It’s not a bug. It works as designed.

Why would people want the ability to prevent that? When you work with many references, and the design become complex, you would want the ability to exclude some drawings from selected, snapped, etc. But sometimes we still need to see them.

Let’s open MicroStation references dialog box. You can do it by accessing menu file> references.

Manipulating reference

On top of this dialog box, you can see some manipulate tools (1).

Before MicroStation XM version, this is the only way you can manipulate a reference file. You can’t select reference on screen and use manipulate tools like other drawing elements.

In recent version, you can still manipulate reference files from this dialog. And also able to manipulate reference files like other drawing elements (more about it below).

Changing reference properties

Below the dialog box, you can change the reference properties (2).

Again, if you choose not to manipulate reference as element, you need to edit here. If you choose to edit it as element, you can also change these properties from element information.

Now let’s examine the reference list (3). There are several columns hold information of reference properties. You can change it from area (2), or directly changing it from area (3).

Now let’s see below. From left to right, the columns show that the reference is displayed, snap-able, selectable, and treated like other elements.

If you want to exclude the elements in that reference from snapping, you can simply uncheck snap next to the reference.

Do you like this feature?

So do you think these features are helpful? I know some AutoCAD users want to have this for years. It’s simple, I wonder why Autodesk hasn’t implemented it to AutoCAD yet.

In this tutorial, we will create this table.

Creating the closed profile

To create this table, the same rule apply: we need to draw a closed profile first. You can draw this 2D profile in front view.

The dimension unit is in mm. You don’t need to draw the exact size in this tutorial.

If creating the profile in one step is difficult, you can draw separate lines and arc. Then convert them to single closed profile using create complex shape tool.

Revolving the profile

After we created the profile, now we will revolve it to make a solid.

Find the tool in create solids.

Revolution options

After you activate it, check your tool options.

You can define the axis by defining points, using view axis (so it depends which view you are working), or using drawing axis. In this tutorial, I use drawing Z.

If you didn’t draw the profile on front view, then you might need to use other axis.

Change the angle to 360 degrees. We want to revolve it to full circle.

If you want to keep the original profile, check keep original. Sometimes we need it when we want to create more objects based on that profile. You can leave it uncheck for now.

Creating revolution

Now we already set the options. Pick your profile from view.

MicroStation already know that you want to revolve it along Z axis. But you need to pick a point where you want to revolve it.

Use image below as reference.

Additional detail

You can continue this table by adding additional details. In this example, I created a profile like this at the edge of the table.

After I revolve it, I get this detail on my table.

Now can you add your own details? Try to combine it with extrusion too.

Further readings

If you have trouble following this tutorial, you might want to check the complete MicroStation tutorial here.

Creating a new sheet

Let’s start. In MicroStation, you may add sheet model in the same or different DGN file. I don’t really know how you MicroStation users usually do this. But AutoCAD users usually put the layout (or sheet) within the same file where they create the drawing. However, I see that in Autodesk vertical products, the 2D generated drawings can be in different files. This also common when we use Sheet Set in AutoCAD.

Now I will let you decide where you want to put it. Or if your company already use MicroStation, you may want to share how you do it.

Now create a DGN file. Use the seed file we created before.

We already have one sheet. Let’s add one more. Go to menu file>models.

Click create a new model.

In create model dialog, choose type: sheet from seed. Then click the magnifier to choose our seed file.

Find the seed file, open it. You will see a dialog asking you to choose which model you want to use. Choose A1 sheet we created before.

Hint:

A seed file allows you to have several sheets settings. You may want to have settings for several paper sizes in a seed file.

Click OK.

Give name ‘table design’.

Now we have two sheets in this design file.

Placing drawings

OK, now that we already have the sheets, how can we put our drawing in it?

If you have a drawing, you may use it. But if you don’t, you can download this file and use it.

Let’s open A1 sheet views if you haven’t open it. You can switch to that view using view groups (see image above).

Go to menu file>references.

In the dialog, click attach reference.

Choose the file you want to put here.

MicroStation will open another dialog box. In this dialog, change the detail scale to 1:100. Or if you use your own drawing, adjust the scale as necessary.

Click OK.

Now you can see the file listed in references dialog box. You also should see the drawing in your MicroStation view.

You can move the drawing when the file is selected in this dialog. You can move, copy, scale, and use other manipulate tools at the top of this dialog.

Modify drawing boundary

Let’s try to clip the reference. You can close or simply move the reference dialog box. Activate place block and draw a rectangle like below.

Back to reference dialog box. Make sure the drawing is selected. Now activate clip reference.

Pick the rectangle we created before. The drawing is now clipped.

The other tools are at the bottom of this dialog. You can change the drawing scale, rotate it using the fields there.

