4 Manipulating Elements

Transcription

1 4 Manipulating Elements In the context of this course, Manipulation of elements means moving, copying, rotating, scaling and some other similar operations. We will find that manipulations are always a major part of the design process. We may create a new element once, then manipulate it many times to integrate it into the design. The course so far has been mainly about the user interface and creating new elements; now we will learn how to make more efficient use of the elements already created. We will also be introduced to some methods for manipulating a number of elements at a time. Important: from now on in this course, the words snap to will indicate that the snap (AccuSnap or Tentative button) is to be accepted with the data button, unless stated otherwise. This is a convention that saves many words. When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to: Move and copy design elements within the DGN, including between levels Rotate existing elements Make Mirror Images of geometry Construct two types of Arrays of elements Pre-select elements individually and in defined groups for manipulation Use the Fence to temporarily group elements for any form of manipulation. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-1

2 4 Manipulating Elements Element Manipulations Element Manipulations The Main tool frame holds a tool box purely for manipulations. Some of the tool settings windows associated with these tools offer a large range of options, so it pays to be observant and take note of the many possibilities. Copy Move Move Parallel Scale Rotate Mirror Align Edges Construct Array Figure 4.1 The Manipulate Tool Box Move Technically, this tool changes the coordinates of an element within the design. The amount of movement in relation to the element s original position may be defined by keying in x and y distances, or a distance and angle, to the AccuDraw window. Alternatively, the absolute position of an element may be controlled visually by the mouse, with the precise final placement usually defined with help of a Snap. The other method of defining a new absolute position for an element is to key in a new set of coordinates, using AccuDraw s Data Point Keyin facility. Moving by Keyed-in Distances In the first exercise, we will move the Aircraft Shape in relation to its original location by keying in distances along the x and y coordinates. We will then move it a second time, this time by a keyed in distance and angle. Relative Movement of an Element 1. Open JoinTheDots-m.dgn ; make the Default level Active, New Work Off, the remaining levels On; if necessary press <F8> to display the guide points and numbers. 2. Drag the Manipulate tool box away from the Main tool frame and Float it (see page 1-9). 4-2 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

3 Manipulating Elements Moving by Keyed-in Distances 3. Select the Move tool, identify the shape with a data point (move the pointer over it and click the Data button). It does not matter where we identify the shape this time, as we are going to use keyed in distances to move it relative to its current position. 4. If necessary, turn On and change AccuDraw to Rectangular Coordinates. We are going to move the shape across to the left by 100mm and upwards by 50mm in one operation. 5. Move the pointer to the left and key in 100, then move it upwards and key in 50, accept (data button). By moving the mouse in the direction we wish to define, the Input Focus will go to the appropriate field of the AccuDraw window. This can only apply to Rectangular Coordinate mode. The shape has moved partly off the screen. 6. Use the Fit View tool to bring both the shape and the guide geometry back into view. Figure 4.2 Moving the shape in (-X +Y) Direction BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-3

4 4 Manipulating Elements Move 7. Change AccuDraw to Polar Coordinates and use a method similar to the previous one, but this time move the shape a distance of 60 at an angle of -125 (we could also enter 235 ). Remember to check that the input focus is in the appropriate field when keying in the dimensions (<Tab> between fields). <Tab> When we have tabbed between fields, the coordinate readout settings and the AccuDraw settings may cause your input to appear in a different format than it was keyed in. This proves that we may input in a different format than the Coordinate Readout setting. The accuracy is unaffected. Figure 4.3 Moving the Shape by Distance and Angle Moving to Absolute Coordinates There are many situations when we require some existing geometry to be moved to specific locations, without reference to its existing coordinates. We can do this graphically by identifying the geometry to be moved at a particular point with a Snap, then snapping to a point on another element to define the destination of the geometry. Alternatively, we may use keyed in coordinates instead of snapping to an element to define the destination. This technique may be used to establish spatial relationships, such as the position of a house plan in relation to streets and services. In that case the geometry could be drawn anywhere, then moved to its correct coordinates when they are known. In the next exercise, we will take hold of the aircraft shape at the leading vertex of the right wingtip, aided by a keypoint snap. We will then move the shape to make this point coincident with the guide point designated number 1. Remember, snap to implies accept with the data button as well as the snap (tentative point). 4-4 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

5 Manipulating Elements Moving to Absolute Coordinates Moving the shape to fixed coordinates Using Snaps 1. Select the Move tool, identify the shape with a Keypoint snap (page 3-31) to the leading edge of the right wingtip of the aircraft shape. It is essential to identify the shape at the point we need to make coincident with the destination point. 2. Keypoint snap to the guide point at location 1. This is the point we keypoint snap to when Identifying the shape for this move, then we snap to this guide point to define the destination. Prompts Figure 4.4 Defining a Destination Using a Snap Now we will move the aircraft shape again, first using a snap to define a reference point on the element, in this case its Centroid (see Center Snapping on page 3-34). We will then move it to place its centroid at the Global Origin. Moving the shape to Keyed In coordinates 1. Select the Move tool, select Center snap (page 3-34), move the pointer over the outline and snap to it, identifying the shape at its centroid. The centroid is the point we need to be positioned at the specified coordinates. 2. Press <P> to open AccuDraw s Data Point Keyin dialog box, key in 0 (zero), press <Enter>. The shape will move back to the position where we originally created it. The guide points were placed to achieve this result before the DGN was supplied. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-5

