Microstation

How to Turn On Global Display in Microstation?

Understanding Global Display in MicroStation

Global Display is a powerful feature within MicroStation that allows users to control the visibility of levels uniformly across all open views. When you enable or disable a specific level in the Level Display dialog, those changes will automatically apply to every view that is currently open. This means that if Global Display is activated and a level is not frozen, it will be visible across the board, providing a cohesive working environment.

Activating Global Display in MicroStation

To turn on the Global Display feature in MicroStation, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Level Display Dialog:

    • Navigate to the top menu and select Settings, then hover over Levels, and click on Display. This will open the Level Display dialog box.
  2. Locate the Desired Level:

    • In the Level Display dialog, you will find a list of levels currently available. Identify the level for which you wish to change the display settings.
  3. Enable Global Display:

    • There should be a checkbox labeled “Global Display” either at the top of the dialog or near the relevant settings. Make sure this option is checked to activate the global change functionality.
  4. Select/Deselect Levels:

    • To show or hide levels, simply click on the checkbox next to the respective level. If the Global Display is activated, this action will turn the level’s visibility on or off for all open views.
  5. Check View Settings:
    • Ensure that no views are set to freeze the display of the selected level. If they are frozen, you need to adjust their settings to unfreeze.

Implementing Global Freeze in MicroStation

If you want to keep a level on but temporarily hide it in specific views, you can use the Global Freeze feature instead. Here is how to enable it:

  1. Access Level Manager:

    • Open the Level Manager by navigating to Settings > Levels > Manager.
  2. Adjust Freeze Settings:

    • In the Level Manager, you should see a column for Global Freeze. Click in the column corresponding to the level you wish to freeze. Clicking the box will freeze or unfreeze the level globally across all views.
  3. Confirm Settings:
    • Ensure that the changes have been applied by checking each view to see if the desired level is frozen properly.

Customizing Your Display Preferences

MicroStation provides a variety of options beyond basic display control, allowing users to fine-tune their working environment. To better manage display preferences:

  • Using View Display Modes: Besides Global Display, consider utilizing View Display modes for more localized control over level visibility in specific views.

  • Utilizing Level Manager Again: You have the option to manage element display with the Level Manager on a per-level basis, giving you flexibility to handle complex designs efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between Global Display and View Display?
    Global Display affects all open views simultaneously, while View Display allows you to control visibility on a per-view basis. This means you can have different setups for each view if necessary.

  2. Can I freeze levels separately in each view?
    Yes, you can use the View Display settings to freeze levels in individual views without affecting the global display settings for other views.

  3. Is it possible to revert changes made with Global Display?
    You can easily revert changes by revisiting the Level Display dialog and unchecking the levels you previously modified. This will restore their visibility according to the current settings.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.