Understanding the Concept of Greyed Out References in MicroStation
The ability to grey out references in MicroStation is a useful feature that allows you to focus on specific elements of your design while minimizing distractions from other references. This process involves adjusting the visibility settings of the reference files, effectively reducing their prominence on the screen. Here’s how you can do it step by step.
Steps to Grey Out References in MicroStation
Step 1: Open Your Project
First, launch MicroStation and open the project file you’re working on. Make sure that your reference files are already attached to the master file where you want to modify the visibility settings.
Step 2: Access the Level Manager
Once your project is open, navigate to the Level Manager. This can typically be found in the primary toolbar or under the ‘Settings’ menu. The Level Manager allows for control over the display properties of the various levels in your design.
Step 3: Identify the Reference
On the left side of the Level Manager, you’ll see a hierarchy of levels associated with your master file. Locate and expand the section corresponding to the reference file you want to modify. Clicking on the reference file will display its associated levels in the main window.
Step 4: Change Symbology Settings
To grey out the reference, find the ‘Symbology’ toggle in the Level Manager. By default, it may be set to ‘ByLevel,’ which means the reference will display according to its original specifications. Change this setting to ‘Overrides.’ This adjustment allows you to apply a custom visual attribute to the reference elements.
Step 5: Adjust Color Properties
With the ‘Overrides’ setting activated, you can now modify the color properties of the reference levels. Look for the option to change the color, which will often be represented as a color palette or dropdown. Select a light grey color to effectively grey out the elements of the reference. This will reduce their visibility and create a more subdued appearance in your workspace.
Step 6: Apply Changes
After selecting your desired grey color, make sure to apply the changes. There may be an ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ button available in the Level Manager to facilitate this. Your reference elements should now appear greyed out in your design viewport.
Step 7: Review the Rendered View
Switch to the rendered view to confirm that the changes are reflected correctly. If the references appear as intended, you have successfully greyed them out. If you wish to revert changes, return to the Level Manager and toggle back to the original settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grey out multiple references at once in MicroStation?
Yes, you can select multiple references in the Level Manager and apply the same symbology and color overrides to all of them simultaneously.
2. How do I revert changes made to greyed out references?
To revert changes, return to the Level Manager, select the affected reference, and switch the Symbology setting back to ‘ByLevel’ or choose the original color settings.
3. Will greying out references affect printing?
Greyscale settings do not typically affect print settings. Ensure you check the print preview to see how the references will appear when printed, as you may need to adjust settings separately.
