool settings Segment Type: Lines, Vertex Type: Rounded, Rounding Radius: 8, Join Elements: Checked. 2. Data point to start the first segment in the lower part of the view, towards the left side. 3. Move the pointer to the right, key in Move the pointer upward, key in 45, move left, key in 20, move upward, key in 12. Now we need to change from Line Segment Type to Arcs. The Tool Settings window is needed for this, but PopSet is enabled. Instead of moving the pointer all the way back over the tool (as we did in earlier exercises), we will use the new keyboard shortcut. 5. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar>, making sure that <Ctrl> is pressed before <Spacebar> (otherwise AccuDraw will change coordinate systems). The Tool Settings window will appear in the pointer position. 6. Change the Segment Type to Arcs, move the pointer off the window, directly to the left of the last point placed. 7. Key in 15 to (prompt) Enter arc center, move further to the left and accept the 180 arc when prompted to Define sweep angle. The Tool Settings window is displayed under the pointer when <Ctrl>+<Spacebar> is pressed. It is sometimes necessary to lead the arc around its center to get to the desired orientation. The first 4 segments are all Lines. Figure 5.2 The First Part of the Plate Outline 5-4 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

5 Smarter Lines 8. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar>, to display the Tool Settings window at the pointer position. 9. Change the Segment Type back to Lines, the Coordinates to Rectangular. Move the pointer directly downwards, press <Enter> (to invoke Smart Lock), snap to the right shoulder segment. 10. Move directly to the left, invoke Smart Lock, snap to the starting point of the plate. This will make the line segment end directly above the origin of the element. 11. With the pointer still over the starting point, do not accept the snap this time, but press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar> again. The tool settings window will re-appear, with the additional settings for the attributes of the closed shape we are about to complete. 12. Ensure that Closed Element is checked, choose Solid from the Area options, and None from Fill Type. 13. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar> to toggle the Tool Settings window display back Off and then snap to the starting point to complete the complex shape. This panel of the Tool Settings window only appears when SmartLine detects that we are placing a closed element. This is still a separate Line at the moment, but it will become a Segment of a Complex Shape when we accept the snap. Figure 5.3 Completing the Plate Outline That has completed the outline, introducing some new concepts as we did so. We will now use some concepts that we will already be fairly familiar with. We will place the circles representing the countersunk screw holes, snapping to the centers of each of the corner roundings. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-5

6 5 Smarter Lines Place the Fixing Screw Holes 1. Select the Place Circle tool, set the Method to Center, the Area to Hole, the Fill Type to None. 2. Check the box at the bottom of the window, choose Diameter and enter 4 to the field, press <Tab> to set the diameter. The Area attribute relates to the areas that may be patterned, and those that may not. Patterning is to be introduced later. 3. Make Center the Default snap mode (double-click its icon on the Snap Mode button bar). 4. Snap to each of the 4 corner roundings to place the actual fixing holes. 5. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar>, to display the Tool Settings window, change the Area to Solid and the Diameter to 8, press <Tab> to enter the setting. 6. Snap the countersink outlines to be concentric with the fixing holes, Reset when all 4 are in place. It does not matter which we snap to, the corner roundings or the existing holes. We snap the first circles to the centers of the corner roundings. The second set may be placed using the same technique, or the other circles can be snapped to. Figure 5.4 Placing the Fixing Holes That is as much as we will do to the mounting plate for now, it will be completed in stages as we proceed through the course. Make sure those settings were saved before the DGN is closed. 5-6 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

7 Ellipses Ellipses The Ellipses tool box only has two tools, as shown below. Place Circle Place Ellipse Figure 5.5 The Ellipses Tool Box Of these, the Circle is already familiar, but now we will experiment with some different methods of placing it, including using another Snap Mode. The Place Circle Tool We have already placed circles using the Edge method, when we placed the circle between the wings of the aircraft shape. We will experiment with this method again, this time using Tangent snaps to place it, with existing lines becoming tangents to the new circle. Placing Circles To Tangents 1. Open AccuWorks.dgn ; create a new level named Ellipses, make it the Active Level, turn Off all others. 2. Select the Window Area tool; with the AccuDraw window Active, press <M>, enter 0 into the Data Point Keyin window to define the bottom-left of the view. 3. Enter 1.2,1 into the keyin window to define the top-right of the view area. Close the Data Point Keyin window. We now have a known view area of approximately 1.2m by 1m. Remember, AccuWorks.dgn has master units of Meters and subunits of Millimeters. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-7

8 5 Ellipses 4. Using Place SmartLine with Join Elements checked, draw a J shaped line string with segments of.15m,.6m and.9m respectively, as shown in Figure Change the Default snap mode to Tangent Snap (remember to double-click the button). 6. Select the Place Circle tool, Method: Edge, uncheck the Diameter check box (the other settings are unimportant for this exercise). 7. Manually snap (using the Tentative mouse button) to each of the three segments of the J in any order, Reset. We need to accept each snap, even when placed manually. The circle has been placed with the three line segments forming tangents to the circle. As can be seen from the 150mm line, these tangent lines do not have to overlap the circle. 8. Select the Place Circle tool, Method: Edge, the Diameter check box checked, Diameter: :175 (175mm). 9. Manually snap to the original circle, then to the upper part of the 900mm segment of the J, Reset. The small circle will be positioned tangent to both the large circle and the line segment. Only 2 Tangent snaps have been accepted at this stage, so the circle s diameter is yet to be constrained. The circle has been placed to precisely fit the constraints, without the need for keyed in dimensions. This segment is a Tangent to the circle, even though it falls short of it. AccuDraw is still running, but it has no function in this operation. This circle has its diameter constrained to 175mm, but its position is to be defined by a Tangent snap to the larger circle and to the 900mm segment. Figure 5.6 Circles Constrained by Tangents 5-8 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

