CAD/BIM Tips & Tricks
How To Replace the MicroStation Reference File Paths in All Your Sheet Files at the Same Time
By Rick Sewell
Published 10 April 2021
Updated 12 March 2024
Have you ever completed a project and then discovered that the client needs some of the references saved with a different path? Trust me, I know exactly how frustrating that can be.
The purpose of this article is to show you how to replace the reference file path saved in your sheet files — while retaining all of your varying reference file names — in just minutes. Yep, minutes. Follow along and try it yourself. You’ll be so happy with how much time it saves you!
- Load RefManager™ from your “Axiom” menu in MicroStation™.
- On the main dialog box, set “Action:” to “Modify Reference File Attachments”.
- The “Modify Reference File Attachments” dialog box now appears with the “Category” already set to “Attachment Names”. Now, set the “Component:” to “Full Path”. RefManager allows you to change any or all of the components of a reference file path in all of your sheet files at once.
problem fast!
- Change the “Method:” to “Replace Entire String”. (The “From:” field will
become inactive.) - In the “To:” field, enter the full new path that you want to use. It’s okay if the new path only exists on your client’s network.
- Press the (Close) button to return to the main dialog box.
- Press the (Attachments…) button.
- On the “Filter Reference File Attachments By” dialog box, click on “File Name” in the Category list.
- In the “String:” field, enter the names of the reference files whose paths you want to change in your sheets. Put a semi-colon (;) between each file name.
- Change the “Method:” to “Replace Entire String”. (The “From:” field will become inactive.)
- In the “To:” field, enter the full new path that you want to use. It’s okay if the new path only exists on your client’s network.
- Press the (Close) button to return to the main dialog box.
- Press the (Attachments…) button.
- On the “Filter Reference File Attachments By” dialog box, click on “File Name” in the Category list.
- In the “String:” field, enter the names of the reference files whose paths you want to change in your sheets. Put a semi-colon (;) between each file name.
Note: This limits the string substitution RefManager will perform to only the reference files you specify. This is so that you control exactly which attachments get this new path.
For example: Say there are a whole bunch of different reference files attached to your sheet files, and these reference files are all attached using that same path you are going to change. However, you only want to change the path for the attached reference files named “construct.dgn” and “main.bdr”. In the “String:” field, enter:
construct.dgn;main.bdr
This way, only “construct.dgn” and “main.bdr” will have their paths changed.
It is also possible to use wildcards in the “String:” field to allow a broader range of reference file names to be processed. For example, “main*.*” would find and process files such as: main.dgn, main.bdr, main-border.dg1.
- Press the (Close) button to return to the main RefManager dialog box.
- Use the “Master Files:” field to tell RefManager which sheet files to process. You can use — like “*.— if you like. Or use the button to choose files graphically. You can choose as many files as you want and process them all in one job with RefManager.
pull-down-menu.
- Press to process your files!
- Now — in just minutes — all of the files you are processing will reference “construct.dgn” and “main.bdr” with the new path!
MicroStation Tools To Save Time
If you’d like more information about MicroStation tools to help you save time, visit AxiomInt.com where you can also chat with us online. If you have questions, call a knowledgeable MicroStation Consultant at 727-442-7774. Don’t forget to ask about the MicroStation tools that have free trial versions (no credit card required) so that you can experience the time-savings for yourself.
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