How to Make Symbols in MicroStation?

Creating Symbols in MicroStation: A Comprehensive Guide

Inserting the Degree Symbol

To insert a degree symbol (°) in MicroStation, you need to adjust a specific setting within the application’s preferences. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the "Workspace" menu on the top bar.
2. Select "Preferences," and then click on the "Text" category.
3. Locate the "Degree Display Character" option. Here, you will specify the ASCII code corresponding to the degree symbol that you wish to use in your fonts.
4. After making the change, refresh the view to apply the new settings, and the degree symbol will appear correctly in your text.

Representing Squared Symbols

To create squared symbols and other mathematical characters, you can utilize keyboard shortcuts and numerical codes:

1. For the plus-minus symbol (±), press Shift + 6.
2. Hold down the Alt key and type 0192 on the numeric keypad for the plus-minus squared symbol.
3. For a squared symbol (²), type Alt + 0193.
4. For a cubed symbol (³), use Alt + 0194.
5. The phase symbol can be entered by typing Alt + 0195.
6. For the fraction symbols, such as one-third (1/3) and two-thirds (2/3), use Alt + 0196 and Alt + 0197 respectively.

Customizing Your Interface

To personalize the MicroStation interface to suit your workflow preferences, follow these steps:

1. Open your GUI DGNlib file in the MicroStation CONNECT environment.
2. Select "File," then navigate to "Settings," followed by "Configuration," and click on "Customize."
3. Within the Customize dialog, you can move your custom toolbox to the "User Task" section if it is not already placed there.
4. Once you’re done, close the dialog to apply your modifications.

Using Subscripts and Superscripts

Adding subscripts and superscripts to your text is simple. In MicroStation V8 2004 Edition and V8 XM Edition:

1. Open the "TextStyles" dialog and navigate to the "Advanced" tab.
2. Here, you will find options to set up a specific text style for displaying superscript and subscript text.
3. Adjust the settings as needed to create your desired text formatting.

Inserting Special Characters

To include various special characters in your document:

1. Move the cursor to the point where you want the special character to appear.
2. Hold the "ALT" key and type the four-digit Unicode value using the numeric keypad. It is essential that the Num Lock is enabled to access the number pad.
3. Release the ALT key, and the special character should display at the chosen location.

Understanding the Diameter Symbol

The diameter symbol is represented as Ø. Commonly referred to as "O with stroke," it resembles a standard "O" with a slash through it. In Unicode, it corresponds to U+2300. This symbol is commonly used in engineering and technical drawings to denote diameter measurements.

Identifying the Centerline Symbol

The centerline symbol (℄) can be utilized in your designs as well. Its Unicode is U+2104. The centerline is often employed in drafting for indicating center points and symmetry in geometrical shapes.

Adding Text in MicroStation

To add text to your work:

1. Activate the "Place Text" tool from the tool palette.
2. The Word Processor Window will pop up. Here, you can type in your desired text.
3. Arrange the text’s paragraph, tabs, and other formatting features as needed.
4. Utilize text attributes, such as superscript and subscript options, during your input for advanced formatting.

Searching for Text

MicroStation offers a straightforward way to search for text within your project:

1. Begin by selecting the "Find/Replace Text" tool from the “Edit” menu.
2. Enable the "Use Regular Expressions" option.
3. Enter .* in the "Find" field to match all existing text.
4. In the "Replace" field, type the new text you want to substitute for all occurrences of the previous text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What keyboard shortcuts can I use for special characters?

You can use combinations such as Alt + 0192 for the plus-minus squared symbol or Alt + 0193 for the squared symbol. Check the ASCII codes for other characters you may need.

How do I change font settings in MicroStation?

To change font settings, go to "Workspace," select "Preferences," then "Look and Feel." You can adjust font size, style, and type within the settings provided.

Can I customize tool sizes in MicroStation?

Yes, you can customize tool sizes. Navigate to "File," then "Settings," and select "User" (for CONNECT) or "Workspace" (for V8i SS10) to adjust the "Tool Box Tool Size" as required.