How to Change Layers in MicroStation?

Accessing Layer Management in MicroStation

To effectively manage layers in MicroStation, begin by accessing the Levels menu. Navigate through the top menu, selecting Settings > Levels > Display. This action opens the display settings for levels, allowing you to view which layers currently contain active elements.

Creating New Layers

1. Open the Level Manager: Click on the Levels menu within the Level Manager dialog box.
2. Add a Level: Select New from the Levels menu or click the New Level icon to initiate the creation process.
3. Name Your Level: In the dialog that appears, enter a unique name for the new layer.
4. Modify Attributes: Customize the new layer’s properties by clicking on the available columns, such as color, style, or weight.
5. Finalizing: After customizing, press Enter to create the new layer, thus adding it to your Level Manager’s list.

Adjusting Layer Colors

1. Select Color Attribute: Within the Level Manager, locate and click on the color box next to the layer you wish to modify.
2. Color Selection: A color palette will pop up. Scroll through the options and click on your desired color, then click OK to apply the selection.
3. Change Additional Attributes: To modify other layer attributes, such as style or weight, follow a similar process by clicking on their respective boxes and making the appropriate changes.

Freezing Layers

To freeze certain layers and prevent any elements from being edited or displayed:

1. Access Layer Options: Open the Level Manager and look for the Global Freeze option.
2. Select Desired Layers: Click on the box next to each layer you wish to freeze. This action will effectively hide and lock these layers from interaction.
3. Control Visibility: Utilize the Global Display or View Display options to manage layer visibility collectively or on an individual basis.

Hiding Elements on a Layer

1. Select Elements: Highlight the elements you want to hide by selecting them in your workspace.
2. Create a Display Set: Right-click to summon the context menu, then choose the option to enable display set view attributes.
3. Modify Selection: After creating the display set, remove elements you wish to hide by using the SHIFT + Right Click to access the menu and deselect them.

Selecting Elements on a Specific Layer

To target and select all elements associated with a specific layer:

1. Single Layer Selection: Click directly on the layer name in the Levels list.
2. Multiple Selections: If you wish to select numerous layers simultaneously, click and drag your cursor through the desired layers.
3. Deselecting Layers: To remove a layer from your selection, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on the highlighted layer.

Merging Layers

To combine two or more layers into one:

1. Access Level Manager: Open the Level Manager and identify the layer that you want to move.
2. Use the Remap Function: Right-click the selected level and choose REMAP. This brings up a dialog with all available layers.
3. Select Destination Layer: Choose a destination layer where you want the elements to be merged. Keep in mind that if your objects aren’t assigned to BYLEVEL, some attributes may not translate correctly.

Deleting a Layer

To remove a layer that is no longer needed:

1. Open the Elements Menu: Navigate to Elements > Cells within the MicroStation menu.
2. Enable Shared Cells: Ensure that the “Use Shared Cells” option is toggled on. This will allow you to view and manage shared cells effectively.
3. Select and Delete: Find the specific cell you wish to delete, select it, and click the Delete button to remove it from your project.

Viewing Element Attributes

To inspect or modify attributes of existing elements:

1. Select Elements: Highlight the elements you’re interested in changing.
2. Change Attributes Tool: Click on the ‘Change Element Attributes’ option from the Ribbon or context menu.
3. Update Attributes: In the Tool Settings dialog, check the boxes for the attributes you want to modify and select the new values accordingly.

Managing Level Display

For an overview of your layers and their various settings:

1. Launch Level Manager: Click on Settings > Manager to open the Level Manager.
2. Access Context Toolbar: You can also right-click within the Levels List Box to quickly access the Level Manager.
3. Filter and Display Options: Use the features available to manage visibility, and monitor model and layer settings efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I restore a turned-off layer?
Utilize the “View Previous” tool, which allows you to revert to previous display settings, effectively turning the layer back on.

2. What is the process for isolating a layer?
To isolate a layer, select the desired layer in the Level Manager and use the isolation function to display only that layer while hiding others.

3. Can I select all elements with similar properties?
Yes, select an element and then use the Select Similar option. This function will create a selection set of all elements that share the same attributes, such as layer or cell name.