Understanding Shared Cells in MicroStation
Shared cells in MicroStation function similarly to blocks in AutoCAD, allowing for efficient design management. They are unique in that their elements are stored once within a DGN file. This aspect means that any modification applied to a single instance of the shared cell is reflected in every instance throughout the design. Such a setup promotes consistency across your design drawings and reduces redundancy.
Accessing and Editing a Shared Cell
When working with shared cells, the approach for editing them differs from standard elements. Follow these steps to modify a shared cell:
Step 1: Locating the Shared Cell
Begin by opening your MicroStation project and navigating to the cell library where your shared cells are stored. You can access the Cell Library from the main toolbar or through the file menu.
Step 2: Selecting the Cell
Once you have opened the Cell Library, locate the shared cell you wish to edit. A simple double-click on the cell name will activate it, placing the cell in the design environment.
Step 3: Editing the Cell
To edit the shared cell:
- Right-click on the active cell within the design area.
- Select the option labeled "Edit Cell" or "Modify Cell" from the context menu. This will give you the capability to alter the elements of the shared cell.
Make the necessary modifications—these can range from changing the geometry to adjusting the attributes of the cell.
Step 4: Saving Changes
After completing your edits, it is essential to save your modifications. You can either use the "Save" function or "Commit to Design History" to ensure all edits are recorded in the design file. Doing this will ensure that any future placements of the shared cell will reflect the changes you have made.
Step 5: Finalize Your Work
To exit the cell editing mode, simply navigate back to the main drawing. You can do this by selecting the "Exit" option or clicking on the appropriate button in the toolbar.
Breaking a Shared Cell
If you need to decompose a shared cell into its individual components, follow these steps:
- Activate the Drop Element tool found in the "Tools" menu.
- Select the shared cell you wish to break down.
- Choose ‘Shared Cells’ in the tool settings to ensure you break down only the desired shared cell.
- Confirm the action to separate the cell elements for individual editing.
Managing References to Shared Cells
When working with shared cells, references may also come into play. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
Activating a Reference: Right-click on the reference you want to edit from your References dialog and select "Activate." This action will allow you to edit the elements within the reference as if you were working directly within the viewport.
Editing Elements in the Reference: Make your changes as necessary. They will be saved to the reference, and any shared cells will reflect these changes across all instances in the design.
- Adjusting Clip Boundaries: If your shared cell is part of a clipped reference, you can edit the clip boundary by selecting the reference and choosing the handle that appears around the clip boundary to make adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a shared cell and a regular cell in MicroStation?
Regular cells are stored and placed as individual elements, whereas shared cells are saved once in the DGN file and can be reused throughout the project. Modifying one instance of a shared cell updates all instances.
2. Can I edit a shared cell after it has been placed in my design file?
Yes, shared cells can be edited after placement. You just need to activate the cell for editing, make your changes, and save them to update all occurrences of that cell in the design.
3. How can I tell if a cell is shared in my MicroStation project?
You can identify shared cells in your cell library as they will typically be labeled differently and will not have individual instances stored separately, indicating that modifications will apply to all instances.
