Workspaces
==========

   What is a Workspace?
   Sample Workspaces
   Creating Custom Modules
   Customizing User Preferences
   Customizing the User Interface
   Setting Configuration Variables


What is a Workspace?
--------------------

A workspace is a custom environment that adapts MicroStation to facilitate 
a specific discipline, project or task. 

   Workspace Components
   Workspace Configuration Files
   Sample Workspace Components


Workspace Components
--------------------

These are the types of workspace components
*  Module -- A collection of data, such as cell libraries, seed files, and 
symbology files, that is related to a specific discipline, project, or 
task.
*  User Interface -- Modifications to the default user interface are 
defined in modification resource files.
*  User preferences -- Modifications to default user preferences are 
defined in the workspace user's user preference resource file.
   
Active workspace components are identified in the user configuration file.

Note:
MicroStation "as delivered" is the default active workspace. Its components 
are identified in the default user configuration file.



Workspace Configuration Files
-----------------------------

TBD

   User configuration file
   Project configuration file


User configuration file
-----------------------

The user configuration file specifies configuration variable settings that 
identify (point to) active workspace components. For example, the 
MS_USERPREF configuration variable setting points to the user preference 
resource file that defines the active user preferences component.

The user configuartion file references the settings in the Project 
configuration file, which specifies configuration variable settings for a 
project.

   User overrides -- settings that override the settings of identically 
named project configuration variables.
   
The user configuration file is ordinarily named for the workspace user -- 
for example, "david.ucf." The workspace user name is specified with a 
system environment variable or on the command line that starts 
MicroStation.

For more information about configuration variables, see *Xref: Ch. 18: 
"Setting Configuration Variables".



Project configuration file
--------------------------






Sample Workspace Components
---------------------------

Sample workspace components of each type are supplied with MicroStation.

In many cases, complementary user interfaces are provided for the sample 
modules -- for example, there is a sample module with architectural seed 
files, cell libraries, and so on, and a sample user interface with menus 
and palettes designed for architects. When the user configuration file 
identifies these two components, the sample "Architecture" workspace can be 
thought of as being active.

Some sample user interface components are supplied without related module 
components and vice-versa. For example:
*  The sample "New User" interface is relevant to many disciplines.
*  The sample "Learning" module is relevant regardless of the user 
interface, and is required to complete the lessons in the User's Guide.
   
Each sample module has its own sub-directory with sub-directories for 
design files, seed files, cell libraries, and so on. This makes it easy to 
maintain and customize modules.

Note:
For more information about the sample workspace components, see *Xref: Ch. 
14: "Sample Workspaces." For more information about customizing workspace 
components, see *Xref: Ch. 15: "Building Custom Modules", *Xref: Ch. 16: 
"Customizing the User Interface", and *Xref: Ch. 17: "Customizing User 
Preferences."







Sample Workspaces
-----------------

TBD

   New User Workspace


New User Workspace
------------------

TBD





Creating Custom Modules
-----------------------

TBD

   Color Tables
   Font Symbology Resource Files
   Function Key Menus
   Line Style Libraries
   UCM Index Files


Color Tables
------------

TBD

   Customizing the Default Internal Color Table:


Customizing the Default Internal Color Table
--------------------------------------------

1. Modify the settings in the Color Table settings box *Xref.
2. Save those settings as a color table file.
3. Define the MS_DEFCTBL configuration variable to point to that 
file.*Xref.
   
   To select exact colors:
   To interpolate colors:


To select exact colors
----------------------

1. From the Edit menu in the Color Table settings box, choose Exact Colors.
   The Exact Color Selections dialog box opens.
2. To select design file-specific exact colors, turn on This Design File.
   or
   To select system default exact colors, turn on System Default.
3. Select exact colors by clicking tiles in the color palette. Clicking a 
tile selects or de-selects the corresponding color.
4. When finished, click Done.
   Design file-specific exact color selections are stored in a Type 66 
element in the design file. System default exact color selections are saved 
as a user preference.
   


