How to Change Accudraw Settings in Microstation?

Understanding AccuDraw in MicroStation

AccuDraw is an integral tool within MicroStation that enhances the design process by providing intuitive drafting support. It allows users to track their drawing steps and predict the next actions efficiently. Familiarizing yourself with how to modify AccuDraw settings can greatly optimize your workflow.

Switching Between Coordinate Systems

To adjust the coordinate system utilized by AccuDraw, you can easily toggle between Polar and Cartesian modes. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Activate AccuDraw: Ensure that the AccuDraw window is focused on your drawing.
2. Toggle the System: Press the Spacebar. This action will switch between the two coordinate systems.

Disabling Civil AccuDraw

If you need to deactivate Civil AccuDraw, which provides specialized civil engineering functions, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the Icon: Find the Toggle Civil AccuDraw icon on your toolbar.
2. Click to Toggle: A click will enable or disable the Civil AccuDraw features as required.
3. Access Settings: For additional customization, click on the Shortcuts icon to open the Civil AccuDraw Settings dialog.

Displaying Coordinates

To make the coordinates visible within your MicroStation workspace, you can utilize the built-in coordinate display features:

1. Open the Tool: Navigate to the menu and select Tools.
2. Choose Annotation: From the drop-down, find and select XYZ Text.
3. Label Points: Use the Label Point function to mark and export coordinates of any selected points in your drawing.

Activating the Compass Feature

Enabling the compass in AccuDraw can significantly enhance your navigation while drawing. To toggle this setting:

1. File Settings: Go to the menu and select File, then navigate to Settings > User > AccuDraw.
2. Enable Floating Origin: Check the option for Floating Origin to activate the compass.
3. Save Settings: Be sure to close the settings and select File > Save Settings to keep your changes.

Accessing and Using AccuDraw

For those new to AccuDraw, here’s how you can display and interact with the tool:

1. Open AccuDraw: If using the default function key settings, press F11.
2. Focus on the Window: If the window is already opened, this command will simply refocus it.
3. Toggle Display: Alternatively, access the Toggle AccuDraw tool through the menu by navigating to View > Home > Primary > More.

Customizing Civil AccuDraw Settings

To personalize your experience with Civil AccuDraw, particularly for northing and easting inputs, you can follow these steps:

1. Access Design File Settings: Choose Settings > Design File from the menu.
2. Modify Coordinate Format: Go to Civil Formatting and select Coordinate Settings. Change the format to Northing, Easting.
3. Civil AccuDraw Menu: Visit Tools > Civil AccuDraw, and select Civil AccuDraw Settings.
4. Favorites Tab: Click on the Favorites tab, add a new entry, and name it (e.g., “NE”).
5. Select Command: Ensure that your new Civil AccuDraw command is selected for use.

Locking Axis in MicroStation

To prevent inadvertent movements while drawing, locking the axis can be necessary. Here’s how to effectively lock the axis:

1. Open Locks Menu: Go to Settings > Locks > Full.
2. Verify Lock Status: You can check which locks are enabled or disabled within the Locks dialog.
3. Enable Axis Lock: Use the Keyin command: Utilities > Keyin > Lock Axis to set your axis lock according to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main purpose of AccuDraw in MicroStation?
AccuDraw enhances drafting efficiency by anticipating user intentions and providing a user-friendly interface that streamlines the drawing process.

2. Can I revert AccuDraw settings to default once they’ve been changed?
Yes, you can reset the AccuDraw settings to their default configuration through the settings menu within MicroStation.

3. Is there a way to customize keyboard shortcuts for AccuDraw features?
Absolutely. You can modify keyboard shortcuts by accessing the key-in settings or customizing function key assignments through the user preferences menu.