6 4 Manipulating Elements Copy Copy This tool is identical to the Move tool in almost every respect, in fact they are interchangeable. Apart from the icon and name, the only noticeable difference is a pre-set Tool Setting, as illustrated in Figure 4.5. The only difference between the operation of the two is that a Copy of the element is moved with this one, while the original element remains at its original location. Any of the techniques used for our Move exercises are applicable to Copy operations. In the following exercise, we will use snaps to define the positions of multiple copies of the shape. Checking the Copies check box changes the Move tool into the Copy tool. We may change between Move and Copy operations, without selecting a different tool or re-selecting an element that is already being manipulated. However, the Tool Settings window may need to be reopened, either by moving the pointer over the Move or Copy tool, or the PopSet tool. PopSet closes the Tool Settings window when we are not using it; see Tools and Tool Settings on page We can also use this tool to make multiple copies, with the spacing and direction set by the first copy made. Figure 4.5 Changing between Move and Copy Copying the Shape 1. Ensure that Default is still the Active Level; select the Copy tool, Copies: Keypoint snap to either vertex on the right wingtip of the shape. 3. Snap to the equivalent vertex on the left wingtip to position the first copy. 4. Do not reset after placing a copy, select the Pan View tool and pan as required to display the left wingtip of the shape copy, then Reset to return to the Copy operation. 5. Snap to the same point on the left wingtip on the copy just placed. We now have a second copy, plus the original. The tool is still active, with another copy attached to the pointer, ready to make more rubber stamp copies. We will now use another method to make multiple copies. 6. Press <Ctrl>+<Spacebar>, making sure that <Ctrl> is pressed before <Spacebar> (otherwise AccuDraw will change coordinate systems). The Tool Settings window will appear in the pointer position. 7. Enter 5 in the Copies field, move the pointer to snap to the left wingtip of the last copy made (which is still highlighted), then accept the copies. We now have 6 copies (not counting the original) in a paper chain form. 4-6 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

7 Manipulating Elements Copy 8. Reset the tool. Move the pointer over a snap point on one of the copies, note the level the copy is on from the Pop-up Info. The copy is on the same level as the original, not the currently Active Level. It may be necessary to click the Tentative button to display the pop-up, depending on the settings made under AccuSnap Pop-up Info on page The tool can be used to place additional copies, until we Reset. Copies remain on the same level as the original. Figure 4.6 Making Multiple Copies BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-7

8 4 Manipulating Elements Move Parallel Move Parallel This one tool is used for both Moving and Copying. It is changed from the Move to the Copy function in a similar way to the Move tool, as described on page 4-6. Unlike the Move tool, this one does not change its name, however. Move Parallel is mainly used on more complex elements than individual lines. A simple line may equally well be copied with the Copy tool, as it will still be Parallel with the original. This tool will copy open elements such as line strings and arcs, or closed elements such as shapes and circles. Our exercises with Move Parallel will use a copy of the aircraft shape produced in the last exercise, changed to a new level then copied once more, thus providing two shapes for practicing our parallel manipulations on. Preparing the Sample Geometry 1. Create a New level in JoinTheDots named Parallel Exercises using the Level Manager, see Creating New Levels in the Level Manager on page Use the Change Element Attributes tool to change the leftmost shape to the new level ( Changing Elements to a Different Level on pages 3-7 & 3-8). 3. Make Parallel Exercises the Active Level, turn Off all the others. 4. Copy the shape 150mm directly to the right, using AccuDraw in either Rectangular or Polar coordinate mode (see Moving by Keyed-in Distances on page 4-2). The copy direction remains indexed to the AccuDraw x axis Make sure only the Level box is checked Figure 4.7 Changing Level and Copying the Symbol 4-8 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

9 Manipulating Elements Move Parallel Moving/Copying a shape parallel to itself 1. Select the Move Parallel tool, ensure that the Gap Mode is Miter, check Make Copy. 2. Window Area about the left shape on the Parallel Exercises level, leaving some room around the outside for the Move Parallel operations, Reset. 3. Identify the shape with a data point anywhere on any segment, but not inside the shape. The AccuDraw compass will rotate to align its x axis with the segment identified. 4. Move the pointer slowly outwards from the shape, then inwards, noting the effect. The pointer will index to the AccuDraw compass origin when it is within a certain tolerance range. The segments are extended so they always join when moved outwards some disappearing when their adjoining segments bypass them. Moving/copying parallel inwards may lead to crossovers if the distance is too great. Figure 4.8 Moving/Copying Parallel with Mitered Gap Mode BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-9

