Understanding Levels in MicroStation
MicroStation operates on a level-based system that enables users to organize their drawing elements efficiently. Each level can be treated as a separate layer, allowing for distinct visibility and properties such as color, line weight, and style. This classification makes it simpler to manage complex drawings by enabling you to control which elements are visible or hidden, thus increasing clarity during editing and revisions.
Selecting Elements on a Specific Level
To select all elements contained within a particular level in MicroStation, follow these detailed instructions:
Open the Level Manager: Navigate to the Level Manager by selecting it from the "Settings" menu or by using the appropriate icon on your toolbar.
Identify the Level: In the Level Manager window, find the level that you wish to select elements from. This will be listed among the available levels.
Select the Level: Click on the level name to highlight it. Ensure this is the level you want to work with.
Activate Selection: Once the desired level is highlighted, look for an option labeled “Select”. This might be found in a context menu or directly on the toolbar depending on your version of MicroStation.
Choose Select All: From the dropdown or pop-up options associated with the level, select “Select All”. This action will automatically select all elements residing on that specific level.
- Review Your Selection: Confirm that the elements you wanted to select are highlighted. If necessary, you can adjust your selections by using additional selection tools if any unwanted elements are included or if additional elements need to be selected.
Working with Selected Elements
After successfully selecting the elements on a specific level, several operations can be performed:
Move or Modify Attributes: With the elements selected, you can change properties such as color, line weight, or even move them to another level.
Delete or Hide: If you need to remove or temporarily hide selected items, right-click to find options for delete or hide in the context menu.
- Save Selection: You can create a selection set to quickly select the same elements later without repeating the previous steps.
Utilizing Filters for Enhanced Selection
Creating filters can further streamline the process of selecting elements on a specific level:
Open Level Manager: Just as before, go to the Level Manager.
Create Filter: Right-click on the “Filters” section in the left column and select New. You will be prompted to name your filter.
Define Filter Criteria: Specify the criteria for your filter, such as the level name or other properties and attributes relevant to your selection needs.
- Apply the Filter: Once your filter is set, it can be applied to easily select all elements that meet the defined criteria in just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I deselect elements in MicroStation?
To deselect elements in MicroStation, you can either click on the "Clear" button in the Element Selection tool or key in the command "choose none". This will remove any active selections from your workspace.
2. What happens if elements are on multiple levels?
If elements are on multiple levels, only those on the currently selected level will be affected when performing actions like move or delete, provided those actions are executed while the level is selected.
3. Can I select elements by attributes rather than level?
Yes, MicroStation allows for selection based on element attributes such as color or line style. Use the "Select By Attributes" tool to specify the parameters for selection, enabling focused edits across different levels based on shared characteristics.