9 The Place Ellipse Tool Another method of placing circles is by Diameter, where two data points define a diameter and location for the circle. Placing Circles by Diameter 1. With AccuWorks.dgn open and Ellipses as the Active Level, select the Place Circle tool, Method: Diameter. This is the diameter Method, the diameter constraint box is not to be checked. 2. Make Keypoint the Default snap mode, snap to both ends of the 150mm segment of the J. 3. Place another circle away from the other geometry, this time placing the data points 300mm (:300 or.3) apart, using AccuDraw. Using Snaps to define diameter. Using AccuDraw. Figure 5.7 Circles by Diameter The Place Ellipse Tool An Ellipse is a shape frequently used in everything from landscape architecture to machinery design. It was also commonly used to draw circular objects when viewed from an angle, but 3D techniques (not introduced in this course) are taking over this form of drawing production. It is defined by a primary radius, a secondary radius and its orientation (rotation). Any or all of these may be constrained in the tool settings window, but it is more common to define them using AccuDraw. Generally, it is most efficient to define individual circles and ellipses with AccuDraw, but use the tool settings if we are placing two or more of the same dimensions. An ellipse may also be placed with 3 data points defining the Edge. The points need to be placed or selected in order around the perimeter of the element for the result to be predictable. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-9

10 5 Ellipses Placing Ellipses 1. Using the same DGN and level as the last exercise, select the Place Ellipse tool, Method: Center, Area: Solid, all 3 constraint check boxes unchecked. 2. Place a data point in a clear area to locate the center of the ellipse; if necessary change to Polar AccuDraw coordinates (<Spacebar>). The prompt reads Identify Ellipse Primary Radius. 3. Use AccuDraw to place a point at a distance of.6m and an angle of 30. Now the prompt reads Identify Ellipse Secondary Radius, which is constrained to fall on the AccuDraw y axis. 4. Place the Secondary Radius point at a distance of.3m in either direction. We have defined both radii and the rotation with AccuDraw. We will place another ellipse by Edge this time, using keypoint snaps. 5. Copy the J line string created for the Circles exercise to a clear area in the view. 6. Change the tool settings Method to Edge, keypoint snap to the 3 points on the J as shown in Figure 5.8; then try placing the points in a different order, as illustrated. Defining the Primary Radius. Defining the Secondary Radius. When placing an ellipse by Edge, the order that the points are defined in may affect the size and orientation of the element. Figure 5.8 Placing Ellipses 5-10 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

11 Arcs Arcs The Place SmartLine tool may be used to place arcs, as we have found when creating the Mounting Plate on page 5-4. However, there are specialized tools for this task that may be used when we require the arcs to be defined differently to SmartLine, where we need Elliptical arcs or where an existing arc needs to be modified. Place Arc Place Half Ellipse Place Quarter Ellipse Modify Arc Radius Modify Arc Angle Modify Arc Axis Figure 5.9 The Arcs Tool Box The Place Arc Tool With its Method set to Center, this tool will place circular arcs in a similar way to Place SmartLine. However, it offers many other options as well as the fully graphical method used with SmartLine and AccuDraw, including the Edge method. The biggest difference is that this tool has settings to constrain any or all of its parameters. For the next set of exercises, we will continue to work in AccuWorks.dgn, on a new level named Arcs. Placing Circular Arcs 1. With AccuWorks.dgn open, create a new level named Arcs, make it the Active Level, turn Off all others. 2. Use the Window Area tool to set a view area of approximately 3m by 2m, as we did in Prepare the DGN on page Select the Place Arc tool, Method: Center, all the boxes unchecked. 4. Place a data point to identify the first arc endpoint. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-11

12 5 Arcs 5. With Polar coordinates, use AccuDraw to place the arc center at a distance of.45m and an angle of -135 (the pointer should be positioned to the left and below the AccuDraw origin). The AccuDraw compass positions itself with its origin at the arc center, rotated to align its +x axis to the first arc endpoint. 6. Rotate the pointer around the AccuDraw compass in an anticlockwise direction until it indexes to the +y axis, do not accept yet. The tool settings window will read out the parameters of the arc we are placing, with checkmarks in the boxes where we have already constrained the arc. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar> to verify this. 7. Rotate the pointer around the compass in a clockwise direction, back to the +y axis, accept the 270 arc. 8. Use <Ctrl>+<Spacebar> to return to the Tool Settings window, change the Method to Edge, enter a Radius of.6m, leave the other boxes unchecked. 9. Place a data point to identify the first arc endpoint, rotate the pointer through the AccuDraw origin to lead the arc clockwise, then rotate anticlockwise around the notional arc center to reduce the sweep angle. An invalid data point alert appears when we are pointing to the start point, indicating that we can t end the arc right there. 10. Use AccuDraw to place a data point.45m to the right of the start. Arc placed by Center with the radius defined by AccuDraw. Rotate around the origin to lead the direction of this arc. Arc placed by Edge with a fixed radius. Rotate through the origin to lead the direction of this arc. Reduce the length of the arc by rotating the pointer against the direction of the arc. Figure 5.10 Placing Circular Arcs 5-12 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

13 The Place Arc Tool The Place Half Ellipse Tool This tool has no tool settings to make; the half ellipse is placed with three points, the two ends and a point anywhere on the ellipse. Place a Half Ellipse 1. With AccuWorks.dgn open, use the Pan tool to move the view over a clear area if necessary. 2. Select the Place Half Ellipse tool, place a data point to define one end of the axis of the element. 3. Using rectangular coordinates, define a point on the ellipse downward by.3 and to the right by Place the other end of the axis.15 further to the right and.3 upward. The half ellipse is placed with the point on the ellipse half way between the ends in this example, thus it defines its maximum height. This point could have been placed at a different location, giving less predictable results. The first end of the axis was placed freehand in this example. This point defines the overall height in this case, but this is only so when it is placed halfway between the ends. Figure 5.11 Placing a Half Ellipse BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-13