To interpolate colors
---------------------

1. From the Edit menu in the Color Table settings box, choose Interpolate 
Colors.
   The settings box expands and displays the prompt, "Select starting 
color."
2. Select the starting color by clicking it in the color palette. If it is 
necessary to change your selection, Reset and click another color.
   The prompt, "Selecting ending color," is displayed.
3. Select the ending color by clicking it in the color palette. If it is 
necessary to change your selection, Reset and click another color.
4. To start interpolation, click the Interpolate button.
   or
   To cancel the operation, click the Cancel button.
   In either case, the settings box returns to its normal size.
   
Note:
During this procedure, you can still double-click colors to manually modify 
them.



Font Symbology Resource Files
-----------------------------

In previous versions of MicroStation (and in IGDS on Intergraph's VAX-based 
systems), text fonts were stored in font libraries and font cell libraries. 
As a means of supporting industry-standard PostScript Type 1 and True Type 
fonts, fonts are now stored in symbology resource files.

MicroStation searches for font symbology resource files in the file list 
specified by the MS_SYMBRSRC configuration setting. The symbology file, 
"font.rsc," contains all of the fonts in the "fontlib" font library 
supplied with previous versions.

Fonts in symbology resource files are distinguished by name and number (as 
was the case for fonts in font libraries). However, there is effectively no 
limit on the number of fonts in a symbology resource file whereas font 
libraries were limited to 128 fonts, numbered 0-127. By carefully assigning 
the first 128 font numbers in a symbology file, you can maintain backward 
compatibility with previous versions of MicroStation or IGDS.

The Font Installer dialog box is used to insert fonts into font symbology 
resource files. The dialog box can also be used to copy fonts between 
symbology files and to rename and renumber fonts in symbology files.

   To insert a font(s) into an existing symbology file:
   To create a new symbology file and insert fonts in it:
   To remove a font from a symbology file:
   To change the attributes of a font:


To insert a font(s) into an existing symbology file
---------------------------------------------------

1. From the User menu's Utilities sub-menu, choose Install Fonts.
   The Font Installer dialog box opens.
2. Click the Open button (below the Source File list box).
   The Open Source Font File dialog box opens.
3. From the Type option menu, choose the font source type of the first (or 
only) font you want to insert.
4. Select the file that contains the first (or only) font you want to 
insert and click the OK button.
   The fonts in the opened file are listed in the Source File list box.
5. Click the Open button (below the Destination File list box).
   The Open Destination Symbology File dialog box opens.
6. Select the destination symbology file and click the OK button.
   The fonts in the opened file are listed in the Destination File list 
box. An asterisk (*) indicates the default font. The default font is used 
to display a text element in the design when the font with which the 
element was placed is not in a font symbology file that is open in 
MicroStation.
7. In the Source File list box, select the first (or only) font you want to 
insert.
   Sample characters or symbols from the selected font are displayed in the 
bottom section of the Font Installer dialog box.
8. Click the Copy button to insert the font. 
   If a font with the same name already exists in the destination symbology 
file, it is replaced by the selected font.
9. For each additional font you want to insert from the open source file, 
repeat steps 7-8. 
   To install fonts from a different source file, repeat steps 2-4 to open 
the other source file and for each font you want to insert from that file, 
repeat steps 7-8.
10.Click the Done button to close the Font Installer dialog box.
   


To create a new symbology file and insert fonts in it
-----------------------------------------------------

1. Follow the above instructions, except in step 5, click the New button, 
key in a name for the new symbology file in the Create Symbology File 
dialog box, and click the OK button.
2. Continue with step 7.
   The first font inserted in a new symbology file is the default font, 
indicated by an asterisk (*) next to the list box entry for the font in the 
Destination File list box.)
   


To remove a font from a symbology file
--------------------------------------

1. From the User menu's Utilities sub-menu, choose Install Fonts.
   The Font Installer dialog box opens.
2. Click the Open button (below the Destination File list box).
   The Open Symbology File dialog box opens.
3. Select the symbology file and click the OK button.
   The fonts in the opened file are listed in the Destination File list 
box. An asterisk (*) indicates the default font.
4. In the Destination File list box, select the font you want to remove.
   Sample characters or symbols from the selected font are displayed in the 
bottom section of the Font Installer dialog box.
5. Click the Remove button to remove the font.
6. Click the Done button to close the Font Installer dialog box.
   