10 4 Manipulating Elements Move Parallel 5. Make a copy 4mm outside the shape (key in 4 to the AccuDraw Y field), with the pointer outside the shape, indexed to the y axis. Reset to cancel a further Copy. 6. Make another copy 4mm inside the shape (key in 4 to the AccuDraw Y field again, but this time with the pointer inside, indexed to the y axis), Reset. 7. Pan the view to display the other shape on the Parallel Exercises level. 8. Select the Move Parallel tool again, change the Gap Mode to Round, Make Copy checked. 9. Repeat steps 3 to 6.. Roundings are only applied if there would otherwise have been a Gap. Finished shapes on the Parallel Exercises level. Figure 4.9 Moving/Copying Parallel with Round Gap Mode 4-10 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

11 Manipulating Elements Scale Scale Scale refers to the relative size of elements in this context. It does not relate to Drawing Scale, which only has relevance when we are printing out a drawing. We use Scale to increase or decrease the size of existing elements. As has been the case with the previous manipulation tools, we have the option of making a Copy, or manipulating the Original. The Scale tool resizes elements about a point. We may define this point ourselves, or accept the center of the element as the Point to scale about. The scale may be a keyed in value called the Active Scale, or it may be defined graphically. Active Scale The Active Scale is a Design File Setting, which may be changed in the same area as Working Units and Coordinate Readout; Settings > Design File from the Main menu bar. It is a setting that must be Saved if we need it to carry over from one session to another. However, it is not necessary to go to the menu bar to find it, as the settings fields are included in most of the tools that use the Active Scale. The two axes have individual Scale settings, thus we are able to change the proportions of an element. Its height (y axis) and width (x axis) may be scaled differently. Preparing the Geometry for the Scaling Exercises 1. Create a New level in JoinTheDots named Scale Exercises, using the Level Manager. 2. Make the new level Active, turn Symbol On, the rest should be Off. 3. Use the Change Element Attributes tool to change the leftmost shape to the Scale Exercises level. 4. Turn Off the Symbol level. 5. Make 4 Copies of the shape, 300mm directly to the right each time, creating a total of 5 shapes. Figure 4.10 Preparing Geometry for Scaling BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-11

12 4 Manipulating Elements Scale Scale an Element Using the Active Scale 1. Select the Scale tool from the Manipulate tool box. 2. Ensure that the Method is set to Active Scale, Copies is checked and set to 1 and the lock between the scale fields is clicked closed. 3. Key in 2 to the X Scale field, press <Tab> to enter it into both fields. 4. Identify one of the shapes (data point on any segment), move the pointer around the original to observe the effect. The copy of the shape moves in the opposite direction to the pointer, which is defining the Origin, or the Point to scale about. 5. Move the pointer to Keypoint snap to the left wingtip, accept, then Reset the tool. 6. Use the View Control tools to change the window area as necessary. With this scale, each point on the copy is twice as far away from the Origin as the equivalent point on the original. The points are always projected on the same straight line. Figure 4.11 Scaling about a point 7. Click the lock between the scale fields to open it, change the x scale back to Identify another of the copied shapes, this time snap to the center of the tail, accept, Reset; change the window area as necessary. This time the scaled copy is twice the height as the original, but the same width Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

13 Manipulating Elements Active Scale 9. In the Tool Settings window, click the Extended Information arrow at the bottom-right, check the About Element Center box. 10. Change the X Scale to 2 again, identify another of the copied shapes. The shape will be scaled to a fixed position, the Origin is already defined at the center of the shape. 11. Accept the operation, Reset the tool. Clicking this arrow opens the Extra Information panel. With the X scale set to 1, only the vertical dimensions are scaled. There is no call to enter an Origin when we use the About Element Center option. Figure 4.12 Scaling Options BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-13

14 4 Manipulating Elements Scale Defining a Scale Graphically So far, we have applied a known Scale factor to an element. There will be frequent occasions, however, when we do not know the required scale factor. On these occasions we may only know that we need to change the size of an element in order to make it fit into a particular space, or must resize it to finish at a particular dimension. We have a Method option available for this eventuality, 3 Points. With this option, we are able to place points to define a reference point on the element at its present size, then another to define the finished size. In the following exercise, we will move and resize the aircraft symbol to fit within a randomly defined rectangle. We will do this twice, once maintaining its original proportions, then again to make it precisely fit the rectangle in width and height. Prepare the Geometry 1. Using the View Control tools, window about another of the unused shapes on the Scale Exercises level of JoinTheDots. 2. Place a block that surrounds the shape, leaving some space around it, approximately as shown in Figure The symbology of the block is unimportant, but it should be placed with the Scale Exercises level Active. 3. Select the Move tool, identify the shape with a keypoint snap to the left wingtip. 4. Move the pointer to the left (indexed to the x axis), press <Enter> to invoke Smart Lock (we first used this on page 2-18). 5. Keypoint snap to the left side of the block, do not reset. The shape is now precisely placed with the left wingtip on the left side of the block. The Move tool is still selected. We will move it again, this time downwards to place the tail on the bottom of the block, maintaining its horizontal position. In this case, Smart Lock locks the y axis to zero, thus we can snap to here without moving the shape down. Figure 4.13 Positioning the Shape - First Move 4-14 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