14 5 Arcs The Place Quarter Ellipse Tool Like Place Half Ellipse, there are no settings for this tool. The placement principles are similar, in that one end and an axis are defined, then the other end. Place a Quarter Ellipse 1. With AccuWorks.dgn open, Pan the view over a clear area. 2. Select the Place Quarter Ellipse tool, place a data point to define one end of the element. 3. Define a point indexed to the y axis using AccuDraw, then define the endpoint at a right angle to the point on the axis. The second point could have been placed anywhere on the axis, but it is easier to define the endpoint when we have the point on the axis at a known position. Placing the Point on the axis at the intended length of the element makes it easier to position the endpoint. Figure 5.12 Placing a Quarter Ellipse The Modify Arc Radius Tool In common with part ellipse tools, there are no settings for this tool, which operates on circular arcs only. The modifications will usually be made visually with this tool, the ends of the arc remaining fixed. Whilst it modifies the Arc Radius as the name suggests, it does not allow for the keyboard entry of a new radius, a facility available with the general purpose Modify tool (to be introduced later in this chapter). Modify the Radius of an Arc 1. With AccuWorks.dgn open, use the Pan tool to move the view over the circular arcs placed earlier. 2. Select the Modify Arc Radius tool, identify one of the arcs with a data point. When we identify the element, the AccuDraw compass appears with its origin at the current center of the arc Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

15 The Modify Arc Angle Tool 3. Move the pointer, freehand or using AccuDraw, accept when the arc appears to have the desired radius. The AccuDraw compass appears at the center of the arc before modification. We may use midpoint snap (manual only) to identify the arc, then control it to some extent with AccuDraw. Figure 5.13 Using the Modify Arc Radius Tool The Modify Arc Angle Tool This tool will operate on both circular arcs and partial ellipses. It may be controlled by AccuDraw to change the sweep angle of an arc. Modify Arc Angles 1. With the view remaining over the circular arcs placed earlier, select the Modify Arc Angle tool; identify one of the arcs with a data point near one end. The AccuDraw compass appears with its origin at the center of the arc with polar coordinates, regardless of its previous setting. Its +x axis will align with the Origin (first end placed) of the arc. 2. Move the pointer, freehand or using an angle keyed in to AccuDraw, accept when the arc reaches the required sweep. The AccuDraw compass is aligned with the end of the arc as identified, ready for an angle to be keyed in. Figure 5.14 Using the Modify Arc Angle Tool BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-15

16 5 Arcs The Modify Arc Axis Tool This tool will operate on both circular arcs and partial ellipses. It effectively changes the x dimension of the arc, therefore Circular arcs may become Elliptical and vice-versa. When the arc is identified, the AccuDraw compass is oriented with the +x axis aligned with the Origin (the first point that was placed when it was created). This is the axis along which the dimension of the arc will be modified. Modify the Axis of Arcs 1. Pan the view as necessary over a clear area, place freehand arcs with sweep angles of >180 and of <90 (see The Place Arc Tool on page 5-11). The existing arcs may have been modified already with the other tools and their origins may be hidden, so we have produced new ones to ensure predictable results. 2. Select the Modify Arc Axis tool, identify an arc of more than 180 with a data point (it does not matter where it is identified). When we identify the element, the AccuDraw compass appears with its origin at the center of the arc. It will appear with polar coordinates, regardless of its previous setting. Its +x axis will align with the Origin of the arc. 3. Move the pointer, freehand or using an angle keyed in to AccuDraw, accept when the arc reaches the required shape. 4. Identify a shorter arc, observe the effect of the modification on this. The AccuDraw compass +x is aligned with the origin of the arc. The modification is still along the x axis with short arcs. Figure 5.15 Using the Modify Arc Angle Tool 5-16 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

17 Curves Curves There is only one Curve tool available from the Main tool frame with the default MicroStation interface. It will create either Point or Stream curves. This is the only tool we will introduce during this course, but there is a B- Splines tool frame available from the Tools menu that provides tool boxes for creating and modifying curves for specialized applications. Point curves pass through selected points, whereas Stream curves leave a trail behind the pointer. Stream curves are mainly used for tracing drawings with a Digitizing tablet or images displayed on the screen. Place a Points Curve 1. Still using AccuWorks.dgn, create a new level named Curves, make it the active level, turn On the Ellipses level, all the rest Off. 2. Make another copy of the J line string to one side of the original. 3. Use Change Element Attributes to change the copy to the Curves level, turn Off the Ellipses level. 4. Select the Place Point or Stream Curve tool from the Linear Elements tool box (see Figure 5.16), Method: Points. 5. Keypoint snap to each of the ends and vertices of the line string, finishing back at the start, Reset. 6. Change the Method to Stream, place a freehand stream curve (no need to hold the data button down), Reset. The Point curve places a simple best fit curve. This remains an open Curve type element, even when the start and end points coincide. The Stream curve continues to draw a curve following the pointer until we Reset. Figure 5.16 Using the Place Point or Stream Curve Tool BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-17

18 5 Modifying Elements Modifying Elements Being able to Modify elements after they have been placed is an essential feature of any Computer Aided Design application. In MicroStation, we have an extensive range of tools in the Modify tool box to change the shape of elements, trim them, and join them. Modify Element Partial Delete Extend Line Extend Elements to Intersection Extend Element to Intersection Trim Elements IntelliTrim Insert Vertex Delete Vertex Construct Circular Fillet Construct Chamfer Figure 5.17 The Modify Tool Box The Modify Element Tool This one tool can perform many different types of modifications to many different types of elements. It may be used to: Move a vertex of a line, line string or curve. Move segments and vertices of shapes, including complex shapes. Modify elements created with the Place SmartLine tool, including converting rounded segments to vertices and vice-versa. Change the radius of a circular arc without affecting its sweep angle. Change the radii of circles and ellipses. Modify dimension elements, including text placement, extension line and dimension line position (exercises on this later). We will make up a composite DGN for our modification exercises, starting with a new design file, then copying some examples of our previous work into it Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

