How to Turn On Grips in Microstation?

Enabling Grips in MicroStation

MicroStation allows users to interactively modify and manipulate elements through the use of grips. These grips, also referred to as edit handles, provide a convenient way for users to stretch, resize, or rotate elements directly in the drawing interface. If grips are not displaying when you select an element, you may need to enable them through the application’s settings. Follow the steps below to turn on grips in MicroStation.

Step 1: Access Preferences

1. Begin by navigating to the main menu at the top of the MicroStation interface.
2. Look for the “Workspace” option and click on it to reveal a dropdown.
3. In the dropdown menu, select “Preferences.” This will open the Preferences dialog box, where various application settings can be adjusted.

Step 2: Locate the Operation Category

1. Within the Preferences dialog box, you’ll see multiple categories listed on the left side.
2. Click on “Operation” to view the settings related to how you interact with elements in MicroStation.

Step 3: Adjust Edit Handles Settings

1. In the Operation settings, look for an option labeled “Disable Edit Handles.”
2. Ensure that this option is unchecked. If it’s checked, grips will not appear when you select an element.
3. By unchecking this option, you are enabling the display of grips for selected entities.

Step 4: Apply and Exit

1. After ensuring the “Disable Edit Handles” checkbox is unchecked, click on the “OK” button in the Preferences dialog to save your changes.
2. Close the Preferences dialog box to return to your workspace.

Step 5: Test Grips

1. Select any element in your MicroStation workspace.
2. Verify that the grips now appear around the selected element.
3. You can now use these grips to manipulate the element as needed, allowing for more intuitive editing.

Common Issues

If grips do not appear after following these steps, consider checking if you are working in a view that supports grip functionality or if there are any overriding display options active in the level manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I still can’t see grips after enabling them?
Ensure that you are in a supported view and that no other window settings are obstructing the visibility of grips. Also, verify that you do not have any conflicting display settings.

2. Can I disable grips again if I don’t find them useful?
Yes, you can return to the Preferences dialog and check the “Disable Edit Handles” option to turn off grips.

3. Do grips work with all types of elements in MicroStation?
Grips are primarily designed to work with standard drawing elements. If you are working with more advanced or custom elements, functionalities may vary, depending on the element’s properties and restrictions.