Note:
The default font cannot be removed from a symbology file. The default font 
in the font symbology file, "font.rsc," supplied with MicroStation is Font 
127, named CHAR_FAST_FONT. 



To change the attributes of a font
----------------------------------

1. From the User menu's Utilities sub-menu, choose Install Fonts.
   The Font Installer dialog box opens.
2. Click the Open button (below the Destination File list box).
   The Open Symbology File dialog box opens.
3. Select the symbology file that contains the font and click the OK 
button.
   The fonts in the opened file are listed in the Destination File list 
box. An asterisk (*) indicates the default font.
4. In the Destination File list box, select the font.
   The description and number of the selected font are displayed in 
editable fields at the bottom of the Font Installer dialog box.
5. To change the font description, key in the new description in the 
Description field.
   To change the font number, key in the new number in the Number field.
6. Click the Done button to close the Font Installer dialog box.
   
Note:
For more information about the Font Installer dialog box, see *Xref: 
Reference Guide. For information about creating fonts, see *Xref: D&S 
Guide.



Function Key Menus
------------------

A function key menu is a file that holds keyboard function key assignments. 
The default function key menu for MicroStation is in the file 
"funckey.mnu."

The path and file name of the active function key menu are displayed in the 
title bar of the Function Keys dialog box. The definitions in the open 
function key menu are displayed in the list box. 

For a list of the function keys that are available on your system, see 
*XRef in "Introducing MicroStation." In addition to function key 
definitions for the function keys when pressed alone, definitions can be 
created for pressing the function keys along with modifier keys, the 
<Ctrl>, <Alt>, and <Shift> keys. For information about how to press these 
modifier keys on your system, see *Xref in "Introducing MicroStation."

>> To modify a function key definition:

1. From the User menu, choose Function Keys.
   The Function Keys dialog box opens.
2. Select a function key in the list box.
   or
   In the Shortcut Keys section, click the Ctrl, Alt, and/or Shift check 
buttons and choose the desired function key from the Key option menu.
   or
   Press the desired function key and any modifiers.
3. Click the Edit button.
   The Edit Key Definition dialog box opens.
4. Edit the definition in the New field.
5. Click the OK button.
   Function key action strings conform to the conventions applying to other 
types of user-definable menus. See *XRef. for more detailed information. 
The modified menu remains in effect only for the remainder of the session 
unless it is saved.
   
Hint:
Another function key menu can be opened from within a function key menu. 
The action string must include the MicroStation key-in for opening a 
function key menu: ATTACH MENU <file_spec>, FK. This capability lets you 
create a series of related function key menus that reference each other. 
(The alternate key-in for ATTACH MENU is AM=.)



Line Style Libraries
--------------------

Line style libraries contain line style definitions. A line style 
definition consists of a name and one or more Line style components.

Note:
For information about placing elements with line styles, see *Xref: Ch. 2, 
Basic 2D.

Note:
For those technically inclined, the attribute data section of an element 
placed with a line style contains a name ID plus any line style modifiers 
(*Xref) specified in the Line Styles settings box. The name ID identifies 
only the name of the line style in an ID-to-Name map that is contained in 
the design file. This name is used to obtain the resource type and ID of 
each line style component in the line style definition based on a 
Name-to-Resource ID map that is stored in the line style library, which is 
a resource file along with the component definitions themselves.

The name indirection is necessary to avoid the need for unique component 
resource IDs across many different line style libraries. It also provides a 
simple method for replacing line styles for different display options. Line 
styles can be completely replaced simply by changing line style libraries, 
provided the new line style library contains a compatible Name-to-Resource 
ID map. (Line style libraries are binary-compatible across all MicroStation 
platforms.) The indirection also makes it possible for a single line style 
component to be contained in multiple line style definitions.

   Line style components
   Defining a Line Style:
   Working with stroke pattern components
   Working with point symbol components
   Working with compound components


Line style components
---------------------

A line style component is a component of a line style definition. The line 
style library, "lstyle.rsc," installed in MicroStation's "symb" directory 
contains many sample line style definitions.

