MicroStation V7 tips from Lee Wilson of Day & Zimmermann

This month’s tips come from Lee Wilson. Lee is the CAD manager at Day & Zimmermann in Kingsport, Tennessee. Thank you for sending us in your tips, Lee!

Lee Wilson, CAD manager at Day & Zimmermann, Kingsport, Tennessee.

Back to center
Ever had a dimension extension line cover up a centerline? It is possible to turn the display of a dimension extension line on and off by using the key-in “CHANGE DIMENSION EXTENSION” and picking the element (in this case an extension line). It also works with selection sets.

To turn a dimension extension line on or off, type in “CHANGE DIMENSION EXTENSION” and select the extension line.

This will enable you to turn those extension lines off and not have to drop the dimension.

To turn a dimension extension line on or off, type in “CHANGE DIMENSION EXTENSION” and select the extension line.

It works as a toggle, so if you want to turn it back on, just click the missing extension line.

Quick copy without the fence
Ever wanted to copy a certain element or set of elements without using a fence? Using the Element Selection tool, you can pick multiple elements to copy by holding the <Ctrl> key while you select the elements. After you have selected all the elements you want to copy, press <Ctrl-C> to copy. Then, press <Ctrl-V> to paste. This will place the elements from the center point.

To go a step further, you can place a tentative point on the selection set, then press <Ctrl-C>. This procedure will place the items on your clipboard from that tentative point you selected. As long as you keep this session of MicroStation open, this can be pasted to any design file by pressing <Ctrl-V>.

1. Quick two-letter key-ins
2. MicroStation Tip Corner – Easily trim elements using the Trim Element tool.
3. Align Tool in MicroStation J
4. The XM files: Using named fences as references.
5. Easily make batch changes to tag and dimension text!