19 The Modify Element Tool Copying Between DGN s There are a number of methods for copying elements from one design file to another. The method we will use in the next exercise will be the one used by all Windows applications, Cutting and Pasting. Collect Elements for Modification Exercises 1. Create a new design file named Modifications.dgn in our allocated Student directory, using 2dMetricGeneral.dgn as the seed file. 2. Set the Working Units of the new DGN to Millimeters (for both Master and Sub-units), Coordinate Readout to Master Units with an Accuracy of 0 (pages 2-10 and 2-11). Save the settings (File > Save Settings). 3. Open AccuWorks.dgn (our own version), turn On all levels. 4. Use the PowerSelector tool to select the elements illustrated (except for the Mounting Plate outline) in Figure 5.18 (see Using the PowerSelector Individual Method on page 4-33). The relative sizes of these elements will not be the same as in the illustration as yet. 5. Copy the selection set to the clipboard (Edit > Copy or Ctrl + C). 6. Reopen Modifications.dgn, Paste (Edit > Paste or Ctrl + V) to copy elements to this DGN (They will bring their level names with them). We are prompted to select a location for the pasted elements. A data point to the center of the view is OK, or we may use the Data Point Keyin dialog box (<P>) to define precise coordinates, e.g.0,0. 7. Open Mounting Plate.dgn and copy the Mounting Plate to the clipboard, reopen Modifications.dgn, Paste the complex shape, as in step Scale (page 4-11) the octagon and building-end shapes by.2, the mounting plate by Move (page 4-2) the elements to arrange them as in Figure This collection of elements will be added to as we progress through the exercises. Figure 5.18 Elements for Modification Exercises BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-19

20 5 Modifying Elements Copying Between Levels Now we have a collection of elements, we need multiple copies of these, as we will be using at least some of them each time we experiment with a tool from the Modify tool box. We will create a series of new levels related to the tool functions first, then make a copy of the elements to each one. To achieve this, we need to temporarily group elements for copying. Our collection will be grouped with a Fence, as described on page Only elements that are on levels that are turned On are included in the grouping. If we use the Copy tool in conjunction with the Fence, we have the option of copying the fence contents to another Level instead of to other X-Y coordinates. We are going to make the copy several times, so we need to take care that levels are not left turned On when they should be Off. The fence will make a copy of the intended original plus any earlier copies that are still displayed. Instead of single copies on each level, we may finish up with 2, 4, 8, 16 and so on copies, one on top of the other. Since they overlay precisely, it will be impossible to tell if this has happened until we start making changes to one of the copies. Make Copies of elements to New Levels 1. Create new levels in Modifications.dgn with the following names: Modify, Extensions, Trims, Vertices, Blends. 2. Place a Fence to include all of the elements, Fence Type: From Design File, Fence Mode: Inside, Design: Active. Data point the view, as prompted. 3. Select the Copy tool, Use Fence: Checked, data point the view as the First point. 4. Select the Default level in the Active Level combo box from the Attributes tool box (even if it already the Active level), data point the view for the Point to define distance and direction, Reset. When copying from level to level, the elements do not move. The...distance and direction prompt wording does not apply here, we are simply accepting the Copy with the second data point. 5. Turn Off all except the Default level, Update the view. 6. Select the Copy tool, Use Fence: Checked, data point the view as the First point (as in step 3). 7. Select the Blends level in the Active Level combo box from the Attributes tool box (Make it the Active level), data point the view for the Point to define distance and direction, Reset. 8. Turn Off the Default level, Update the view. 9. Repeat steps 6, 7 and 8, except make the Extensions level Active in step 4 and turn Off Blends in step 8. Continue repeating steps 6, 7 and 8, moving down the order of levels as they are displayed, e.g. the next level to be made Active in step 7 is Modify, with Extensions turned Off in step On completion, ensure that copies exist on each level by making it Active and turning Off the rest, Update the view each time Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

21 The Modify Element Tool The fence will follow the pointer as we move to make a new level Active. Once the new level is selected, the fence returns to its original location. Remember, levels may be turned Off in here, as well as being made Active by clicking the name. It is essential that only one level is turned On as the next level is being made Active, or there will be multiple overlaid copies on the later levels. Figure 5.19 Copying Fence Contents to Another Level Modifying Line Strings and Shapes 1. With Modifications.dgn open, make the Modify level Active, all others Off. If necessary, clear the Fence (select the Place Fence tool). 2. Select the Modify Element tool, (no tool settings at this stage), identify one segment of the J line string near its midpoint. The AccuDraw compass will locate its origin on the segment where it was identified. 3. Move the pointer along a perpendicular to the segment, key in 150, accept. The line string is modified by changing the position of the identified segment and changing the length of adjoining segments. Figure 5.20 Moving a Segment of a Line String BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-21

22 5 Modifying Elements 4. Identify one segment of the octagon shape near its midpoint, move the pointer along the segment, return the 150 input with the <Page Up> key (see AccuDraw Previous Value Recall on page 2-27), accept. The segment moves along its length by 150mm, with the adjoining segments changing their length and angle to remain attached. 5. Identify a vertex of the octagon, move this 150 in each direction. The two adjoining segments change their length and angle, the element remains intact, as before. Segments of a shape may be moved in any direction, with the adjacent segments changing to keep the shape closed. Vertices can be moved in any direction, with the adjacent segments changing to suit. Any of these modifications may be made using AccuDraw keyins or snaps to existing geometry. Modifying Ellipses Figure 5.21 Modifying Shapes 1. With Modifications.dgn open, with the Modify level Active, all others Off, select the Modify Element tool. 2. Identify the circle, anywhere on its circumference. The AccuDraw compass will locate its origin at the center and will have polar coordinates. 3. Move the pointer in relation to the AccuDraw origin, noting the changes in radius, including the readout in the AccuDraw window s Distance field. Key in a new radius to the Distance field, accept. Since AccuDraw has its origin at the center of the circle, the distance we key in is the new radius, not a change in radius Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