Here are the types of line style components:
   Stroke pattern -- a pattern of dash strokes and gap strokes that is 
displayed repeatedly along the length of an element. For each dash stroke, 
the length and optionally, the color and width, are specified.
   Point symbol -- defines how a series of point symbols (like shared 
cells) are displayed along the length of an element. A point symbol 
component contains an association to a stroke pattern component from which 
dash stroke information is extracted to place the point symbols.
   Compound -- a combination of components of any type; compound components 
can be nested. The only way to display both dash strokes and point symbols 
along the length of an element is to create a compound component.
   
   Stroke pattern attributes
   Stroke attributes
   Point symbol component information
   Compound component information


Stroke pattern attributes
-------------------------

The following are stroke pattern attributes
*  Shift (the relationship between the stroke pattern, the first stroke, 
and the beginning and end of the element).
*  Whether the stroke pattern is truncated and restarted for each element 
segment (displayable vector) or continued across segments.
*  The number of repetitions of the stroke pattern used to display 
elements.
   


Stroke attributes
-----------------

The following are stroke attributes
*  Whether the stroke is a dash stroke or a gap stroke.
*  Length, in master units. 
*  Whether the length is fixed or variable (subject to scaling).
*  Color.
*  Whether the stroke is displayed with width and if so, which half(s).
*  Starting and ending width, in master units.
*  The type of end cap (if any).
*  Whether the stroke can be broken at element vertices.
   


Point symbol component information
----------------------------------

A point symbol is a named group of elements, much like a shared cell, that 
includes the following information:
*  An association to the stroke pattern on which the component is based.
*  Associations between point symbols and strokes in the base stroke 
pattern.
*  How point symbols are justified on strokes.
*  Optional offset, rotation, and scale factors.
   


Compound component information
------------------------------

For each component specified in a compound component, an offset is 
specified. The offset value specifies the distance (perpendicularly) from 
the working line to where the component is displayed. Offsets can be used 
to produce many of the effects available with multi-lines.



Defining a Line Style
---------------------

1. From the Element menu's Line Styles sub-menu, choose Edit.
   The Line Style Editor settings box opens.
2. From the File menu in the Line Style settings box, choose New to create 
a line style library or Open to open an existing line style library.
   The Create Line Style Library dialog box or the Open Line Style Library 
dialog box opens. The controls are analogous to the Create Design File and 
Open Design File dialog box, respectively.
3. Use the dialog box to create or open a line style library.
   You are returned to the Line Style Editor settings box.
4. (Optional) Create or modify a line style component(s). See Working with 
stroke pattern components, Working with point symbol components, or Working 
with compound components.
5. From the Edit menu's Create sub-menu, choose Name
   An undefined line style named "Unnamed" is inserted in the Styles list 
box and is automatically selected. The new line style is linked by default 
to the Default solid line internal stroke pattern component, as indicated 
by >> in the Components list box.
6. In the Components list box, select the component to which to directly 
link the line style definition.
7. From the Edit menu, choose Link.
   >> is displayed in the Components list box next to the selected 
component's type to indicate the component is directly linked to the line 
style definition. (If the component is a compound component, its 
sub-components are part of the definition -- in essence, indirectly 
linked.)
8. In the Name field below the Styles list box, key in the line style name 
(replace "Unnamed").
   The specified name replaces "Unnamed" in the Styles list box.
9. From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


Working with stroke pattern components
--------------------------------------

Here are procedures for creating, modifying, and deleting stroke pattern 
components using the Line Style Editor settings box.

In some cases, the most efficient way to create a stroke pattern component 
is to adapt an existing component by duplicating it and then modifying the 
duplicate.

   To create a stroke pattern component (by adapting an existing 
component):
   To create a stroke pattern component (without adapting an existing 
component):
   To modify a stroke pattern component:
   To delete a stroke pattern component:


To create a stroke pattern component (by adapting an existing component)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the stroke pattern component to 
adapt.
   The controls for working with stroke patterns are displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Duplicate.
   The component is duplicated. The duplicate is automatically selected in 
the Components list box, and a sample line with the stroke pattern 
component and the Stroke Pattern itself are displayed.
3. (Optional) For each stroke you want to delete from the duplicate, select 
the stroke, and click the Delete button. To select a stroke, click the 
stroke in the Stroke Pattern display. The selected stroke is highlighted.
4. (Optional) For each stroke you want to add, click the Add button.
   Each stroke is added to the (right) end of the Stroke Pattern as a gap 
stroke, which is indicated with an unfilled bar.
5. (Optional) For each stroke you want to change from a gap stroke to a 
dash stroke, select the stroke and choose Dash from the Stroke Type option 
menu. 
   Each dash stroke is indicated with a filled bar. The resulting stroke 
pattern component is displayed above the stroke pattern display.
6. (Optional) Set other stroke attributes.
   - To permit the length of the selected stroke to be adjusted when the 
stroke pattern is fractionally shifted or repeated a fixed number of times, 
choose Variable from the Length option menu. Otherwise, choose Fixed.
   - To change the length of the selected stroke, key in the length, in 
master units, in the Length field. You can also change the length of a 
stroke by dragging its handle, which is located in the Stroke Pattern 
display above or below the ending point of the stroke.
   - To set the type of end cap to be displayed on the selected stroke when 
the stroke is displayed with width, choose the desired end cap type from 
the Dash Caps option menu.
   - To cause the selected stroke to break at element vertices, choose 
Break from the Corners option menu. Otherwise, choose Bypass.
   - To display the selected stroke with width, choose Full from the Width 
option menu.
   or
   To cause only the left or right half of the stroke to be displayed (with 
width), choose Left or Right from the Width option menu.
   or
   To display the stroke without width, choose None from the Width option 
menu.
   - If the selected stroke is a dash stroke that is set to display with 
width, to set the stroke's start and end width, key in the widths, in 
master units, in the Start and End fields. To taper the stroke, set Start 
and End to different values.
7. (Optional) Set stroke pattern attributes.
   - To set the fraction of the first stroke that is displayed at the start 
and end of an element (or element segment) displayed using this stroke 
pattern, choose Fraction from the Shift option menu and key in the desired 
fraction, in decimal, in the field.
   or
   To set the distance, in master units, that the stroke pattern is shifted 
relative to the beginning of an element (or element segment), choose 
Distance from the Shift option menu, and key in the desired distance, in 
master units, in the field.
   - To set the number of repetitions of the stroke pattern along the 
length of an element (or each segment), choose Count from the Repetitions 
option menu and key in the desired number in the field.
   or
   To cause the stroke pattern to repeat continuously along the length of 
an element (or each segment), choose Unlimited from the Repetitions option 
menu.
   - To truncate and restart the stroke pattern for each element segment 
(displayable vector), turn on Single Segment.
   or
   To continue the stroke pattern across element segments, turn off Single 
Segment.
8. (Optional) In the Description field, key in the component description.
9. From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


To create a stroke pattern component (without adapting an existing 
component)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. From the Edit menu's Create sub-menu, choose Stroke Pattern.
   A new, blank row is inserted and is automatically selected in the 
Components list box. The controls for working with stroke patterns are 
displayed.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 4. Steps 4 and 5 are not 
optional.
   


To modify a stroke pattern component
------------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the stroke pattern component to 
modify.
   The controls for working with stroke patterns are displayed, along with 
a sample line with the stroke pattern component and the stroke pattern 
itself.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 3.
   


To delete a stroke pattern component
------------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the stroke pattern component to 
delete.
   A sample line with the stroke pattern component and the stroke pattern 
itself are displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Delete.
3. From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


Working with point symbol components
------------------------------------

Here are procedures for creating, modifying, and deleting point symbol 
components using the Line Style Editor settings box, as well the procedure 
for creating a symbol.

In some cases, the most efficient way to create a point symbol component is 
to adapt an existing component by duplicating it and then modifying the 
duplicate.

