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The XM files: Using named fences as references.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, USA — Reference files don't
exist anymore. Not in the traditional sense at least. Since
the release of V8, every model inside a V8 design file can
be referenced into another model, so the design file has been
transformed into a design container. Entire projects can be
stored in one DGN file - which is why we MicroStation users
should start referring to reference files as just "references."
In MicroStation V8 XM Edition, Bentley has given users the
ability to reference in almost anything. In V7, you could
only attach a file using the whole design as a reference,
or a saved view. In earlier V8 version, users have been able
to add models to the list of "things" they can reference
into another drawing. In XM, Bentley has included the ability
to reference in named fences and named element groups, as
well as using Design History. In this article, we'll show
you how to use XM's named fences as references.
When you place a fence in XM, you have the option to save
that fence and give it a name. You can have virtually unlimited
saved fences.
Then, you can recall those fences by selecting any of the
named fences from any of the Fence tool dialog boxes. Also,
when you are attaching a reference, you can even select multiple
named fences to reference into another drawing. That is hot!
Here is how you attach multiple fenced views as references
(to get the sample file used in this article, e-mail Ivan
Pena at vpm@axiomint or go to www.axiomint.com/mst/desk.zip):
1. Open "desk.dgn".
2. Fence the areas you want to use for this exercise. Then,
name your fences. We used "left" for the left side
of the desk and "right" for the right.
3. Open a new model to use as a master file to reference in
the named fences. In this example, we used a sheet model called
"Border".
4. Once in the "Border" model, open the Reference
dialog box (File | Reference). And attach the desk.dgn file
(which has the named fences we want to attach). In the Reference
Attachment Settings dialog box, ensure that the model that
contains the named fences is selected. Then, locate the "Orientation"
area and browse to the "Named Fences" category.
If the file has a named fence stored in it, there will be
a collapsible box with a cross in it. Click on it to show
the available named fences. Click on both named fences (by
holding down <Control> as you click on the name) and
press <OK>. [Note: Live nesting must be enabled when
attaching this file and any other files you use which contain
references of their own. Failing to enable live nesting will
not yield the desired results.]
5. Place the first fence. Then the second. And you are done!
We hope this article has been helpful and informative. Good
luck with XM!
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