Where Is the Cell Library in MicroStation?

Locating the Cell Library in MicroStation

To access the Cell Library in MicroStation, begin by navigating to the element menu located at the top of your interface. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Element menu.
2. From the dropdown, select Cell. This action will open the Cell Library dialog box, which is your gateway to managing and utilizing various cell libraries.

Understanding the Cell Library

The Cell Library is a crucial component of MicroStation, containing groups of elements that are combined into complex entities known as cells. These cells can be stored within a design file or independently in a cell library. They provide a standardized way to reuse designs across multiple projects, making your workflow more efficient. Cells can be directly placed into your drawings and manipulated as single units, which enhances productivity and consistency in design work.

Adding New Cells to the Cell Library

To add a cell to your library, adhere to these steps:

1. Open the Cell Library dialog box as explained previously.
2. Look for an option labeled New Cell or Create Cell.
3. Follow the prompts to define the components that comprise your new cell. Be sure to specify the necessary parameters, such as size and orientation.

Importing Cells into Your Project

Importing cells into your project enables you to access previously saved designs:

1. Ensure you are using the Connect Edition of MicroStation for optimal compatibility.
2. In the Place Active Cell window, find and click on the selection dots near the active cell name.
3. This will prompt the Cell Library dialog box. Here, you will have options to:
   • Click on File > Attach File to add a specific cell library.
   • Click on File > Attach Folder to import an entire directory of cell files.
4. Confirm your selections and proceed with any further prompts to successfully import your desired cells.

Editing Existing Cells

If you need to make modifications to an existing shared cell, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Use the key-in command DROP SHARECELL after selecting the cell that needs editing.
2. The system will prompt you to convert the shared cell into an unshared cell. Confirm this change.
3. Now, you can select the individual components of the cell and make any necessary edits.

Stretching a Cell

To adjust the dimensions of a cell:

1. Utilize the Stretch tool from the toolbox.
2. Enclose the part of the cell you wish to stretch by clicking and dragging a selection box around it.
3. Snap to a specific corner point, such as the bottom right corner, so that the Accudraw compass appears for precise adjustments.

Updating Cells Within the Library

To ensure your cells reflect the latest changes:

1. Attach the necessary cell library to your current drawing.
2. In the Cell Library dialog box, navigate to File > Attach File.
3. Set the Method to "Update" and choose Mode as "Global".
4. Select the specific cell that you wish to update and confirm the action with a left mouse click.

Editing Text within Cells

Editing text in a cell varies based on the version of MicroStation:

• For V7:

  1. Select the cell and navigate to the Analyze Element tool.
  2. In the Element Information dialog, click through until you reach the text attributes.
  3. Make your edits and apply them.
• For V8i:
  1. A simple double-click on the text will activate the Edit Text tool, allowing for quick adjustments.

Understanding Shared Cells

A shared cell functions similarly to AutoCAD blocks. The significance of shared cells lies in their efficiency; elements are recorded only once within the DGN file. Modifications made to any instance of a shared cell will reflect across all instances, streamlining design updates.

Handling Shared Cells in MicroStation

When you need to drop shared cells:

1. Utilize the Power Selector tool to select all desired shared cells. Alternatively, you may use Select By Attributes to find them.
2. Activate the Drop Element tool, ensuring that the setting for “Shared Cells” is correctly selected to facilitate the drop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can I create a new cell in MicroStation?
A1: To create a new cell, access the Cell Library dialog, select the option to create a new cell, and define its components following the prompts.

Q2: Is it possible to edit a cell that has already been placed?
A2: Yes, you can edit an already placed shared cell by converting it to an unshared cell using the DROP SHARECELL command, enabling you to modify its elements.

Q3: How do I import a whole folder of cells?
A3: In the Cell Library dialog, choose the option to Attach Folder, select the folder containing your cells, and proceed with the import.