   To create a point symbol component (by adapting an existing component):
   To create a point symbol component (without adapting an existing 
component):
   To modify a point symbol component:
   To delete a point symbol component:
   Creating point symbols


To create a point symbol component (by adapting an existing component)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the point symbol component to adapt.
   The controls for working with point symbols are displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Duplicate.
   The component is duplicated. The duplicate is automatically selected in 
the Components list box, and a sample line with the point symbol component, 
the base stroke pattern, and the point symbol itself are displayed.
3. (Optional) Click the Base button.
   The Base Stroke Pattern dialog box opens.
4. (Optional) In the Base Stroke Pattern dialog box, select a stroke 
pattern component on which to base the new point symbol component, and 
click the OK button (or double-click the desired component).
5. (Optional) Back in the Line Style Editor settings box, select the stroke 
with which you want to associate a point symbol by clicking the stroke in 
the stroke pattern display. 
   The selected stroke is highlighted.
6. (Optional) Click the Select Symbol button.
   The Select Point Symbol dialog box opens. All point symbols in the open 
line style libraries are available for selection. To create additional 
point symbols and make them available for selection, use the CREATE SYMBOL 
key-in; see "To create a point symbol:" on page 15-16.
7. (Optional) In the Select Point Symbol dialog box, select a point symbol, 
and click the OK button (or double-click the desired point symbol).
   Back in the Line Style Editor settings box, the resulting point symbol 
component is displayed below the Descriptions list box.
8. (Optional) Back in the Line Style Editor settings box, specify the 
association between the point symbol and the selected stroke.
   To put the origin of the associated point symbol on the midpoint of the 
stroke, choose Center from the Origin option menu.
   or
   To put the origin of the associated point symbol on the starting point 
(left end) of the stroke, choose Left from the Origin option menu.
   or
   To put the origin of the associated point symbol on the ending point 
(right end) of the stroke, choose Right from the Origin option menu.
   - To specify an additional point symbol origin horizontal offset 
distance (from the justification point set on the stroke in the previous 
step), key in the desired distance, in master units in the direction of the 
stroke pattern (x-axis), in the X Offset field.
   - To specify an additional point symbol origin vertical offset distance 
(from the justification point on the stroke), key in the desired distance, 
in master units in the direction perpendicular to the stroke pattern 
(x-axis) and its plane, in the Y Offset field.
   - To set the point symbol rotation angle, key in the desired angle, in 
degrees, in the Rotation field.
9. (Optional) Repeat steps 5-8 to associate point symbols with additional 
strokes.
10.(Optional) In the Description field, key in the component description.
11.From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


To create a point symbol component (without adapting an existing component)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. From the Edit menu's Create sub-menu, choose Point.
   A new, blank row is inserted and is automatically selected in the 
Components list box. The controls for working with point symbols are 
displayed.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 3; steps 3-8 are not optional.
   


To modify a point symbol component
----------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the point symbol component to modify.
   The controls for working with point symbols are displayed, along with a 
sample line with the point symbol component, the base stroke pattern, and 
the point symbol itself.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 3.
   


To delete a point symbol component
----------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the point symbol component to delete.
   A sample line with the point symbol component, the base stroke pattern, 
and the point symbol itself are displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Delete.
3. From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


Creating point symbols
----------------------

A newly created point symbol is stored in the default line style library, 
which is determined as follows:
*  If the Line Style Editor settings box is open and a line style library 
is open for editing, that library is the default line style library.
*  If the settings box is closed but was previously open during the session 
and a library was open for editing when the settings box was closed, that 
library is the default library.
*  Otherwise, there is not a default library, and you must use the LSTYLE 
LIBRARY key-in to designate the default library.
   
>> To create a point symbol:

1. If there is not a default line style library, key in LSTYLE LIBRARY 
<line_style_library> to designate one.
2. Draw the elements that will be part of the point symbol.
3. Select or fence the elements. If you use the fence, the *Xref:Fence 
(Selection) Mode is ignored; only elements completely enclosed by the fence 
are used.
4. (Optional) Use the *Xref:Define Cell Origin tool to define the point 
symbol origin.
5. Key in CREATE SYMBOL <symbol_name>. The maximum number of characters in 
a valid symbol_name is 16; spaces are not permitted.
6. If you skipped step 4, enter a data point to define the point symbol 
origin.
   
Note:
If there is not a default line style library and you skip step 1, a dialog 
box opens in which you can select a library.

Note:
If a point symbol with the same name is already present in the default 
library, an alert box containing that information is displayed, and you are 
given the option of overwriting the existing point symbol or cancelling 
creation.



Working with compound components
--------------------------------

Here are procedures for creating, modifying, and deleting compound 
components using the Line Style Editor settings box.