15 Manipulating Elements Active Scale 6. Still using the Move tool, snap to either of the lowest vertices of the tail. 7. Move the pointer down (indexed to the y axis), invoke Smart Lock. 8. Keypoint snap to the bottom of the block. The shape in position. This time Smart Lock locks the x axis to zero, thus we can snap to here without moving the shape across. Figure 4.14 Positioning the Shape - Second Move Scaling by Three Points - Proportional 1. Select the Scale tool, choose 3 Points from the Method option menu, check Proportional, uncheck Copies, uncheck About Element Center. 2. Identify the shape on any segment, then snap to the left wingtip as the Origin Point (note the prompt in the Status Bar). 3. Snap to the right wingtip as the Reference Point. 4. Move the pointer further to the right (indexed to x axis), invoke Smart Lock, snap to the right side of the block as the Point to define amount of scaling. 5. Undo the scaled shape, so we can try another method of scaling. The shape now fits the width of the rectangle, but not the height. Its proportions have not been changed. Figure 4.15 Scaling Graphically - Proportional BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-15

16 4 Manipulating Elements Scale In the next exercise, we will change the size and the proportions of the shape to make it fit the block we placed earlier. This will be a two-stage process, first we will set the width, then the height. We have already moved the shape to the lower-left corner of the block, so we can proceed immediately with the resizing. Scaling to Fit a Space 1. Select the Scale tool, choose 3 Points from the Method option menu, uncheck Proportional, Copies remains unchecked. 2. Identify the shape on any segment, then snap to the left wingtip as the Origin Point prompted for. 3. Snap to the right wingtip as the Reference Point. 4. Move the pointer further to the right (indexed to x axis), invoke Smart Lock, snap to the right side of the block as the Point to define amount of scaling. So far, this is the same process that we followed in the previous exercise, but the resultant shape is out of proportion. If we use a Reference Point directly on-axis from the Origin, Smart Lock is not required. 5. Identify the shape again, then snap to either of the lowest vertices of the tail as the origin point. 6. Snap to a point on the nose as the reference point. 7. Move the pointer directly upward (indexed to y axis), invoke Smart Lock, snap to the top of the block as the point to define amount of scaling. The shape now fits the block in both dimensions. Smart Lock is necessary to maintain the alignment of the shape, otherwise it would be distorted to place the nose at the corner of the block. The shape is scaled in one dimension first, but the order does not matter. The Origin Point and the Reference Point do not have to be on the same axis. Figure 4.16 Scaling to Fit 4-16 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

17 Manipulating Elements Scaling to a Finished Size Scaling to a Finished Size Let us assume that we have a need for a 90mm wide version of our aircraft shape. The proportions are OK, it just needs to be a different size. Of course, we could find out the size of the existing one, then calculate a scale factor, but this is unnecessary. We will use a similar method to the one we used to scale the element proportionally on page 4-15, but this time we will key in dimensions, instead of snapping to another element. During the exercise, we will be introduced to another powerful AccuDraw Shortcut, Set Origin. This shortcut enables us to move the AccuDraw compass to a particular position, so that a data point may be placed relative to that position. Scale an Element to a Defined Size 1. Window about the remaining unused aircraft shape. 2. Select the Scale tool, Method: 3 points, check Proportional, identify the shape, snap to a wingtip as the origin. 3. Snap to the opposite wingtip as the reference point. Now comes the new AccuDraw Keyboard Shortcut - O for Set Origin (sometimes called Offset). 4. Move the pointer back over the same point as the origin, so that AccuSnap indexes to it, press <O>. The AccuDraw compass will relocate, with its Origin at the Origin Point for the scale operation. 5. Move the pointer back in the direction of the other wingtip (indexed to the x axis), key in 90, accept. We start with Origin and Reference Points as before then index back at the Origin again, setting the AccuDraw Origin at this point. The new width for the shape can now be defined. Figure 4.17 Scaling to Size BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-17

18 4 Manipulating Elements Rotate Rotate We have rotated Views before, in chapter 1. Now we are going to rotate elements within a view. There are three options for rotating an element: By a keyed in Active Angle Graphically, by 2 defining points Graphically, by 3 defining points. The two graphical methods permit the use of AccuDraw, so we have the option of keying in angles with these as well. The exercises in the three methods of rotation are intended to flow on from one to the other, thus there is not any indications of DGN name, active level etc. after the first exercise. Active Angle The Active Angle is a design file setting, in a similar way to Active Scale. Again, it may be set under Settings > Design File from the Main menu bar and it is a setting that must be Saved if we need it to carry over from one session to another. As is the case with Active Scale, the settings fields are included in most of the tools that use the Active Angle. Preparing the Geometry for the Rotation Exercises 1. Create a New level in JoinTheDots named Rotation Exercises, using the Level Manager. 2. Make the new level Active, turn Symbol On, the rest should be Off. 3. Use the Change Element Attributes tool to change the leftmost shape to the Rotation Exercises level. 4. Turn Off the Symbol level. 5. Copy the shape twice (Copies set to 2), 300 directly to the right each time (3 in total). If we check Use Active Attributes, there is no need to choose the level in this case. Figure 4.18 Preparing Geometry for Rotations 4-18 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

