How to Make a Custom Line Style in MicroStation?

Understanding Custom Line Styles in MicroStation

Creating a custom line style in MicroStation allows for greater flexibility in design, enabling users to tailor their drawings to specific project needs. The following guide provides a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in creating a custom line style.

Steps to Create a Custom Line Style

1. Initiate Line Style Creation

   • Open MicroStation and ensure you are using the appropriate design file where the custom line style will be created.
   • Access the menu bar at the top and navigate to Edit, then select Create and choose Name.

2. Naming the Line Style

   • MicroStation generates a new line style labeled as "Unnamed" by default.
   • Click in the name field and replace "Unnamed" with a relevant name that represents the style you desire. This name will be visible when selecting line styles in future projects.

3. Define Line Style Characteristics

   • After naming your custom line style, you need to define its attributes. You can do this by accessing the properties dialog where you will set aspects like scale and pattern.
   • Specify the pattern using an array of symbols or dashes as needed. Adjust the spacing and size to meet your design criteria.

4. Saving the Custom Line Style

   • Once you have configured the attributes, save your changes. Make sure you are in the correct configuration to store your custom styles for future use.
5. Applying the Custom Line Style
   • To utilize your newly created line style in your drawings, go to the Active Line Style dropdown menu.
   • Select your custom line style from the list, and it will become active for any lines drawn subsequently.

Modifying and Editing Custom Line Styles

1. Open the Line Style Editor

   • Navigate to the menu and choose Element, then Line Styles, and select Edit. This action opens the Line Style Editor dialog where you can manage existing line styles.

2. Select the Custom Line Style

   • Within the dialog, locate your previously created custom line style. You can modify its properties, such as changing the pattern or scale.
3. Confirm Changes and Save
   • After making the desired modifications, ensure to save these changes by confirming in the dialog. You may also want to perform a test by drawing with the modified style to verify that it appears as intended.

Importing Line Styles from Other Files

1. Line Style Editor Access

   • If you need to import line styles from an existing file, again access the Line Style Editor via Element > Line Styles > Edit.

2. Import Files

   • Choose the File menu within the editor dialog and select Import. You can opt to import from either an AutoCAD Line Style File (LIN) or a MicroStation Resource File (RSC).
3. Select and Open the File
   • Browse to the location of the file you want to import and click Open. This will add the line styles from the selected file into your current MicroStation environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I revert to the default line styles after creating a custom one?

   • Yes, you can switch back to default line styles at any time by selecting them from the Active Line Style menu. Custom styles can be toggled as needed.

2. Is there a limit to the number of custom line styles I can create?

   • MicroStation allows for the creation of numerous custom line styles, but it’s advisable to keep them organized to enhance manageability within your projects.
3. How do I share custom line styles with other users?
   • Custom line styles can be exported and shared by saving them into a DGN library or by exporting the respective line style files (.rsc or .lin) and providing those files to other users. They can then import them into their MicroStation environment.