I will not discuss about this dialog further here, because the details about it are supposed when we talk about references. (I hope I can cover it soon)

Placing 3D model

Can we place 3d model? Yes. let’s try to place our 3D table in the 2nd sheet.

The steps are the same. The difference is, after you select the file, you need to tell MicroStation which view you want to use. Change the view to top and use 1:5 scale.

Click OK, and the drawing now appear.

Create projection view

A good tool that is really useful when you work with 3D models is copy/fold reference.

This will add a new projected drawing based on selected reference. You can quickly add front and side view using this tool. Select which drawing you want to create projected view (we only have one now) then activate the tool. Click in your drawing where you want to put it.

Don’t forget to check the tool settings!

Setting reference presentation

When you work with 3D models, you may want to use different presentation. Below, I add one isometric view and set the drawing presentation to illustration.

You can do it by selecting the drawing, then activate set reference presentation.

By default, it will use the parent presentation. But we can override it for a specific drawing. You can change the display style in the opened dialog box.

This tutorial ends here. Now you should be able to create your own seed file and add drawings with different scales and boundary inside your title block. We will cover more in references and views for 3D.

A seed is a template file. We use it to create a new design file. Having a seed file that met our requirement will help us to save time. You will see why in next tutorial.

Creating a sheet model

Create a new file. Use seed2d.dgn as seed file.

From MicroStation menu, choose file>models. This will open a dialog box. By default, using default seed file will create a file with one design model. Now let’s create more model. Click create a new model.

Another dialog box will open. Fill the fields as follow:

1. Type: sheet – 2D
2. Name: A1 sheet
3. Description: CAD Notes A1 default (or you may use your company name)
4. Size: ISO A1

Click OK after you finished.

You should see the new model opened. It should have sheet boundary in your view. That is ISO A1 paper size.

So how you can switch between design model and sheet model? You should see the list in view group, above MicroStation status bar.

Notes for AutoCAD users: This is similar to AutoCAD layout.

Adding title block to sheet

Now we have the sheet. Your next task is to create the title block inside the boundary. If you already have a standard title block, you may use it. If you don’t, you can use the sample file.

Open a new MicroStation session. Do not open the file in your current session.

Browse to this location (for Windows 7, you may need to find it in other folder if you use Win XP or Vista)

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\MicroStation\WorkSpace\Projects\Examples\Building\seed

Open BSI300G-0-Border.dgn

It should show title block drawing. Select all objects in the drawing then choose in menu edit>copy.

Now move back to our previous file. From MicroStation menu, choose edit>paste.

Place the title block inside the  boundary. You may need to move it later to place it precisely.

Press [ctrl] + F to save the setting. This will make MicroStation open this model by default, not the empty design model.

Now we are finished creating our seed. We will use it in our tutorial later, to place our drawings here.

We covered how to use primitive 3d solids in MicroStation in previous tutorial. In this MicroStation tutorial we are going a bit further to create object. We are going to use create 3d solid and modify it.

Basically, these are the steps to create solid 3d object:

1. Create a closed profile.
2. Create a solid using that profile.
3. For more complex 3d objects, we do Boolean operation to combine two or more objects. We can join two solids, or remove a portion from it using other solid, etc.

In recent versions of MicroStation, many new tools are implemented. But those steps are still the most common way to model an object. Even in other CAD applications.

Creating a closed profile

In MicroStation, we can create a closed profile using many tools. Polygons and circle are the easiest way to create a closed profile.

You can also use place SmartLine. Or create complex shape to convert open profile to closed profile. If you are already familiar with 2D design in MicroStation, you should be able to use them. You may want to look at our MicroStation tutorial series to do some exercise to create it.

Creating a 3d solid from profile

There are several tools in MicroStation that you can use to create a solid object. The common tools are by extrusion, by revolution, and by extrusion along.

Creating solid from a profile is not really a challenge in creating 3d models. Creating the profile is. We will get there.

Modify Solids

In most cases, we can’t create a complex object in one shot. We create a solid, then modify it. There are many modification tools you can use here. We will try to use them later.

Exercise: Creating an ashtray

Now let’s try to do a simple exercise. We will create an ashtray.

Create a 3d DGN. If you’re not sure how to do it, read in our first MicroStation 3d tutorial here. Let’s change the master units to cm so we can work easily. Yes, I’m using metric :)

See how you can set your working units in MicroStation DGN here.

Creating first object as base

Now we are going to create the first solid as base object. On top view, create a circle with diameter 15 cm.

1. Activate place circle tool.
2. In top view, click anywhere to place the center point.
3. Move your pointer right, indexed to X positive. Type 7.5 to define the radius, then click data point.

Now let’s create a solid from that circle. We use by extrusion tool.

1. Activate solid by extrusion.
2. Pick the circle using data point.
3. Go to front view, move your pointer up the type 5. Click data point.