23 The Modify Element Tool 4. With the Modify Element tool still active, identify the ellipse at a point near the smaller axis. Change this radius visually, accept; data point near the other axis, change this, accept. Either radius may be modified under the control of AccuDraw, which will have changed to rectangular coordinates, aligned with the two axes of the ellipse. Basic Modifications to Arcs 1. With the Modify tool active, identify a circular arc near its midpoint. The AccuDraw compass will locate its origin at the arc s center, with polar coordinates. 2. Change the radius of the arc, accept. With the default tool settings, Modify changes the radius of the arc, but not the Sweep Angle. Identifying the arc away from the ends leaves the center fixed during modification. 3. Identify an arc at one end. The AccuDraw compass will locate its origin at the identified end of the arc, with rectangular coordinates. 4. Change the radius of the arc, accept. With the default tool settings, identifying the arc at an end leaves the opposite end fixed during modification, with the center moving to accommodate the change in radius. Circles may only have their Radius changed, about their center. Ellipses may have either radius modified. AccuDraw indexes to the other radius when moved past this point, so it can be changed to a circle. When we identify an arc away from its ends, the center is fixed as we change the radius but when we identify at an end, the center moves and the opposite end is fixed. Figure 5.22 Modifying Ellipses and Arcs BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-23

24 5 Modifying Elements Modifying Using Extended Tool Settings The options available from the Tool Settings window for the Modify Element tool vary with the identified element, and with the part of its linework it is identified on. For example, if we identify an arc at one of its ends, there are no tool settings to be made. However, if we identify it near its midpoint, we are given the options of changing not only its Radius about its Center (the default, as used previously), but its Radius preserving its Ends and its sweep Angle. As PopSet is assumed to be On, we will be using Ctrl + Spacebar to display the tool settings window when we need to change settings during a Modify operation. It will be necessary to complete any previous Modify operation before we identify an element to experiment with another. The following exercises have been simplified by assuming this. Modify Arcs Using Additional Options 1. With the Modify Element tool active, identify an arc near its midpoint, change the tool setting Method option to Radius preserve Ends, move the pointer away from the Tool Settings window. The radius changes, but the ends of the arc do not move. 2. With the modification still taking place, change the Method to Angle. The angle of the arc will be changing as we move the pointer, as it did with the Modify Arc Angle tool (page 5-16). 3. Identify the arc at a point slightly closer to one end than the other (still near the mid point). Note that the end we were nearest to when we identified the arc is the one changing, the other end is fixed. 4. Identify the arc slightly nearer the opposite end. The fixed and changing ends have swapped. With the Radius preserve Ends option, the sweep angle and the position of the center change. The end of the arc to be changed when using the sweep Angle option depends on where we data point to identify it. Figure 5.23 Other Arc Modifications 5-24 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

25 The Modify Element Tool Modifying Curves and Complex Elements 1. With the Modify Element tool active, identify the curve element somewhere on its right side. Move the pointer and modify the curve. When we first identify it, the curve will change to locate one of its Control Points on the pointer. These control points are those defined when the curve was first placed, 4 of them in this case. We can see where the control points are in Figure 5.24, which shows the original J line string (as dashed lines). The keypoints of this were snapped to when we created the curve, on page Select the curve again and move the pointer to modify the curve. There are no tool settings to make with this modification. There is an arrow on the bottom right of the Tool Settings window, however, indicating more information is available. 3. Click the down arrow in the Tool Settings window; ensure that only the top 2 check boxes are checked and the Vertex Settings option is From Element (Figure 5.24). 4. Click OK to close the extra panel. 5. Still using the Modify Element tool, identify the mounting plate shape near the midpoint of a straight segment of a side. 6. Move the side, note that the corner roundings remain attached and unchanged, only the adjoining segments change. The only modification available is to move the Control Points of the curve (as defined when it was originally placed). These Default settings will allow special modification to the mounting plate outline. Line segments may be moved, taking corner roundings with them and stretching the adjacent sides to fit. Figure 5.24 More Modification Options BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-25

26 5 Modifying Elements 7. Identify the arc at the top of the mounting plate shape, display the Tool Settings. We have 4 Method options available, the 3 we had for arcs in the earlier exercise, plus Move Entire Arc. 8. Choose the Move Entire Arc option, move the arc along all axes, noting the effect on adjoining segments. 9. Identify a corner rounding, display the Tool Settings. We now have the Vertex Type options available to us that we first had from the Place Smartline Tool Settings. 10. Leave the Vertex Type set to Rounded, try moving the vertex with the Orthogonal box checked, then unchecked. 11. Change the Rounding Radius to 300, with the Orthogonal box checked, note the effect on the vertex. 12. Change the Vertex Type to Chamfered, note the effect on the vertex. Figure 5.25 SmartLine Modifications 5-26 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

