Printing a selected area in MicroStation is an essential skill for users working on detailed designs. Here’s how to effectively accomplish this task with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Preparing to Print
Open Your Design File: Start by launching MicroStation and opening the design file that contains the area you wish to print. Ensure that all relevant layers and elements are visible.
- Activate the Fence Tool: Navigate to the Fence tool, usually found in the primary toolbar or under the Drawing tools menu. The Fence tool allows you to define a specific area of your drawing that you want to print.
Defining the Print Area
Create the Fence: Once the Fence tool is activated, you can define the print area. Click to place the corner points of the fence around the desired area. You can create different shapes, including rectangles or more complex polygons. Ensure that all parts of your intended print area are enclosed within the fence.
- Verify the Fence: After completing the fence setup, review it to ensure it accurately encompasses the region you want to print. If necessary, you can adjust the fence by clicking and dragging the corners or edges.
Configuring Print Settings
Open the Print Dialog: Go to the File menu and select ‘Print’ from the dropdown options. This will bring up the Print dialog box with various settings.
Select Print Area Mode: In the Print dialog, look for options related to the print area. Choose the option that specifies using a fence for the print area. This instructs MicroStation to recognize the defined fence as the print boundary.
Choose a Printer: From the printer selection dropdown menu, select the printer you wish to use. This could be a physical printer or a virtual one, such as a PDF printer.
Set Printing Parameters: Input essential printing configurations such as paper size, scale, and orientation. Make certain these parameters align with your project requirements.
- Preview the Print: If available, utilize the preview function to examine the print layout. This step allows you to ensure that the selected area is framed correctly and all necessary details are included.
Finalizing the Print
- Submit the Print: Once all settings are satisfactory, click the ‘Print’ or ‘OK’ button to proceed. Depending on the printer, you may be prompted to make additional selections such as color or quality settings. Follow any onscreen prompts to complete your print job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my fence is not capturing the desired area?
Ensure that you have accurately connected the points of the fence tool. If not, you may need to delete the current fence and redraw it to fully enclose the area you wish to print.
Can I print to PDF instead of a physical printer?
Yes, you can select a PDF printer like Adobe PDF from the printer options in the Print dialog. This allows you to save the selected area as a PDF file for electronic distribution or archiving.
Is there a way to adjust print quality settings?
Yes, in the Print dialog, look for options related to print quality or resolution. You can adjust these settings to meet the specific requirements of your project or document.
