Understanding the Fence Tool in MicroStation
The Fence tool is an essential feature within MicroStation that allows users to define specific areas of a drawing for various operations, including printing. Utilizing this tool helps isolate elements to enhance the precision of what is printed.
Accessing the Fence Tool
- Open the Toolbox: Locate the "Place Fence" icon on the toolbar. This icon often resembles a fence or boundary.
- Engage the Toolbox: Click and hold your left mouse button on the "Place Fence" icon until a drop-down menu appears.
- Select the Fence Toolbox: Click on ‘Open Fence as Toolbox’ from the menu options that appear. This will pop up a dedicated toolbox with various fence-related tools.
Setting Up the Fence
- Draw the Fence: Utilize the drawing tools in the Fence toolbox to create a delineated area around the elements you wish to print. You can choose from standard shapes (like rectangle or polygon) or create a custom shape depending on your needs.
- Adjust Fence Properties: After drawing the fence, you can modify its attributes. This includes changing dimensions and shape as needed to encompass all desired content.
Preparing to Print with the Fence
Access the Print Dialog:
- Go to the top menu and select "File," then choose "Print." Alternatively, you may click on the printer icon often found in the toolbar.
Select Printing Options:
- In the Print dialog, under the “Print Area” settings, ensure that the option to print "Active Fence" is selected. This ensures that only the contents within your defined fence will be included in the print job.
Choose the Printer:
- Select your desired printer from the drop-down menu. Make sure to check that the printer is connected and ready for use.
Configure Print Settings:
- Adjust printing parameters such as units of measurement, page size, scale, and any print attributes you might need. These parameters will directly affect the outcome of your print.
Pen Table Configuration:
- If necessary, attach a pen table for specific printing preferences. This step is optional but can enhance the quality of the printed document.
- Preview Your Print:
- Before finalizing the print, take a moment to view the print preview. This ensures that everything looks correct and helps to avoid any issues in the actual printout.
Executing the Print Command
- Final Check: Verify all settings, ensuring the fence area is selected and the correct printer is active.
- Print: Click on the print icon or the option that states "Print" in the dialog box. This will send your specified area within the fence to the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the fence tool does not display correctly?
It may be necessary to reset the toolbox or check if your MicroStation installation requires any updates. Access the settings to ensure that the fence tool is enabled.
Is it possible to save my fence settings for future use?
Yes, you can save your drawing preferences and print settings for reuse. In the dialog box, look for options to save your configuration under a custom file for easy access later.
Can I print multiple fences in a single print job?
Yes, you can define multiple fence areas and print them in one job. Simply repeat the fence drawing process for each area, ensuring you have checked the settings to print all active fences.