Creating second solid

We want to remove some portion in the cylinder center to make the ashtray. Let’s create another circle on top of the cylinder. Go to top view, snap top center of top cylinder. Before you click data point, see the other views. Make sure the top cylinder is highlighted. You can also snap the center from front view, but snapping from top view is easier.

Click data point. That will define the circle’s center. To create the circle, go to top view. Move your pointer away from center point. Type 5 then click data point. It will create a 5 cm radius circle.

Now extrude it down 3 cm.

Subtracting the base solid

Now we have two objects. We are going to remove some portion of the first object using the second object.

We use subtract tool here.

1. Activate subtract solids.
2. Data point the large cylinder as the solid to subtract from.
3. Data point the small cylinder as the solid to subtract.

Click again data point to accept the selection. Remember, in MicroStation we use data point to accept.

Now you will see the solid is removed from base object.

This is how we create 3d object. Like drawing in 2d, there are many possibilities how you can complete the model. But the workflow is the same. You repetitively using create solid tools, then modify it to create more complex objects.

Now let’s continue our model. We will remove some portion again to add a place where you can put the cigarette (What do you call it?).

Create another circle in front view. Snap at the quadrant of the top circle. Refer to image below how you can get it. Make sure in isometric view that you are selecting the correct point.

Create a circle with radius 0.75.

Now extrude the circle. To define the extrusion height, snap to the other end of the cylinder.

Create a rotated copy of 3d object

We can use manipulate tools to modify 3d objects too. It is the same tool to manipulate 2d objects. Let’s try to use rotate tool.

In tool setting, change the active angle to 90 deg and activate copies. Click the last cylinder at the mid point.

Now we have the solids we need.

Let’s subtract it again.

Activate subtract tool. Pick the first object we created before. Now pick one of the small cylinder. To select more cylinder, hold [ctrl] then pick the other one.

Click data point to accept it. You did it!

Not difficult to create a 3d model, isn’t it? We will go further in the next tutorial. Stay tunned!

Exercise video

Have a hard time to follow the tutorial? See how to do it in this video.

Creating and Preparing 3D Design File

Start your MicroStation. You may want to create a new project for this MicroStation 3D tutorial, so the files are separated with your other projects. Create a new file.

Before you click save, make sure you are using seed3d.dgn. If you are not using it, click browse and select the  MicroStation 3D template.

Open the file.

So what are the differences between 2D dgn and 3D dgn? In 3D modeling we have 3 axis: X, Y, and Z. You will see more view tools too. By default MicroStation 3D seed will open 4 views. Examine the view tools.

There are also many tools that you don’t have in 2D design can you see here. We will learn about it later.

Changing the Working Unit

I usually use metric, so it’s the unit we are going to use in this tutorial. Open MicroStation menu, go to settings>design file. Choose working unit category. Change the master unit to millimeters.

Click OK to close the dialog. Click [ctrl] + F to save settings.

Creating Table Legs

Let us start to create our windows panel. There are many 3D tools that we can use. However, the process is usually very simple but require repetitions. Most CAD applications use the same workflow.

Where are the 3D tools? In MicroStation tasks bar, find solids modeling tools. Click down arrow to expand it.

Now you will see several tools groups that you can use to create 3D solids. Don’t be intimidated to see so many tools available here. After you start using them, you will see that they are easy to use.

Using Primitive Solids

Primitive solids are solid forms that are ready to use. You can simply place primitive solids from MicroStation task. However, the solid forms are limited. You need to use other tools to create more complex forms. See what can you create with primitive solids.

Using Slab Solid Tool

Let us try with slab solid. Activate the tool. The slab solid tool settings are now showing options related to creating slab solid. You can fill the slab solid size here, or using AccuDraw. See this MicroStation 2D tutorial how they are related. This time, fill all the values like below.

Now click on empty space in top view. The interesting thing when working with MicroStation in 3D is each view has it’s own axis. When you move your pointer inside a view, the axis color will turn to green and red. It means, MicroStation will use that axis.

Now move your pointer to the right to define length, click data point. Move your pointer up, click data point.

To define the height, you need to move to other view. Use front view, move your pointer above then click data point. You created a slab!

Using Construct Array Tool

You can also use manipulate tools in 3D, just like you use them in 2D. Now let us use a manipulate tool: construct array. Select the table leg in top view, then change the tool settings value as below.

Before you continue, let us see the array preview in top view. This looks OK. But before you accept the array, try to move your pointer to front view.

Now you will see the preview updated instantly. MicroStation will use this view axis and change the objects’ position.

Move back to top view and accept the array.

Changing Display Mode

Before we continue, let us change the display mode on isometric view. Find display mode button, click and hold it until you see the predefined display mode. Change to hidden line or illustration.

