Understanding Element Ordering in MicroStation Connect
MicroStation Connect Edition allows users to control the display order of various elements in their drawings. Adjusting the visibility of elements by moving them to the front or back is essential for achieving clear and organized designs. Whether you’re stacking drawings or working with overlapping shapes, bringing an element to the front ensures it remains visible and prominent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bring Elements to the Front
Once you have your drawing ready, you can follow these steps to bring an element to the front:
Step 1: Select the Element
Begin by identifying the element you wish to move to the front. You can use the selection tool to click directly on the element or draw a selection box around it. Make sure the element is highlighted, indicating it has been successfully selected.
Step 2: Access the Edit Menu
With your element selected, navigate to the top menu bar on your screen. Click on the “Edit” option to reveal a dropdown menu. This menu contains various commands related to modifying the elements in your drawing.
Step 3: Use the Bring to Front Command
In the dropdown menu from “Edit,” look for the option that states “Bring to Front.” Clicking this option will move your selected element above all other elements in the order of display, making it immediately visible.
Optional: Assigning a Shortcut
To enhance your work efficiency, consider assigning the “Bring to Front” command to a function key. This saves time by allowing you to use a simple keystroke to execute the command without navigating through the menus each time.
Adjusting the Draw Order of Multiple Elements
When working with several overlapping elements, it may be necessary to change the order of multiple items instead of just one:
Step 1: Create a Selection Set
Hold down the “Ctrl” key and click each element you wish to adjust. By holding “Ctrl,” you can select multiple items at once. Alternatively, you can click and drag across the elements to create a selection set.
Step 2: Repeat the Edit Menu Navigation
Once you have all desired elements selected, return to the “Edit” menu in the top bar.
Step 3: Click Bring to Front
With the selection set ready, choose “Bring to Front” from the dropdown. All selected elements will be moved to the front of the drawing layer, ensuring they are all prominently displayed.
Related Functions for Managing Element Visibility
Alongside bringing elements to the front, understanding how to send elements back is equally important. Similar steps apply when you want to adjust elements that might be obscured by others, allowing for cleaner designs and easier navigation throughout your drawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to manipulate element ordering?
Yes, assigning keyboard shortcuts for commands like “Bring to Front” or “Send to Back” can streamline your workflow significantly. You can configure these shortcuts through your settings.
2. Is there a way to permanently adjust the draw order of layers in MicroStation?
Yes, draw order can be adjusted permanently via the Level Manager, where you can set priority levels for different layers, determining their default rendering order.
3. What if my elements are still not displaying correctly after using the Bring to Front command?
If elements still appear behind others, double-check that no other elements are interfering with the visibility and that layer settings are properly configured in the Level Manager.
