Microstation

How to Send to Back in MicroStation?

How to Send an Image to the Back in MicroStation

When working with images or various drawing elements in MicroStation, managing their visibility through layering can be essential for clarity in your design. This guide provides a systematic approach to sending an image or element to the back layer in MicroStation, ensuring that it does not obscure other elements in your drawing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Elements Back

  1. Select the Target Element(s)
    Begin by selecting the specific element or image that you wish to send backward. You can do this by clicking on it directly or using a selection tool to encompass multiple elements.

  2. Open the Level Display Dialog
    Access the Level Display window by navigating to the appropriate menu. Make sure that all levels are activated so that you can see every element within your project. This ensures that when you send your selected element to the back, it will properly align behind all other visible elements.

  3. Activate Power Selector Mode
    Utilize the Power Selector tool by switching to its invert mode. This functionality allows you to select every other element in your model, aside from the one(s) currently selected. Doing so is useful for managing the remaining layers without having to modify your original selection.

  4. Send Selected Element(s) to the Back
    With your element selected and the other elements active, navigate to the top menu bar. Choose the option that corresponds to moving elements backward. This command will position your selected element behind all others currently active in your design view.

Additional Tips for Layer Management

  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Set keyboard shortcuts for frequently used commands like "Send to Back" to streamline your workflow. This creates an efficient way to manage element visibility without navigating through menus repeatedly.

  • Layer Organization: Regularly update and organize your layers. Well-structured layers facilitate better management of elements, especially in complex drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I send multiple elements to the back at once?
Yes, by selecting multiple elements before executing the "Send to Back" command, you can efficiently adjust the layering of various objects in your drawing simultaneously.

2. How can I check which levels are active in my drawing?
You can verify active levels by opening the Level Display dialog, which showcases all levels and their current visibility status. This feature allows you to ensure that you’re operating on the correct layers.

3. What should I do if elements do not appear as expected after changing their order?
If elements seem out of order or not appearing correctly, revisit the Level Display dialog to confirm the visibility of relevant layers. Additionally, double-check the selection state of the elements to ensure proper adjustments have been made.

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.