Understanding Image Cropping in MicroStation
Cropping images is an essential task when working with graphics in MicroStation. It allows you to focus on a specific area of an image, eliminating unwanted regions and making your presentations cleaner. This guide provides a step-by-step procedure to effectively crop images using MicroStation’s tools.
Step-by-Step Process for Cropping an Image
Follow these detailed steps to crop an image in MicroStation:
1. Open the Raster Manager
Navigate to the menu at the top of the screen and select File > Raster Manager. This will open the Raster Manager dialog, where you can manage the raster images attached to your DGN file.
2. Select the Image to Crop
In the Raster Manager window, locate and select the image you wish to crop from the list of attached raster files. Ensure the selected image is active for editing.
3. Apply the Clip Mask Tool
Within the tool settings panel, find and click on the Apply Clip Mask By 2 Points icon. This tool enables you to create a clipping area defined by two points.
4. Define the Crop Area
Click to place the first data point in one corner of the area you want to retain. Next, move to the opposite corner of the desired section and click again to establish the second data point. A rectangular boundary will be created, representing the area that will remain visible.
5. Confirm the Clipping Operation
If you have only one view open, the clip mask will automatically apply. If multiple views are active, click within the specific view where you wish the cropped image to be displayed to activate the clipping mask in that viewport.
6. Save Your Changes
Once satisfied with the cropped area, make sure to save your work. Navigate to File and click Save to ensure that your editing is preserved.
Editing and Adjusting Clipping Boundaries
In some instances, you may want to modify the clipping boundaries after you’ve created them. Here’s how to do that:
1. Highlight the Reference
Select the reference you wish to adjust by clicking on it within the Raster Manager. This action makes the clip boundaries visible, indicated by dashed lines around the cropped area.
2. Modify the Clipping Area
With the clip boundaries visible, you will notice handles appear at the corners. Click on these handles to drag and resize the clipping boundary according to your needs. Adjust the shape until you achieve the desired crop.
3. Apply Changes
After modifying the clipping area, click outside the cropped region to finalize the adjustments. Your edits will now reflect in the image displayed in the viewport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I crop multiple images at once in MicroStation?
While MicroStation allows you to manage multiple raster images, the cropping tool only applies to one image at a time. You need to select each image individually and apply the clipping mask to each one separately.
2. Is it possible to revert the crop after applying it?
Yes, you can remove or alter the clipping mask applied to an image at any time. Simply select the image, access the properties, and either disable the clip mask or adjust the crop area as desired.
3. What are the limitations of cropping in MicroStation?
While cropping images is straightforward, the tool is primarily for defining visibility within the workspace. The original raster data remains unaffected, allowing for non-destructive editing. However, you need to ensure that your cropping is appropriately set, as undoing changes may require manual adjustments.