19 Manipulating Elements Rotations by 2 Points Rotate an Element Using the Active Angle 1. Select the Rotate tool from the Manipulate tool box. 2. Ensure that the Method is set to Active Angle and Copies is unchecked. 3. Key in 45 to the Active Angle field, press <Tab> to enter it. 4. Identify one of the shapes (data point on any segment). The prompt calls for a pivot point (point to rotate about). 5. Choose Center as the Default Snap Mode (double-click) from the Snap Mode button bar. 6. Move the pointer anywhere over the unrotated shape, accept the snap. The shape rotates about its center in this case, but we may have chosen a different pivot point. 7. Move the pointer over the PopSet button (in the Primary tool box) to display the Tool Settings window, reset the Active Angle to zero. This setting has an effect on several other tools, so it is best left at the default. We have used a Center snap to define a pivot point here, so the shape rotates about its centroid. Figure 4.19 Rotating by Active Angle Rotations by 2 Points This is a very quick and accurate method for rotations, especially when used in conjunction with AccuDraw in the Polar Coordinates mode. 1. Pan the view to the second of the shapes on the Rotation Exercises level. 2. Select the Rotate tool, set the Method to 2 points, leave Copies unchecked. BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-19

20 4 Manipulating Elements Rotate 3. Identify the shape with a data point, accept a Center snap to define the pivot point. 4. Move the pointer directly to the right. While the pointer remains within the x axis indexing range, the shape remains at its original rotation. 5. If necessary, change to Polar Coordinates (<Spacebar>); rotate the pointer around the AccuDraw Compass. 6. <Tab> input focus to the Angle field, enter an angle for rotation, accept. Negative angles may be entered, but must be preceded by -. This technique is often used instead of Active Angle for rotations to a known angle. The lever used to rotate the element has a +x orientation when unrotated. Any movement off this axis defines a rotation. Figure 4.20 Rotating by 2 Points Rotations by 3 Points This technique is used when we need to rotate one element into alignment with another. With 2 Points, the lever we controlled the rotation with always defaults to the +x direction, but we may align the lever with the element itself using this method. This enables us to rotate the element into alignment with another element graphically, using snaps. 1. Pan the view to the third of the shapes on the Rotation Exercises level. 2. Use the Place SmartLine tool to place a line from the center of the shape (Center snap) outwards. Its length and angle are not critical. 3. Select the Rotate tool, set the Method to 3 points, leave Copies unchecked. 4. Identify the shape with a data point, accept a Center snap to define the pivot point. The prompt reads Enter point to define start of rotation 4-20 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

21 Manipulating Elements Rotations by 3 Points 5. Midpoint snap to the center of the nose. We have aligned the lever with the centerline of the symbol. The prompt now reads Enter point to define amount of rotation. 6. Keypoint snap to the outer end of the line placed in step 2. We have rotated the aircraft to align itself with the line. The pivot point is also defined by a Center snap. The direction line starts from a Center snap to the shape. The lever is aligned by a Midpoint snap to the nose segment. The shape can now be spun and the final orientation defined with a Keypoint snap to the direction line. Figure 4.21 Rotating by 3 Points BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-21

22 4 Manipulating Elements Mirror Mirror This tool simply flips geometry, either up-down, left-right or across an imaginary line at any angle we choose. As with all of the manipulation tools to date, we have the option of making a copy or mirroring the original. Preparing the Geometry for the Mirroring Exercises 1. Create a new level in JoinTheDots named Mirror Exercises. 2. Make the new level Active, turn Symbol On, the rest should be Off. 3. Use the Change Element Attributes tool to change the leftmost shape to the Mirror Exercises level, turn Off the Symbol level. 4. Rotate the shape through 45 anti-clockwise using 2 Points method and AccuDraw (see Rotations by 2 Points on page 4-19). 5. Copy the rotated shape twice (Copies set to 2), 300 directly to the right each time (3 in total). The symbol is Rotated before making two additional copies. Figure 4.22 Preparing Geometry for Mirroring Mirroring Elements 1. Select the Mirror tool, choose Horizontal from the Mirror About option menu, check the Copies box. 2. Identify one of the shapes on the Mirror Exercises level, move the pointer up and down, note the effect. 3. Move the pointer either way until the shapes are separated, accept, Reset. The separation may be controlled by snapping to a particular point on an element, then keying in a dimension to AccuDraw. However, it is usually simpler to mirror the element, then position it with the Move tool. 4. Select the Mirror tool (or, since it is still active, just move the pointer over it to display the Tool Settings window), change Mirror About to Vertical, leave Make Copy checked. 5. Pan the view over another of the shapes and identify it. Move the pointer sideways until the shapes are separated, accept, Reset Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