Completing Table’s Leg

Now activate place slab tool again. This time we are going to create another slab tool. When you already have many objects in your design file, it is easier to pick the points from isometric view. So move your pointer above the point shown below.

We don’t want to start the slab at that point, but we want to offset it below. If you are already familiar with set origin tool, yes we are going to use it. See this set origin animation if you are not familiar with it yet.

Now when you see the yellow cross, click temporary snap. Click both of your left and right mouse button at once. This will move focus to AccuDraw. Press O to activate set origin.

Now move to front view. Move your pointer below the reference point, type 50 then press [enter]. Click data point. This should define the slab first point 50mm below the reference point.

Now use top view or isometric view. Move your pointer above point on the other table leg. Don’t click it yet! Review how the slab would be if you click it now in front view. Do we need to set origin again?

No, you don’t have to. Move your pointer away until you don’t see the yellow cross in your pointer. Press Z. This will lock Z to 0 value, and try to snap to that point again. If it does looks right, click data point. Complete the slab.

Now can you finish the rest of the table? See video below as your guide!

We use only one basic tool to create this simple table. In this tutorial, I would like to show you how you can work with view’s axis, using manipulate tools, and other tools you usually use in 2D drawings. We will do more exercises later.

Another ‘must have’ annotation element in a drawing is pattern. Pattern is used to show object materials, show section area, and some other purposes.

In MicroStation, we have the types of patterns: hatch area, crosshatch area, and pattern area. Hatch and crosshatch are used for simple pattern, while pattern area is used for complex pattern. If you need to define your own pattern, then definitely you have to use pattern area.

Hatch Area

Hatch area is used to create hatch pattern with parallel lines. You can control the spacing and angle of this pattern.

There are several ways to create hatch area. You can choose the element as closed boundary. You can also pick points to let MicroStation find the boundary using flood, union, intersection, difference, or picking points.

Associative parameter will associate your pattern to your elements. If you move or modify the elements, then the pattern will adjust to the new boundary.

Snappable pattern by default is off. Most users don’t want to snap to patterns since it will make your drawing messy. To many reference point will be found. Only activate it when necessary.

Crosshatch Area

Crosshatch is very similar with hatch, only here you have two parallel lines definitions crossing each other.

Pattern Area

Hatch and crosshatch are used for simple patterns. Pattern area is used for creating complex pattern. You can use complex pattern from cells or .pat file. You already learn about cells, so you will not have a problem using it as pattern. Pat file is extension for pattern/hatch file from AutoCAD. If you are not familiar with AutoCAD and you don’t have custom pattern files from AutoCAD, then you probably will never use file to define your pattern.Cell is easier to define.

Exercise

You can start the exercise by downloading this file: pattern.dgn. Here is how the file looks like.

See how you can do it in our YouTube channel here.

Even if we create our drawings in exact sizes, plot it in certain scales, we still need to add dimensions. It doesn’t make sense if people need a ruler and measure every element in our drawing.

The dimensioning tools are in dimensions tools group.

There are many dimensioning tools we can use. Basically how to use them is just the same. Remember to follow the guides in status bar!

Dimension Styles and Dimension Attributes

Dimension appearance is controlled by dimension attributes. While each dimension can have different attributes, we can manage them efficiently using dimension styles. You can save different attributes settings in each style.

You can access dimension style dialog from MicroStation menu: element>dimension styles. You can have many dimension styles to use in your drawings.

The dimension attributes are grouped into four category: geometry, units, text, and symbology. Each category is represented in a tab. The last tab, advanced, has all of the attributes in it.

Explore the settings available in this dimension style dialog, try to change the values and options. You will see live preview at the bottom of the dialog box.

Basic Dimension Settings: Alignment, Dimension Mode, and Association

Try to activate dimension element

MicroStation will open dimension tool settings. Below is the basic tool settings. You can choose dimension styles and other basic arrangement. If you want to have more settings, click small triangle at the right bottom of the dialog box.

There are many settings that you can change here. Let us discuss several of them.

Alignment

This is how you define your dimension alignment.

1. View will give you dimension aligned with your view. This is useful if you rotated your views and want to have dimension parallel to your view.
2. Drawing will give you dimension parallel to your coordinate (ACS). View rotation will not affect the dimension orientation
3. True will create dimension parallel to your element.
4. Arbitrary will place your dimension arbitrarily. This is very useful if you want to create an isometric dimension.

Association

If you activate association, this will associate your dimension with the element. If you move the element, resize, or do other modification… then the dimension will automatically updated.

Dimension Types

Under location option, you can see what kind of dimension you can create. In this example, you can see dimension types for dimension element.

You can dimension the whole element, create label line, or dimension size perp – line. Try to select a line, change the dimension type and see what will happen!

You will see the dimension types changing, depends on object you select. If you select a circle or arc, then you will see these dimension types.

And this what you will see if you activate dimension linear: