How to Bind Reference in MicroStation?

Understanding Binding References in MicroStation

Binding references in MicroStation is an essential skill for users who want to combine multiple drawings into a single file. This process helps to streamline management of design files and ensures that all elements are included in the master file. Here’s a thorough guide on how to successfully merge references in MicroStation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Merge References

Access the Reference Dialog

1. Begin by navigating to the “Tools” menu located at the top of the MicroStation interface.
2. Select “Key-in” from the dropdown options.
3. In the Key-in dialogue box, type the instruction dialog reference followed by open, and press Enter. This action opens the Reference Dialog window, allowing you to see the list of currently attached references.

Select Nested References

1. Within the Reference Dialog window, identify the references you wish to merge. These may include nested reference files or others that are currently attached to your drawing.
2. With the desired files highlighted, right-click on the selection. A context menu will appear.

Directly Attach the Selected References

1. From the context menu, choose the option labeled “Direct Attachment”. This prepares the selected reference files for the merging process by attaching them directly to the active drawing.

Merge References into Master File

1. Now, proceed to the Reference Manager by right-clicking on the newly created attached file.
2. In the context menu, select the option “Merge into Master.” This command will initiate the merging process where the reference elements will be integrated into the active master file.
3. To finalize the merge, click within the drawing area to confirm the command. You will notice that the reference elements are now part of your master file.

Adjusting Merged Elements

After merging, it may be necessary to adjust the appearance of the newly merged reference elements. This includes changing colors, levels, or other properties to fit the project’s standards.

Changing Color and Levels

1. Navigate to the Level Manager from the primary toolbar.
2. Choose the level corresponding to the merged reference. The options for adjustments should be displayed.
3. Change the Symbology settings from ‘By Level’ to ‘Overrides’ to allow more specific configuration of colors and other properties.

FAQs about Binding References in MicroStation

What is the difference between attaching and merging references in MicroStation?

When you attach a reference, it remains a separate entity that can be modified independently. Merging a reference combines it into the master drawing, making it a permanent part of that file.

Can I unmerge a reference after it has been merged into the master file?

Once a reference has been merged into the master file, it cannot be unmerged or separated back into a reference file. It’s advisable to keep backups of your original files for this reason.

Is it possible to merge multiple references at once in MicroStation?

Yes, multiple references can be selected and merged in a single operation as long as they are highlighted in the Reference Dialog. The merge command will then apply to all selected files.