Microstation

How to Edit a Reference in Microstation?

Steps to Edit a Reference in MicroStation

Editing a reference in MicroStation involves several systematic steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform the task effectively.

1. Access the References Dialog Box

Begin by opening the References dialog box, which serves as the control center for managing references. To do this, navigate to the top menu and select File followed by References. This will bring up a window that lists all the references currently attached to your active model.

2. Select the Reference

From the list displayed in the References dialog, identify and highlight the reference you wish to edit. This selection is crucial as it determines which reference will be manipulated in the following steps.

3. Activate the Reference

Once the reference is highlighted, right-click on it. A context menu will appear. Choose the option Activate. This action allows you to make edits as if you are working directly within that reference.

4. Make Your Edits

After activating the reference, you will have access to all elements within it. You can now use various tools, such as the Element Selection tool, to click and modify text, shapes, or other graphical elements. To edit text specifically, double-click on it, which will activate the text editor.

5. Adjust Reference Settings (Optional)

If you need to alter how the reference is displayed (like changing levels or colors), access the Level Manager. Within this tool, expand the reference’s tree structure, select the desired level, and adjust the symbology settings as needed.

6. Finalize Your Changes

Once you have completed all necessary edits, make sure to save your changes. You can return to the References dialog and confirm that any adjustments are reflected correctly. If you wish to deactivate the reference after editing, simply right-click it in the References dialog and select Deactivate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I edit a reference without activating it?
No, to make any edits to a reference in MicroStation, you must first activate it. This allows you to manipulate the elements as if they were part of the primary model.

2. What should I do if I cannot find the References dialog box?
If you’re unable to locate the References dialog, ensure you are in the correct workspace. You may access it via the tools menu. Alternatively, use the Key-in command ‘dialog reference open’ to open it directly.

3. Is it possible to edit multiple references at once?
Yes, you can edit multiple references by activating them one after the other. However, changes must be saved for each reference before moving on to ensure that all edits are properly applied.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.