In some cases, the most efficient way to create a compound component is to 
adapt an existing component by duplicating it and then modifying the 
duplicate.

   To create a compound component (by adapting an existing component):
   To create a compound component (without adapting an existing component):
   To modify a compound component:
   To delete a compound component:


To create a compound component (by adapting an existing component)
------------------------------------------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the compound component to adapt.
   The controls for working with compound components are displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Duplicate.
   The component is duplicated. The duplicate is automatically selected in 
the Components list box, and a sample line with the compound component is 
displayed.
3. (Optional) For each sub-component you want to remove from the duplicate, 
select the sub-component in the Sub-Components list box, and click the 
Remove button.
4. (Optional) To insert a sub-component, click the Insert button.
   The Select Component dialog box opens.
5. (Optional) In the Select Component dialog box, select a component, and 
click the OK button (or double-click the desired component).
   Back in the Line Style Editor settings box, the component is listed in 
the Sub-Components list box.
6. (Optional) Repeat steps 3-4 to insert additional sub-components in the 
new compound component.
   As you insert additional sub-components, a sample line with the 
resulting compound component is displayed above the Components list box.
7. (Optional) To cause a component to be displayed parallel to the work 
line, select the component in the Sub-Components list box and in the Offset 
field, key in the desired offset distance, in master units measured 
perpendicular to the work line. Repeat for additional components as 
desired.
8. (Optional) In the Descriptions field, key in the component description.
9. From the File menu in the Compounds settings box, choose Save.
   


To create a compound component (without adapting an existing component)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. From the Edit menu's Create sub-menu, choose Compound.
   A new, blank row is inserted and is automatically selected in the 
Components list box. The controls for working with compound components are 
displayed.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 4; steps 4 and 5 are not 
optional.
   


To modify a compound component
------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the compound component to modify.
   The controls for working with compound components are displayed, along 
with a sample line with the compound component.
2. Follow the steps in To create a compound component (by adapting an 
existing component):, beginning with step 3.
   


To delete a compound component
------------------------------

1. In the Components list box, select the compound component to delete.
   A sample line with the compound component is displayed.
2. From the Edit menu, choose Delete.
3. From the File menu in the Line Style Editor settings box, choose Save.
   


UCM Index Files
---------------

A UCM index file is a text file that contains an indexed list of up to 999 
UCMs. Indexed UCMs can be activated by index number (see *Xref["Indexed 
UCMs" on page 12-#]). UCM index files can be created and edited with the 
Edit User Command Index File utility.

   Editing UCM Index Files:


Editing UCM Index Files
-----------------------

1. From the User menu's Utilities sub-menu, choose Edit UCM Index File.
   The Edit User Command Index File settings box opens.
   If a UCM index file is active, the name of the file is displayed in the 
settings box and the indexed list is displayed for editing in the User 
Command list box.
2. From the File menu in the Edit User Command Index File settings box, 
choose Open.
   The Open UCM Index File dialog box opens.
3. To create a new user command index file, select "seed.ndx" in the list 
box and click OK. An empty list is displayed in the Edit User Command Index 
File settings box.
   or
   To edit an existing user command index file, select it in the list box 
and click OK. The UCM index file is not automatically active
4. Click the Append button to add an entry for each UCM to index to the 
list.
5. Save the list in a UCM index file: Choose Save from the File menu in the 
Edit User Command Index File and specify the destination UCM index file in 
the Save UCM Index File dialog box.
   If you save the list to a different UCM index file, that file is opened 
for editing. However, UCMs in the list cannot be activated by index number 
until the file is activated with the ACTIVE INDEX (OX=) key-in (*Xref:in 
Key-ins, RG Ch. 21).
   
Note:
UCMs with updated index numbers (including UCMs new to the list) cannot be 
activated by their new index numbers until you save the list to the same 
UCM index file or a different one.

   To edit the name of a UCM in the list:
   To insert a new blank entry in the list:
   To delete an entry:


To edit the name of a UCM in the list
-------------------------------------

1. Select the entry for the UCM in the User Command list box.
   The name of the UCM is displayed for editing in the text field above the 
list box.
2. Press <Tab> to activate the text field.
3. Edit the UCM name, and press <Return>.
   