23 Manipulating Elements Mirror 6. With the tool still active, change Mirror About to Line, Make Copy remains checked. The Line referred to is an imaginary one, defined by two points. Only the position and the angle of the line are important, not its length. 7. Identify the shape, then using AccuDraw with Polar coordinates, place a data point as shown in the lower part of Figure Move the pointer upward and to the right, key 45 into the Angle field, accept, Reset. 9. Experiment with other mirror lines around the shape. Mirror About Vertical Mirror About Horizontal Mirror About Line Figure 4.23 Mirroring BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-23

24 4 Manipulating Elements Align Edges Align Edges This tool is most frequently used to improve the presentation of drawings, where it may be used to align text annotations and generally tidy up a drawing. It is also useful in the design process to align the edges or centers of separate elements. Preparing the Geometry for the Aligning Exercises 1. Create a New level in JoinTheDots named Alignment Exercises. 2. Make the new level Active, turn Symbol On, the rest should be Off. 3. Use the Change Element Attributes tool to change the leftmost shape to the Alignment Exercises level, turn Off the Symbol level. 4. Use the Copy Element tool with Copies set to 2 to make 2 copies of the shape at a distance of 200 and an angle of 45 (upwards and to the right). Leave 3 shapes in total, see illustration in Figure Scale the center shape by an Active Scale factor of 1.2 (x and y locked), see Scale an Element Using the Active Scale on page Use About Element Center (page 4-13). 6. Scale the top shape about its center by an Active Scale factor of 1.5 (x and y locked). The two upper shapes are scaled by 1.2 and 1.5 respectively. Figure 4.24 Preparing Geometry for Alignment Exercises During the next exercise, we will be using the same geometry for each experiment, using Undo each time to restore the shapes to their positions as arranged in the preparatory exercise. Despite the name of the tool, we will also be aligning elements by their centers Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

25 Manipulating Elements Align Edges Aligning Elements By Edge 1. Fit the view to the three shapes on the Alignment Exercises level. 2. Select the Align Edges tool, choose Top from the Align option menu, identify the center shape as the base element for alignment. 3. Identify the other two shapes as the element to align, Reset after the last one. The three aircraft symbols now have their noses level. 4. Undo twice to restore the shapes to their original positions. 5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4, except using each of the remaining 6 Align options in turn. Top Bottom Right Horiz Center Vert Center Both Centers Left Figure 4.25 Alignment Exercises BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-25

26 4 Manipulating Elements Construct Array Construct Array This tool is used to make multiple copies of elements in the form of either a Rectangular (rows and columns) or a Polar (circular) Array. Preparing the Geometry for the Array Exercises 1. Create a New level in JoinTheDots named Array Exercises. 2. Make the new level Active, turn Symbol On, the rest should be Off. 3. Change the leftmost shape (the last copy - only the original should remain) to the Array Exercises level, turn Off the Symbol level. Up until now in this chapter, we have prepared a number of copies of our aircraft symbol in preparation for the exercises with each of the Manipulation tools. This time we will use the tool we are being introduced to do the copying for us. We will create a Rectangular Array of four copies (original plus three) of the shape, in two rows of two columns. The rows and the columns will each be 600mm apart. We will then use each of the four as the basis for separate Arrays. Create Rectangular and Polar Arrays 1. Select the Construct Array tool, choose Rectangular from the Array Type options, the Active Angle 0, Rows 2, Columns 2, Row and Column spacing both Identify the shape on the Array Exercises level, accept; Fit the view. We now have 4 shapes to work on, created as a 2 by 2 Rectangular Array. This is a quick way to make multiple copies, placing them at controlled spacings. Figure 4.26 The First Rectangular Array 4-26 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

27 Manipulating Elements Construct Array 3. Change the Active Angle to 30, Rows 2, Columns 3, Row and Column spacing both Identify the bottom-left shape on the Array Exercises level, accept. The rows have been rotated by 30 and the columns have remained perpendicular to the rows. The rows are set at the Active Angle and the Column Spacing is defined along this line. Figure 4.27 Rectangular Array at Active Angle. 5. Change the Array Type option to Polar, with the Items 4, Delta Angle 90, Rotate Items unchecked. 6. Pan another shape into the center of the view, keypoint snap to the center of the tail. The shape highlights and the prompt reads Select Center/Reject. 7. Index (do not data point) to the center of the tail using keypoint snap, press <O> for the AccuDraw Set Origin shortcut (we used this on Scaling to a Finished Size on page 4-17). 8. Move the pointer downwards (indexed to the Rectangular Coordinates y axis), key in 70, accept. The shapes are arranged in a circle with a 70mm radius, the distance from the center of the tail to the array center. Figure 4.28 Polar Array, Non-rotated Items BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-27