27 The Partial Delete Tool The Partial Delete Tool The title of this tool is self-explanatory. It is sometimes necessary to remove part of an element, typically to make one element apparently pass behind another, or to break a closed element open, thus allowing further modifications to take place. The tool operates on all types of linework. There are 2 data points required to define a partial delete of an open element (such as a Line String). The first data point defines the start of the section being deleted, the second data point defines the finish. Closed elements need 3 data points; as well as the two for open elements, we need to indicate the Direction (clockwise or anti-clockwise) we want the delete to go. Deleting Parts of Open and Closed Elements 1. With Modifications.dgn open, make the Trims level Active, the remainder Off. 2. Select the Partial Delete tool (no settings required), Midpoint snap to the bottom segment of the J line string. The initial prompt was Select start point for partial delete, now it is Select end point of partial delete. 3. Midpoint snap to the right side segment. We have deleted half of two segments of the J line string, leaving 2 line strings (although one has one segment only). 4. With the Partial Delete tool still active, data point the circle at about the 8 o clock point. The prompt is Select direction of partial delete. 5. Data point the circle at the 6 o clock point to establish that we are deleting in an anti-clockwise direction. 6. Data point the circle at the 4 o clock point to complete the partial deletion. With open elements, we only need to define the Start and End points of the deletion. With closed elements, we must define the Direction as well. Figure 5.26 Deleting Part of Elements BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-27

28 5 Modifying Elements The Extend Line Tool This will not only extends lines, it will shorten them. Its function is to change the length of a line from one end, without changing its angle. It will accept a Distance keyed into the Tool Settings to extend (or shorten, if a negative distance is entered) the line by. AccuDraw can be used to define either a new total length, or an extension amount. The AccuDraw method is mainly used when single operations are required. Change the Length of Existing Lines 1. With Modifications.dgn open and the Trims level Active (all others Off), window the area about the partially-deleted J line string. 2. Select the Extend Line tool, leaving the Distance box unchecked, identify the left side vertical line near the top. The AccuDraw compass locates at the opposite end of the line, with polar coordinates and input focus in the Distance field. 3. Key in 300 (the original length was 150), accept. The line is now 300mm long. We will now reduce the length of the right side vertical line by 150mm, again using AccuDraw. 4. Identify the right side vertical line near the top, using Keypoint snap mode, index (AccuSnap, do not accept) the pointer to the top of the line. The current length of the line is displayed in the AccuDraw window, but we do not need to know this for the current operation. 5. Press <O> to move the AccuDraw Origin to the AccuSnap point. We now have a reference point to work from in changing the line length by a fixed amount. 6. Move the pointer back down (to shorten the line), key in 150, accept. The line is reduced in length by 150mm. The current length is displayed with AccuSnap. Keying in a new total length. For a Relative change in length, set the AccuDraw Origin to the current length. Figure 5.27 Extend Line 5-28 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

29 The Extend Two Elements to Intersection Tool The Extend Two Elements to Intersection Tool This tool is used to extend (or shorten) two elements until they intersect. The elements could be lines, line strings or arcs. Extending 2 Elements to Intersect 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Trims level Active (all others Off); the remaining part of the J line string in the view. 2. Select the Extend Elements to Intersection tool, no tool settings. 3. Identify the two remaining sections of the J line string, placing data points near the ends that we wish to extend. The two lines extend to precisely intersect. Check that this is so by using the Window Area tool to greatly magnify the intersection area, then use View Previous to restore the original viewing area. 4. Place a line (use the Place Smartline tool) that crosses the J line string, as in Figure Select the Extend Elements to Intersection tool again, data point the two lines on the sections we want to keep. 6. Window area about the short arc; place a line crossing under it, as shown at the bottom of Figure Extend the arc & line as before, repeat the action for the other ends. The lines are identified near the ends to be extended. To shorten the lines, they are identified on the sections to remain. In this example, extensions have been made to both ends. Figure 5.28 Extending Two Elements to Intersect BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-29

30 5 Modifying Elements The Extend Element to Intersection Tool This tool is similar to the previously introduced one, except it only modifies one element. Extending 2 Elements to Intersect 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Trims level Active (all others Off), with the longer circular arc in the view. 2. Place a line, starting from a Center snap to the arc and extending upwards, as shown on the left in Figure Select the Extend Element to Intersection tool, no tool settings. 4. Select the line as the First element for extension, then the arc as the Element for intersection. The line extends to intersect with the arc, which remains unmodified. 5. Extend one end of the arc to the line, remembering to select the element for extension first, at the end to be extended. The extra line is added from inside the arc. The line extended to intersect the arc. The arc extended to intersect the line. Figure 5.29 Extending Single Elements To an Intersection 5-30 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

31 The Extend Element to Intersection Tool The Trim Elements Tool Trimming is one of the most common modifications needed to elements. This tool removes linework that intersects with a Cutting Element or Elements. It is usual to pre-select the cutting element(s) with the PowerSelector before selecting the tool so we can make multiple trims. Whilst we have the option of selecting a single cutting element after selecting the tool, we can only use it for the one Trim operation. Trimming Elements 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Trims level Active (all others Off), with the ellipse in the view. 2. Place a 1500 by 600 block across the ellipse, as shown in Figure The block may be placed anywhere, then Moved precisely into position using Center snaps (page 4-5) to align its centroid with that of the ellipse. 3. Select the ellipse and the block just placed with the PowerSelector. 4. Select the Trim Elements tool (no tool settings), identify one side of the ellipse inside the block, accept the trim. Repeat this operation to trim the other side of the ellipse. 5. With the Trim Elements tool still active, identify one side of the block inside a part ellipse, accept the trim. Repeat this operation to trim the other side of the block. Move the block to align its center with the center of the ellipse. Both elements are preselected as the Cutting Elements before the Trim tool is selected. Figure 5.30 Trimming Elements With The Trim Tool BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-31