To insert a new blank entry in the list
---------------------------------------

1. Select the entry before which you want to insert the new entry.
2. Click the Insert button.
   The index number of each entry after the new entry is incremented.
   


To delete an entry
------------------

1. Select the entry.
2. Click the Delete button.
   The index number of each entry that was after the deleted entry is 
reduced.
   


Customizing User Preferences
----------------------------

TBD

   Screen Element Colors


Screen Element Colors
---------------------

A screen element is one of the many individual pieces that make up 
MicroStation's graphical user interface, such as the desktop, a window 
border, or a button. The colors of screen elements can be individually 
modified or modified in savable groups. A group of screen element color 
settings is called a color scheme.

   To use a color scheme:
   To change a color scheme:
   To remove an existing color scheme:
   To define a custom color and make it available for assigning to screen 
elements:


To use a color scheme
---------------------

1. In the Preferences dialog box's GUI Options category, click the Dialog 
Colors button.
   The Color Control dialog box opens.
2. In the Color Schemes list box, select the color scheme.
   The preview section changes to reflect the selection.
3. Click the OK button.
4. Back in the Preferences dialog box, click the OK button.
   


To change a color scheme
------------------------

1. In the Preferences dialog box's GUI Options category, click the Dialog 
Colors button.
   The Color Control dialog box opens.
2. In the Color Schemes list box, select the color scheme you want to 
change.
   The preview section changes to reflect the selection.
3. Click the Color Palette>> button.
   The dialog box expands to reveal controls for modifying the colors of 
individual screen elements.
4. In the Screen Element list box, select the screen element you want to 
change.
   or
   In the preview section, click the screen element you want to change.
5. In the Basic Colors or Custom Colors palette, select the tile that 
represents the color to which you want to change the selected screen 
element.
6. (Optional) For each additional screen element whose color you want to 
change, repeat steps #-#.
7. Click the Save Scheme button.
   The Save Color Scheme dialog box opens.
8. In the Save This Color Scheme As field, key in the new color scheme 
name.
9. Click the OK button.
10.Back in the Color Control dialog box, click the OK button.
11.Back in the Preferences dialog box, click the OK button.
   


To remove an existing color scheme
----------------------------------

1. In the Preferences dialog box's GUI Options category, click the Dialog 
Colors button.
   The Color Control dialog box opens.
2. In the Color Schemes list box, select the color scheme you want to 
delete.
3. Click the Remove Scheme button.
   A confirmation alert box is displayed.
4. Click the OK button.
5. Back in the Color Control dialog box, click the OK button.
6. Back in the Preferences dialog box, click the OK button.
   


To define a custom color and make it available for assigning to screen 
elements
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. In the expanded Color Control dialog box, click the tile in the palette 
to which you want to assign the new color.
2. Click the Define Custom Colors button:
   The Modify Color dialog box opens.
3. Use the controls in the Modify Color dialog box to define the color. See 
*Xref.
4. When done, click the OK button.
   Back in the Color Control dialog box, the tile you selected in step # 
represents the new color.
   
   



Customizing the User Interface
------------------------------



Setting Configuration Variables
-------------------------------

   Modifying User-level Configuration Variables


Modifying User-level Configuration Variables
--------------------------------------------

1. From the User menu's Workspace sub-menu, choose Modify User 
Configuration....
   The User Configuration Variables dialog box opens.
2. In the Category list box, select the category that contains the 
configuration variable definition you wish to modify. See User 
configuration variables.
   Or
    In the Category list box, select All (Alphabetical), scroll through the 
configuration variables in the list box to the right, and select the 
desired variable.
   The controls for setting the definitions of that category of 
configuration variables are displayed.
3. Use the controls to modify the configuration variable definition. See 
*Xref.
4. Click OK.
   
Hint:
To more efficiently manage automatic loading of MDL applications, create 
two special directories -- one for applications that must load when 
MicroStation starts ("INIT apps") and the other for applications that must 
load upon the opening of any design file ("DGN apps"). Then copy the 
appropriate application ("*.ma") files to the respective directories, and 
define MS_INITAPPS and MS_DGNAPPS with a wildcard character to point to all 
"*.ma" files in the corresponding directory.

