Microstation

How to Change Line Style in MicroStation?

Adjusting the Global Line Style Scale in MicroStation

To modify the global line style scale within MicroStation, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Access Models Dialog: Navigate to the top menu and click on "File." From the dropdown, select "Models" to open the Models dialog box.

  2. Open Model Properties: In the Models dialog, identify the model whose properties you wish to alter. Right-click on the model name and choose "Properties" from the context menu.

  3. Set Line Style Scale: Once the Model Properties dialog appears, look for the option labeled "Line Style Scale."

  4. Input Global Scale Value: Enter your desired value for the Global Line Style Scale. This value will control how line styles are displayed throughout the model.

  5. Confirm Changes: Click "OK" to apply your changes and close the dialog.

Creating Custom Line Styles in MicroStation v8i

To create a new custom line style, you will perform the following steps:

  1. Open the Appropriate File: Start by opening the seed file or the destination file where you want the new line style to reside.

  2. Navigate to Configuration Settings: Go to the menu bar and select "Workspace," then proceed to "Configuration," followed by "Symbology."

  3. Select Line Style Options: In the Symbology window, click on "Select" to browse available line styles.

  4. Add a Custom Style: Choose the custom line styles you want from the options presented, and click on "Add." Make sure to follow any prompts to finalize this addition.

  5. Finalize and Reopen: Click “OK” on the dialog, and then click “Done.” Close the current file and reopen it to refresh the line styles.

  6. Choose the Custom Line Style: From the Active Line Style dropdown menu, you can now select your newly created custom line style for use.

Modifying Line Colors in MicroStation

Changing the color of lines in your project requires the following simple actions:

  1. Open the Change Attributes Tool: Access the Change Attributes tool, typically found in the tools section.

  2. Select Color Option: In the settings panel of this tool, ensure the "Color" option is selected or enabled.

  3. Choose a New Color: Click and hold the data point on the color box adjacent to the color option. A color palette will appear, allowing you to select your desired color.

  4. Apply Changes: Once you have selected the new color, apply the changes to the specified line.

Reversing a Line Direction in MicroStation

To reverse the direction of a line or other element, follow these steps:

  1. Activate Change Element Direction Tool: Find and select the Change Element Direction tool from the toolbar.

  2. Set Mode: Check that the mode is set to "Change Direction," which is typically indicated in the tool settings.

  3. Select the Element: Click on the line or element you wish to reverse. A highlight will appear, showing the current direction with an arrow.

  4. Confirm the Reversal: Accept this action to instantly reverse the direction of the selected element.

Changing Line Weight Settings

Adjusting the line weight in your MicroStation project involves:

  1. Access Preferences: Click on "Workspace" in the top menu bar, then choose "Preferences" from the dropdown.

  2. Select View Options: In the Preferences dialog, navigate to the "View Options" category.

  3. Modify Line Weights: Click on the "Line Weights" button to adjust how line weights are displayed in your project.

  4. Finalize Your Preferences: Apply the chosen settings and close the dialog to see the updates reflected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply different line styles to different sections of the same line?

Yes, MicroStation allows for the application of different line styles to various segments of the same line. You can achieve this by using the Divide or Trim functions to create segments before applying different styles.

2. Is it possible to revert line styles to default settings?

Absolutely. You can reset line styles by accessing the line style library and selecting the default line style, effectively overriding any custom styles previously applied.

3. How do I preview line styles before applying them?

MicroStation provides a preview option in the Line Style dialog where you can see a visual representation of each line style before you apply it. This helps in selecting the style that best fits your design needs.

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.