28 4 Manipulating Elements Construct Array 9. Repeat steps 5 to 8 using another shape from the first array, except this time with Rotate Items checked. The shapes rotate to maintain the original shape s orientation in respect to the array center. 10. Change the Items to 11, key in 360/11 to the Delta Angle field, leave Rotate Items checked. No need to use a calculator, just key in the degrees in a circle divided by the number of items, MicroStation will do the arithmetic. 11. Pan another shape into the center of the view, data point it, index to the center of the tail, Set Origin downwards by 160, accept. Keep all the arrays intact, we need them for the rest of this chapter. These polar arrays have the number of items and the delta angles calculated to evenly distribute the items around the circle. This is not always the case this example has 3 items at 30 delta angle, from a horizontal base. Figure 4.29 Polar Array, Rotated Items 4-28 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

29 Manipulating Elements Element Selection Element Selection When we have been manipulating elements in this chapter, we have been selecting the Tool first, then the Element we are going to manipulate. In other words, we define the Action then identify the Object. This is known as Verb- Noun Selection. It is often efficient to reverse this process, selecting the Element (or Elements) first, then select the tool. This is called Noun-Verb Selection, where we use one of the Selection tools to select one or more elements before performing manipulations (including Delete). The Element Selection Tool This tool has its equivalents in many applications. It is in the Element Selection tool box, at the top of the Main tool frame. To Select an element, we click it with the Data button. Clicking a second element will reset the first selection, except when we hold down the <Ctrl> key while selecting the subsequent elements. A group of elements can be selected by dragging a rectangle around the required elements. Selections are cleared by clicking a blank area (deselecting all selections). Pre-selecting Elements 1. With JoinTheDots open and the Array Exercises level Active (all other levels Off), window the area about the four rotated-item polar array (the top illustration in Figure 4.29). 2. Select the Element Selection tool. There are no tool settings. 3. Click on the top shape. The element will highlight and handles will be displayed on all of the vertices. The element may be moved without selecting any other tools, by simply dragging on the geometry between the handles. Individual elements may also be modified by dragging these handles, but we have other tools for these operations that offer more control. 4. Undo any moves or modifications made at this stage. When we select the item, handles are displayed on its vertices. We can move the element by dragging on the lines, or modify it by dragging on the handles, but with only visual control. Figure 4.30 Selected Element BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-29

30 4 Manipulating Elements Element Selection 5. Hold down the <Ctrl> key and select the bottom item of the four (Control-click it). The handles will no longer appear, but both elements will be highlighted. 6. Select the Move tool, read the prompt. Now that we have elements already selected, we are prompted to Enter first point, not Identify element as before. 7. Keypoint snap to the middle of the tail on the left item in the array. 8. Snap to the equivalent point on the opposite item to define the distance and direction. Both elements have moved by the distance between the middles of the tails, in the same direction. The elements remain selected after the manipulation. Figure 4.31 Moving Multiple Elements 9. Move the items back to their original positions (by entering the points in the opposite order). 10. Move the items again, placing a data point anywhere in the view, then using AccuDraw to define the distance and direction. 11. Undo the last move, then click a clear section of the view to deselect the items. It is important to clear all selections as soon as we have finished with the selection. Selected items may not be visible but still be affected by manipulations, including Delete! Also, elements selected when the active attributes are changed will be changed to the new attributes, which may cause problems. As stated earlier, we need all the arrays intact for the rest of this chapter Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

31 Manipulating Elements The PowerSelector The PowerSelector This is an enhanced element selection tool, offering greater functionality over the traditional selection tool just described. It may already be the Default tool, but we will ensure this is the case by checking and changing (if necessary) the configuration of MicroStation to make this the Default instead of Element Selection. However, both tools are useful, so we will still have access to Element Selection from the Element Selection tool box. Making PowerSelector the Default Tool 1. From the Main menu bar, choose Workspace > Preferences. Our Preferences dialog box opens. 2. Select Look and Feel from the list panel. 3. Choose PowerSelector from the Default Tool options menu, click OK. 4. Select the PowerSelector tool from the Main tool frame. The new default tool does not appear in the Main tool frame until we select it for the first time. The Element Selection tool may still display when we first make the change but the PowerSelector remains as the representative tool after selecting it for the first time. Figure 4.32 Making PowerSelector the Default Tool BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-31

32 4 Manipulating Elements The PowerSelector PowerSelector Methods and Modes There are 6 graphical selection Methods available with this tool: Individual - similar to the Element Selection tool Block Inside - all elements fully inside a drawn rectangle are selected Block Overlap -all elements inside or overlapping a drawn rectangle are selected Shape Inside - all elements inside a drawn shape are selected Shape Overlap - all elements inside or overlapping a drawn shape are selected Line - all elements crossed by a drawn line are selected There are 6 Modes, setting the Objective of the tool: Add - selects elements Subtract - deselects elements Invert - toggles the selection status of an element (selects deselected elements and deselects selected elements) New - clears the current selection set and starts a new set Clear - deselects all selected elements (only displays if there are already elements selected) Select All - selects all elements (only displays if there are no elements already selected). These methods toggle between Inside and Overlap when clicked again after selection. This mode is Select All when no elements are selected, or Clear to cancel any existing selections. Figure 4.33 PowerSelector Tool Settings We will only be selecting elements in the next exercises, noting the highlighting to verify selection Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