32 5 Modifying Elements The IntelliTrim Tool This is a more advanced form of trim tool, which is not only able to Trim, it can Extend and Cut elements. It has two Modes, Quick and Advanced. The PowerSelector is not needed to pre-select elements, this is all carried out within the same tool. In Quick mode, one element may be selected for trimming or extending to, in Advanced mode multiple elements may be selected. We will only work with the Quick mode for these exercises. Using IntelliTrim in Quick Mode 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Trims level Active (all others Off), with the octagon and the building end shape in the view. 2. Move the building end shape to place its centroid at the same point as the centroid of the octagon, as shown in Figure Use the same technique as was used to position the block in the previous exercise. 3. Place a short line outside the octagon, at about the 11 o clock position, as shown in Figure Mirror a Copy of this line about a Vertical axis (see page 4-22) defined by a Center snap to either shape. 5. Select the Intellitrim tool, Mode: Quick, Operation: Extend. 6. Identify the Building End shape as the Element to extend to. 7. Without changing tools, draw a selection line across the two lines above the octagon, Reset as we have no other lines to extend. The two lines extend to the roof line of the selected shape. A copy of the first line is Mirrored. Selection line. This shape is moved to align centroids with the octagon. The shape highlights and displays with dashed linework when selected. Figure 5.31 Using IntelliTrim to Extend Lines 5-32 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

33 The IntelliTrim Tool 8. Change the Operation to Trim, identify the octagon as Element to trim to. 9. Draw a selection line through the extended lines outside the octagon, then through the building shape inside the octagon. The elements will be trimmed as shown in Figure Change the Operation to Cut, draw a horizontal cut line across the middle of the geometry. The geometry does not look different, until we select the top sections of the remains of the shapes (now line strings). When we do this we find that the elements above the cut line select separately from those below. We can move the cut off sections apart, they are new elements. The outside sections of the lines have been removed. The part of the building shape inside the octagon has been removed. The geometry has been cut, but this will not be apparent until it is Selected and/or Manipulated in some way. Figure 5.32 Trimming and Cutting With IntelliTrim BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-33

34 5 Modifying Elements The Insert Vertex Tool Apart from inserting extra vertices in line segments of line strings and shapes, this tool can also be used to add control points to existing point curves. Adding Vertices and Control Points 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Vertices level Active (all others Off), with the building end shape in the view. 2. Select the Insert Vertex tool, identify the bottom line on the shape. Moving the pointer will show that the new vertex is inserted and can be positioned wherever we need it. We will position it in respect to the top vertex of the shape. 3. Move the pointer over the top vertex, invoke the Set Origin AccuDraw shortcut (<O>), move the pointer down (indexed to the -y axis), key in 1200, accept. We now have an irregular hexagon. 4. Pan the view to display the point curve; select the Insert Vertex tool, identify the curve between the existing control points (see Figure 5.24). 5. Use AccuDraw to position the new control point, thus re-shaping the curve. The vertex or control point is not inserted at the point where the element was identified, but at the position the data point is placed to accept it. Figure 5.33 Inserting a Vertex and a Control Point Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

35 The IntelliTrim Tool The Delete Vertex Tool This tool, as the name implies, removes vertices from shapes and line strings and control points from curves. It (along with Insert Vertex) is also used when modifying dimensioning, as we will find in Chapter 10. Adding Vertices and Control Points 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Vertices level Active (all others Off), with the point curve remaining in the view from the last exercise. 2. Select the Delete Vertex tool, identify the curve near the assumed position of a control point (see Figure 5.24 for the original control points, or select it near the new control point placed in the last exercise), accept. The curve will be re-shaped with one less control point. 3. Pan the view to display the octagon; select the Delete Vertex tool, identify the octagon at one of its vertices, accept. The shape is no longer an octagon. Vertices and control points can be deleted until a minimum of 3 remain. Figure 5.34 Deleting a Vertex and a Control Point. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-35

36 5 Modifying Elements The Construct Circular Fillet Tool This tool blends individual lines, circles, circular arcs and segments of line strings and shapes with a circular arc or fillet of a defined radius. Except where closed elements are involved, the elements being blended may optionally be truncated at the fillet. Filleting Between Elements 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Blends level Active (all others Off), with the octagon in the view. 2. Select the Construct Circular Fillet tool, Radius: 450, Truncate: Both. 3. Identify two segments on the octagon, at points near to the chosen vertex. The former octagon is no longer a Shape type element, it is a Line String with a vertex replaced by an arc blending the segments. The arc was placed with the currently active Element Attributes. Unless these attributes are matched (see Matching Attributes to Other Elements on page 3-14), it may not match the geometry it is blending. 4. Pan the view to a clear area; place an arc, Method: Center, Radius: 300, Start Angle: 0, Sweep angle: 180 (page 5-12). Place a vertical line starting from a keypoint snap to one end of the arc, similar to the illustration in Figure Select the Construct Circular Fillet tool, Radius:150, Truncate: Both, identify the two elements in turn. Filleting drops a shape to a line string and inserts the blending arc, which will be placed with the currently active element attributes. Filleting to an arc or circle results in the fillet being placed with a smooth tangent-to-tangent blend. We may fillet to circles, but they (along with complex shapes) cannot be truncated. Truncation is optional with open elements. Figure 5.35 Filleting Between Elements Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

37 The Construct Chamfer Tool The Construct Chamfer Tool This tool blends individual lines and segments of line strings and shapes, but with an angled line instead of an arc. The angle of this line is defined by two offset distances, which are the distances from the intersection of the segments for the first and second segment identified. The elements being chamfered are always truncated and circles, complex shapes and arcs cannot be chamfered. Chamfering Between Elements 1. Have Modifications.dgn open and the Blends level Active (all others Off), with the Building End shape in the view. 2. Select the Construct Chamfer tool, Distance 1: 150, Distance 2: Identify two segments on the roof, at points near to the ridge, accept the chamfer. 4. Identify a wall and a floor segment, accept the chamfer. The new shape is still a closed element and the attributes of the chamfer segments will match the existing segments. However, if the 2 elements being chamfered have differing attributes, the currently active element attributes will be used. In this example, the attributes of the original segments are all the same, thus the chamfer segments will automatically match them. Distance 1 Distance 2 Distance 1 is the offset applied to the first segment identified. Distance 2 Distance 1 Figure 5.36 Chamfering Between Elements. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-37

