Understanding External References (XREFs) in MicroStation
External references, commonly known as XREFs, are critical components in MicroStation that facilitate collaborative design and streamline workflows. This guide will outline the steps necessary for integrating XREFs into your projects.
Steps to Add an XREF in MicroStation
Open the References Dialog: Start by navigating to the References dialog box. This can typically be done by clicking on the ‘References’ icon on the main toolbar or by entering the command from the menu.
Initiate the Attachment Process: Select the option to ‘Attach Reference’. This step triggers a file selection window where you can browse for the DGN files (or other supported formats) that you want to reference in your current project.
Choose Your File: Once you have located the desired DGN file, select it and proceed to choose the ‘Attachment Method’. Here, opting for the ‘Interactive’ method is recommended, as it allows for more precise placement within your active design file.
Set Attachment Parameters: After selecting the file and attachment method, you will be presented with a series of options to customize the attachment settings. Adjust parameters such as position, scale, rotation, and clip settings as necessary. Confirm your selections by clicking ‘OK’ to finalize the attachment.
- Managing Your XREFs: Once the reference is attached, you can manage its visibility and properties directly within the References dialog. This includes options for adjusting colors, levels, or even controlling the display of nested references if applicable.
Editing and Modifying XREFs
Activate the Reference: If you need to edit the contents of an attached XREF, right-click on the reference element within your design. Choose the ‘Activate’ option to open the reference for direct editing without switching between files.
- Editing Tools: Utilize available editing tools within MicroStation to make the necessary adjustments. Any changes made will directly affect the reference, maintaining the connection between your active file and the XREF.
Working with Nested References
Understanding nested references is essential when working with multiple layers of attached files. If an attached reference has its own attachments, these secondary files are termed nested references.
Open Parent Reference: When you open a file that contains references, the nested attachments become accessible, allowing you to view or edit deeper layers of information.
- Navigating Nested Levels: Use the References dialog to manage visibility and properties of not only your main references but also any nested attachments as they can significantly impact your design.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I detach an XREF once it is added?
Yes, you can easily detach an XREF. To do this, navigate back to the References dialog, select the reference you wish to remove, and choose the ‘Detach’ option.
2. What file formats can I use for XREFs in MicroStation?
MicroStation primarily uses DGN files for XREFs. However, it also supports various other formats, including DWG and raster files, provided the correct setting is chosen during attachment.
3. Is it possible to see the changes made in an XREF in real-time?
Changes made in a referenced file may not reflect instantly depending on the display settings. However, enabling real-time updates can be configured to refresh displayed references automatically when changes occur.