33 Manipulating Elements PowerSelector Methods and Modes Using the PowerSelector Individual Method 1. With JoinTheDots open and the Array Exercises level Active (all other levels Off), window the area about the 11 rotated-item polar array (the bottom illustration in Figure 4.29). 2. Select the PowerSelector tool, tool settings: Individual, Add. 3. Select some of the items - no need for the Control key to select multiple items. 4. Change the Mode setting to Subtract, click one of the selected items to deselect it. 5. Change the Mode setting to Invert, click one of the selected items to deselect it, then click another unselected item to toggle it to selected. 6. Click Clear. 7. Leave the Method as Individual, change the Mode setting back to Add, draw a block around two or more items. We can use the individual selection method to draw selection blocks, provided we miss any elements with the first click. The block may be drawn using Press-Drag-Release or Click-Move- Click. 8. Clear selections (the keyboard shortcut to do this is to simply press the letter <G> once while the PowerSelector tool is active). We can select as many items as we like with the Add mode, as previous selections are not cancelled. This selection block was drawn using the Individual selection method. However, it may select 2 or 4 items here, depending on whether Inside or Overlap is set for the Block and Shape methods. Figure 4.34 Using the Individual Selection Method BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-33

34 4 Manipulating Elements The PowerSelector During the following exercise, use the Clear tool between steps. Using Other Selection Methods 1. Use JoinTheDots and the Array Exercises level as before, with the 11 rotated-item polar array windowed. 2. Select the PowerSelector tool, tool settings: Block Inside, Add. 3. Draw a block about 2 of the items, overlapping 2 more (as shown in Figure 4.34). Verify that only the items inside the block are highlighted. 4. Change to Block Overlap, draw a similar block to the previous step. The block now appears with dashed linework. Verify that both the items inside the block and those overlapped are highlighted. 5. Experiment with multi-sided shapes, both Inside and Overlap, Add and Subtract modes. We can be more selective with a Shape than a Block. 6. Experiment with the Line method, Add and Subtract modes. 7. Use the Invert and New modes. The New mode is good for ensuring that we only have one element selected, when that is the objective. This guards against unintended manipulations of inadvertently selected elements. Keep all the arrays intact for the next section. The New mode will only select new elements, cancelling all previous selections. The Line method is a very quick way of making multiple selections. Figure 4.35 Line Method and New Mode There is an arrow at the bottom-right of the PowerSelector Tool Settings window. This expands the window to display a set of Attribute tabs which allow us to include or exclude chosen Attributes into the selection process. This concept will be introduced later in the course. That is all for now on the PowerSelector, we will now start with the Fence Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)

35 Manipulating Elements The Fence The Fence The Fence is a device to Temporarily Group elements. It has a lot in common with the Selection tools in this respect, multiple selection also makes a form of temporary group of elements for manipulation. With the exception of Copy Parallel, all of the tools from the Element Manipulation tool box have a check box to Use the Fence to define the elements affected. This has been greyed out so far, as there has not been a Fence in place. The Fence is able to do much more than a multiple selection, however. It may be used to: Create a Void, a part of the design where elements are not manipulated, while the rest are Clip elements, which is to cut them and manipulate one cut-off section, but not the other Move chosen vertices of shapes, line strings and other complex elements to Stretch (or shrink) the element. Fence Types It may take a variety of forms, most commonly a Block (rectangle). It may be a shape with many vertices (up to 5000), a Circle, the extent of an entire View, the area of a chosen closed Element, or even cover all the elements in a Design File. In this exercise, we will investigate the various fence Types (Block, Shape etc.). Place Each of the Fence Types 1. With JoinTheDots-m.dgn open and only the Array Exercises level On, select the Place Fence tool from beside the PowerSelector on the Main tool frame. 2. Click the Fence Type option menu, note the options. Choose Block. This is the Fence tool box, with specialized tools for Fence operations. These are not the only tools we may use, however... There is a large selection of Fence Types to choose from.... as most of the Manipulate tools have the facility to operate on temporary groups defined by the Fence. Figure 4.36 Fence Tool Settings BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition) Bentley Education Network 4-35

36 4 Manipulating Elements The Fence 3. Draw a Fence block about some of the arrayed shapes. 4. Select Place Fence again. The fence just placed will be deleted. 5. Change the Fence Type to Shape, draw a shape to include some aircraft symbols inside the fence, excluding others. The Tool Settings window includes an option to Close Fence. We can be very specific with our selections using this fence type. 6. Select Place Fence, change the Fence Type to Circle, draw a circle, Reset, draw the circle again. In the default MicroStation configuration, we are able to Reset and place the fence again if we are not satisfied with the first attempt. Block Shape Circle The Fence Type is chosen to suit the requirements of the operation. The Block is the most commonly used, but the Circle may exclude some unwanted elements with a grouping such as this one. The Shape can be used where more complex exclusions are needed. Figure 4.37 Block, Shape and Circle Type Fences 4-36 Bentley Education Network BEN MicroStation Drafting (Metric Edition)