38 5 Active Points Active Points Active Points are points in the true mathematical sense of the word - they have Position without Size. In MicroStation, an Active Point is usually a line with zero length. To make this visible, it is displayed with a length equalling its weight or on-screen width (see Line Weight on page 3-11). The position of an Active Point may also be indicated with a text character, or a Cell, which is a grouping of elements to be introduced later in the course. Regardless of how it is indicated, it will only have one set of coordinates. In other words, a snap with the pointer on one side or the other of an active point indicator will always fall on the same spot. Active points are mainly used on screen rather than on paper. They are generally used for reference points during the construction of a design and are seldom printed out on drawings. The exercise for all of the Points tools starts on page Place Active Point Point(s) Between Point on Element Point at Intersection Point(s) along Element Point at Distance Along Figure 5.37 The Points Tool Box The Place Active Point Tool This tool is used for placing individual points, their location defined by keying in coordinates, or by offsetting from existing elements. The Place Points Between Data Points Tool Used to place a defined number of Active Points on a line between two data points. The Project Active Point Onto Element Tool Used to place an Active Point on an element at the point closest to the position a data point is placed Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

39 The Construct Active Point at Intersection Tool The Construct Active Point at Intersection Tool Places an Active Point at the intersection of two elements, or at the intersection of projections of two elements. The Construct Points Along Element Tool Used to place a specified number of Active Points along an open element. The Construct Active Point at Distance Along Element Tool Used to place an Active Point at a specific distance along an element. Placing Active Points 1. With Modifications.dgn open and the Default level Active (all others Off), zoom the J line string and the octagon into the view. 2. Select the Place Active Point tool, Point Type: Element, all fields empty. We will be placing Zero Length Line elements as Active Points with these settings, which will remain the same for the remainder of the steps in this exercise. 3. Set the Line Weight attribute to 10. This is to make the point more visible; if we use a small line weight, e.g. 0, the point will be so small as to make it difficult to see if it is out on its own, impossible to see if it is under linework. This setting will also remain for the rest of the steps. It is necessary to use a large Line Weight to make the Element point type visible. Figure 5.38 Settings for Active Points BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-39

40 5 Active Points 4. With input focus in the AccuDraw window, press the Data Point Keyin shortcut (<P>), key 0 into the field and press <Enter>. We have just placed an Active Point at a known pair of coordinates, the Global Origin. It probably will be outside the view area, so use Fit view to display all the geometry and it will appear, then View Previous to return to the J. 5. Select the Place Points Between Data Points tool, Points: 7. Snap to the ends of the J line string. There will be one Active Point at each end of the J, 5 in between. 6. Select the Project Active Point Onto Element tool, identify the octagon to receive the Active Point, snap to the bottom-right vertex of the J, Reset. The single Active Point will fall on the octagon, at the point closest to the vertex snapped to on the J. 7. Select the Construct Active Point at Intersection tool, identify the upper-left segment on the octagon, then the bottom segment of the J, accept. The single Active Point will fall at the point where the projections of the identified line segments intersect. 8. Select the Construct Points Along Element tool, Points: 7. Snap to the ends of the J line string. There will be one Active Point at each end of the J, 5 in between, all falling on the line string. 9. Change the Color attribute (to make this point stand out); select the Construct Active Point at Distance Along Element tool, Distance: Snap to the left end of the J line string, move the pointer away from the element and accept. There will be one Active Point 1000mm from the end of the J. Point(s) Between Point at Intersection Point(s) along Element Point at Distance Along Point on Element Figure 5.39 Placing Active Points 5-40 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

41 The Key-in Utility The Key-in Utility Key-ins were the main method of entering instructions to a Computer Aided Design application in earlier times. These days our graphical user interface (GUI) has icon tools, dialog boxes and special windows (e.g. the AccuDraw window) to enter these instructions much more efficiently. However, there are still some uses for key-in instructions. Not all instructions have GUI items available to issue them, so there will be times when we need to use this utility. The Key-in Window This window is able to be re-sized. As well as the key-in field, it can display a set of list boxes which allow the selection of instructions to add to the keyin field. At full size, the window also displays a History panel, so we can choose from previously issued commands. When it is reduced to its minimum size (the key-in field only), it may be Docked at the top or the bottom of the screen. Enter a Command Using the Key-in Window 1. With Modifications.dgn open, choose Utilities > Key-in from the Main menu bar. The format that this window opens in will depend on its format when it was last closed. 2. If necessary, re-size the window downwards to its maximum size. List Boxes History Panel Figure 5.40 The Key-in Window BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 5-41

42 5 The Key-in Utility We will now enter the command to create a back up version of the current design file. 3. Click in the leftmost list box, key in <b> (the first character of the word backup, which is a MicroStation command). The list box will highlight the first occurrence of a command starting with b, in this case it is the command we want, backup. This command will appear in the key-in field. 4. Click the Key in button. The DGN is backed up to a directory designated by our particular configuration of MicroStation, as defined within our User details. Note the prompt in the Status Bar. 5. Try some other commands, for example, click in the leftmost list box, press <p> a number of times until place appears, then click arc, then edge, click Key in. Moving the pointer on the screen, we find that we are able to place an arc. It would be easier just to select the tool in this case, but there are times when we need this utility, including during this course. Close the key-in window for now, we will open it again when it is needed. When we click in here and press <b>, the first command starting with b highlights and appears in the Key-in field. Clicking the Key in button issues the command, which then appears in the History. The command can be returned to the field by clicking it, or run immediately by double-clicking. Status Bar Prompt Commands can be built up from the list boxes. Figure 5.41 Using the Key-in Window 5-42 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)