How to Match Properties in MicroStation V8i?

Understanding Element Property Matching in MicroStation V8i

Matching properties is a fundamental feature in MicroStation V8i that allows users to maintain consistency throughout their designs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to match various element attributes effectively.

Matching General Element Attributes

1. Begin with Your Drawing: While you are in the middle of creating or editing an element, press the “Alt” key on your keyboard.
2. Select the Reference Element: Move your cursor over to the element whose attributes you wish to replicate.
3. Activate the Match: Once you hover over the desired element, perform a left-click with your mouse. This action will transfer the properties from the selected element to the element you are currently working on.

Matching Hatch Attributes

1. Initiate the SmartMatch Tool: Open the tool from the toolbox if you want to match attributes of hatch elements.
2. Identify the Appropriate Element: By default, the SmartMatch tool focuses on the overall boundary symbology rather than the hatch itself.
3. Access Pattern Matching: To ensure that the hatching itself is matched, select "Match Pattern Attributes" from the tool settings. Make sure to enable the match for symbology as well.
4. Confirm Your Selection: Click to accept your choices, and your active hatch should now reflect the desired attributes.

Matching Text Attributes

1. Open the Text Toolbox: Find the ‘Match Text Attributes’ tool from the text toolbox.
2. Select Existing Text: Click on an already placed text element that demonstrates the attributes you want to replicate.
3. Accept Changes: Confirm the match to apply those specific text attributes to your current text element.

Showing and Modifying Properties

1. Access the Properties View: Navigate to the HAMMER CONNECT menu and select View > Properties to open the property grid.
2. Review Element Attributes: Via the Element Information dialog, you can also examine or change attributes relating to element type, geometry, and other characteristics.

Matching Pattern Attributes Properly

1. Use the Match Pattern Attributes Command: Activate this feature to begin matching the pattern attributes of a specific element.
2. Select the Element: Identify the element you want to match the pattern from.
3. Confirm Your Selection: After you’ve made your selection, either accept or reject changes based on your needs.

Adjusting Hatch Properties

1. Modify Symbology: Go to the ‘Modify Pattern’ tool and enable the Attributes setting.
2. Select Your Hatch Element: Click on the hatch that you wish to adjust; it will now adopt your current active attributes.

Changing Multiple Text Sizes

1. Select by Attributes: Use the ‘Select by Attributes’ feature to highlight the text you want to edit. Choose text types and execute the selection process.
2. Adjust Text Attributes: If you want a uniform size for all selected text, mark the Height, Width, and Line Spacing checkboxes while leaving Justification untouched.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between matching element attributes and text attributes?
Matching element attributes focuses on graphical properties such as color, line thickness, and style, while text attributes are specifically about text size, font type, and formatting.

2. Can I match properties while using other tools?
Yes, you can use the matching properties function at any time, even while utilizing other tools, just by temporarily pressing the “Alt” key.

3. Is it possible to undo a property match?
While the tool does not have a direct undo feature for property matching, you can manually reset the attributes or use the undo command immediately after matching to revert to the previous state.