Modify Elements in Reference Files Faster and Easier

You’re working in a design file when you notice that the elements in five of its reference files have incorrect line styles. You now have to either use MicroStation’s Exchange command or open each one manually to make corrections. In addition, to make the modifications accurately, you need to be able to see the other reference files and the original master file. This would entail opening each of the reference files, one at a time, and attaching the other files just as they were in the original design file. This wastes a lot of time.

With RefWriter you just double-click on any element in the appropriate reference file to make that reference file the active design file. During this process, RefWriter will temporarily attach the other files (the original master design file and the other reference files) so you see exactly the same view. Below we show you how simple this is to execute.

1. Start RefWriter by selecting it from the Axiom menu. The RefWriter tool palette will look like this.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the second icon from the left (below in red). This icon enables you to double-click any element in any reference file to make it the active design file.
   
   

   The icon in red allows users to write to any reference file by double-clicking any of its elements.

   
   
3. You’ll notice that a Settings box displays. In the majority of cases, the default settings will provide the desired result.
   
   
   
   
4. By double-clicking on any element in a reference file, that reference file becomes the master file while everything on your screen looks exactly as it did before. You can verify you are in the correct file by checking the file name on the left side of the MicroStation window title bar. For example, if you double-clicked on an element in a reference file named “reference-file.dgn”, this is the name that will now appear in the title bar.
5. Once you make all the modifications in the reference file, click on the fourth icon from the left to make the previous master design file active again.
   
   

   The icon in red allows users to make the previous master file active again.

If another user is editing a reference file, RefWriter only allows access in read-only mode.

Want more information?
Click here to find out more about RefWriter or visit www.axiomint.com.

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