Understanding Element Dropping in MicroStation
Dropping elements in MicroStation refers to the process of simplifying or disassembling complex entities into more manageable components. This operation is essential for editing, modifying, or analyzing designs effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dropping Elements in MicroStation
Step 1: Select Your Elements
Begin by activating the selection tool. Click on the elements you wish to drop, ensuring they are highlighted. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may also utilize the “Select By Attributes” option to filter and select specific types of elements, such as shared cells or shapes.
Step 2: Choose the Drop Element Tool
Once you have your desired elements selected, navigate to the toolbox. Locate the “Drop Element” tool, which is essential for executing the drop operation. If you cannot find it immediately, you can access it via the tool menu (Tools > Drop).
Step 3: Configure Tool Settings
Before committing to the drop operation, adjust the tool settings according to the type of elements you are working with. This customization allows for a more precise drop, ensuring only the selected elements that match your specification are altered. In the tool settings, you must select options relevant to the element types you are operating on, such as “Shared Cells” or “Complex Shapes.”
Step 4: Execute the Drop Command
Once your selections and settings are confirmed, proceed to initiate the dropping process. This action will render the selected elements into simpler parts or, in certain cases, transform them into ordinary elements. Be mindful that only the specified element types will be affected based on your settings.
Removing Shared Cells in MicroStation
Identifying Shared Cells
To drop shared cells specifically, first engage the Power Selector tool. This method ensures all target shared cells are duly highlighted. You can also employ the “Select By Attributes” function if you need to isolate specific shared cells.
Executing Drop on Shared Cells
With the shared cells now selected, access the Drop Element tool again. Set the tool’s options to ‘Shared Cells’ before proceeding. Confirm your choice to execute the drop operation, effectively altering the shared cells into standard element forms that can be manipulated independently.
Decomposing Complex Shapes in MicroStation
Selecting Complex Shapes
Highlight the complex shapes you wish to decompose. This selection is a prerequisite for utilizing the Drop Complex Status tool.
Using the Drop Complex Status Tool
After selecting the desired complex shapes, navigate to the Drop Complex Status tool located in the Drawing home tab under Groups. By activating this tool, you will break down the complex shapes into simpler components. Note that this tool is ineffective on regular elements.
FAQs
1. What happens to the elements after they are dropped in MicroStation?
After dropping elements, they are transformed into simpler components, which can then be individually edited or manipulated. This process aids in refining the design without the constraints imposed by complex element structures.
2. Can I undo a drop operation in MicroStation?
Yes, if you find that a drop operation was not as intended, you can easily use the “Undo” command (typically Ctrl + Z) to revert to the previous state before the drop occurred.
3. Are there specific types of elements that cannot be dropped in MicroStation?
Certain elements, depending on their nature or settings, may resist the drop operation. For example, individual lines or shape elements are not classified as complex and may not exhibit any change when trying to apply the drop tool configured for complex shapes. Ensure you are selecting the appropriate types for modification.
