How do I change dimension style in MicroStation?

Taming Dimensions in MicroStation: Your Guide to Dimension Styles

Let’s face it: CAD drawings can get messy fast if you don’t keep things organized. And when it comes to dimensions, consistency is king. That’s where MicroStation’s dimension styles come in – they’re your secret weapon for wrangling those numbers and lines into submission. Think of them as pre-set templates for your dimensions, ensuring everything looks shipshape across your entire project.

Cracking the Code of Dimension Styles

So, what exactly are dimension styles? Well, imagine you’re setting up a new drawing. You want all your dimensions to use the same font, the same arrowheads, the same everything, right? Dimension styles let you save all those settings under a single name. This way, you can easily apply them to any dimension you create. It’s like having a custom-made suit for your dimensions – sharp, consistent, and perfectly tailored to your needs. You can have different styles for different parts of a model, or different models all together.

Finding Your Way Around Dimension Styles

Alright, let’s get practical. How do you actually get to these dimension styles? MicroStation offers a couple of easy routes:

• In the Drawing Workflow: Head over to the “Annotate” tab. You’ll see a “Dimensioning” group – look for the “Dimension Styles” icon there.
• Using the Element Dimensioning Tool: See that little icon hiding underneath the Element Dimensioning tool? Give it a click!

Either way, you’ll end up in the Dimension Styles dialog box, your command center for all things dimension-related.

Changing Dimension Styles: A Hands-On Approach

Now for the fun part: actually changing those dimension styles! Whether you’re styling new dimensions or giving existing ones a makeover, MicroStation has you covered.

1. Styling New Dimensions From the Get-Go:

• Open the Dimension Styles dialog box. You know the drill.
• Spot that drop-down list box? That’s where you pick your style. Just select the one you want.
• Boom! From now on, every dimension you create will rock that style. Until you pick a different one, of course.

2. Giving Existing Dimensions a Makeover:

• The “Change Dimension” Tool is Your Friend: This is the most straightforward way to tweak existing dimensions.
  • Click the “Change Dimension” tool. Obvious, right?
  • Select the dimension(s) you want to change.
  • In the tool settings, find the option to choose a different dimension style.
  • Click to accept the changes, and watch the magic happen!
• Styling Dimensions That Are Style-less: Ever find dimensions floating around without a style? No problem!
  • Expand the Element Selection tool, and from the Element Class tab, choose “Dimensions.” This grabs all the dimensions in your drawing.
  • Fire up the Change Dimension Tool, and pick the new Dimension Style you want to use.
  • A single left-click in the view applies the change. Easy peasy.

3. Tweaking a Dimension Style to Perfection:

• Back to the Dimension Styles dialog box we go.
• Select the style you want to fine-tune.
• Now, go wild! Change the text, adjust the arrows, mess with the units – whatever your heart desires.
• Hit that “Save Style” icon to lock in your changes. A word of warning: changing a style affects all dimensions using it, so proceed with caution!

Pro Tips and Tricks

• The “Advanced” Tab: Your Secret Weapon: Don’t be afraid to dive into the “Advanced” tab. It’s packed with even more control over your dimension styles. You can compare styles, spot differences, and really get into the nitty-gritty.
• DGNLIBs: The Key to Consistency: Think of DGN libraries as central repositories for your dimension styles. Store your styles there to ensure everyone on your team is singing from the same hymn sheet.
• Keeping Styles Up-to-Date: If a dimension style changes in a DGNLIB, your drawings won’t automatically update. To bring them in line, use the “DGNlib Update” icon or type “dgnlib update dimstyles.”
• Level Up Your Dimensions: Assign a specific level to each dimension style. This way, all dimensions using that style automatically land on the correct level, keeping your drawings organized. Find this in the Advanced Tab under General > Placement > Level.
• DWG Compatibility: A Word of Caution: When working with DWG files, remember that MicroStation and AutoCAD handle dimension styles differently. Avoid unnamed styles to prevent headaches down the road.

Rules to Live By

• Name Your Styles Wisely: Use clear, descriptive names so you know exactly what each style is for.
• Embrace DGN Libraries: Seriously, they’re a lifesaver for team projects.
• Keep Styles Fresh: Regularly review and update your styles to reflect any changes in standards.
• Compare and Conquer: Use the “Compare” feature to catch any inconsistencies between styles.
• Annotation Scale Matters: Pay attention to annotation scale to ensure your dimensions look good at any zoom level.

Mastering dimension styles in MicroStation might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. By taking the time to set up your styles properly, you’ll save yourself countless hours of tedious work, improve the accuracy of your drawings, and ensure that everything looks professional and polished. So go ahead, dive in, and start taming those dimensions!