3D Design and Modeling Guide

3D Design and Modeling Page 1 of 111
3D Design and Modeling

Understanding 3D
Drawing in 3D
Surface Modeling
Mesh Modeling
Solids Modeling
Feature-Based Solids Modeling
Understanding 3D
The 3D tools are used to perform 3D design and modeling. These are the primary benefits of working in 3D:
 Drawings such as plans, elevations, sections, and details are more easily generated.
 As an added benefit, you can use these tools for rendering and visualizing 3D models to produce realistic color images of
your design. This is often more cost-effective than traditional mock-ups and artist's drawings, especially when there are
frequent revisions or tight deadlines. Animated sequences provide a way to present a design that was not available before
CAD.
The standard 3D tools are similar to the Feature Modeling tools.
DWG workmode and 3D

Basic 3D Concepts
Viewing a 3D model
View toolbox
View Control toolbox
View Rotation toolbox
Walk
Fly
Navigate View
View Perspective toolbox
Change View Perspective
Set Display Depth
Set Active Depth
Show Display Depth
Show Active Depth
Change View Rotation
View Rotation dialog
3D Elements
SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces
Settings that affect SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces
Visible Edges DGN Files
DWG workmode and 3D
When opening a DWG file , various tools are restricted to ensure compatibility with the DWG format. When you are required
to create DGN files that are DWG compatible, you can turn on DWG workmode. In both cases, the tools are restricted to create
elements that are only compatible with the DWG format. With 3D, this includes the following:
 SmartSolids/Surfaces are created using the ACIS representations rather than the Parasolid representations as in the DGN
workmode.
 B-spline curves cannot be used in creating a complex chain or shape.
 Self-referencing of DGN files is disabled, as is reference clipping.
 Raster references are disabled.
Basic 3D Concepts
This section introduces the basic concepts related to working with 3D models.
Design cube
3D DGN files consist of a design cube in which you work. The design cube represents a 3D DGN file's total volume, in which
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points are defined with x-, y-, and z-values, or coordinates. Points can be placed anywhere within the design cube, and are not
restricted to a single plane as is the case when you work in a 2D DGN file.
The 2D design plane (top) and 3D design cube (bottom)
Design cube coordinates are expressed in the form (x,y,z). The global origin in the 3D seed files provided with MicroStation is
located at the exact center of the design cube and assigned the coordinates (0,0,0). Any point above the global origin has a
positive z-value and any point below it has a negative z-value.
View volume
The view volume (sometimes called the display volume) is the volume of the design cube that is displayed in a 3D view. In most
cases, only a part of the design cube is displayed in a view.
View volume. “A” denotes the window area (hatched). “D” denotes the Display Depth, bounded by the front “F” and back “B”
clipping planes. The large cube shows the design cube, part of which is displayed in each view.
Any elements, or parts of elements, not contained in the view volume are not displayed in the view. Unless a clip volume has
been applied to a view, the view volume is bounded by the window area, and its Display Depth.
You can set the clipping volume of a 3D view such that only the region of interest is displayed and you can snap to only those
elements that are located within the defined clip volume of the view. Similarly, you can apply a clip mask to a view, where only
those elements located outside the clip mask are displayed. When a clip mask is used inside a clip volume, the only elements
that will display in the view are those that are located within the clip volume , and outside the clip mask. Additionally, if you use
the Fit View tool, only those elements within the clip volume are considered. This simplifies working on discrete portions of large
and/or complicated 3D objects.
At any time, in a view, you can toggle on/off the view display restrictions of the front and/or back clipping planes. Similarly, you
can toggle the clip volume, if one has been applied. Three settings in the View Attributes dialog let you do this:
 Clip Back — if on, a back clipping plane is active in a view.
 Clip Front — if on, a front clipping plane is active in a view.
 Clip Volume — if on, and a clip volume has been applied to the view, the view volume is restricted to the defined clip
volume.
Display Depth
The distance from the front to the back of a 3D view is its Display Depth. This depth is bounded by clipping planes, unless they
have been disabled in the View Attributes dialog. When clipping planes are on:
 The front clipping plane is nearest the viewer.
 The back clipping plane is farthest from the viewer.
Elements in front of the front clipping plane, or behind the back clipping plane, are not displayed in the view. This applies even if
they are within its viewing area, regardless of how far the view is zoomed out. In other words, the front and back clipping planes
define a “slice” of the total volume of the design cube. Only elements located within this slice can be displayed in a view.
When a clip volume has been applied to a view, and Clip Volume is enabled (in the View Attributes dialog), then this is the
maximum volume of the design cube that will be displayed in that view. Clipping planes can be set that reduce this volume, but
they have no effect if they are set outside the clip volume.
Active Depth
The Active Depth in a view defines the position of a plane, parallel to the screen, on which data points are placed. The origin of
the ACS Triad is located on the Active depth plane.
Active Depth, denoted by “AZ.” “x,” “y,” and “z” denote the View axes. “F” and “B” denote the front and back clipping planes,
respectively.
For example, suppose you are modeling the interior of a multi-story building. You can complete the details on one floor at a time
in the top view by setting the Display Depth and Active Depth to each floor successively. An even better method is to create a 3D
clipping element (such as an extruded block) that encloses a single floor of the building and then use the Clip Volume view
control to “hide” all other geometry. With this setup, to view any particular floor, you would move the clipping element to the level
of the floor that you wanted to work on, and the display volume would change accordingly.
You set the Active Depth with the Set Active Depth view control. Also, you can change the Active Depth by completing a view
manipulation — for example, Rotate View, Fit View, Change View Perspective.
A view's Active Depth always lies within its Display Depth.
Although Active Depth is a very powerful concept, MicroStation also lets you position points away from the Active Depth. For example,
using AccuDraw in 3D, you can work at a particular depth without having to first set the Active Depth.
Standard views
If you rotate a view to a standard orientation, the view orientation displays, along with the view number, in the view's title bar.
2D
In 2D, the design plane is parallel to the screen and, in effect, you view the model from above. The default (unrotated view) in 2D
is like a Top view with its orientation such that:
 The x-axis is positive from left to right (horizontally).
 The y-axis is vertical, and positive from bottom to top (vertically).
In a 2D model, you rotate a view about an imaginary z-axis, which is perpendicular to the screen. No matter how you rotate a
view in 2D, effectively, you still view it from above.
3D Orthogonal views
In 3D, since you can rotate views about three axes, rather than just one, there are six orthogonal orientations, each of which
corresponds to a standard orthogonal view: Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, or Back. The name of the view describes also the
position from which the model is viewed.
The faces of this cube correspond to the 3D orthogonal views. The cube is displayed here in an Isometric view.
Top view
A Top view displays the model from the top:
 the xy plane is parallel to your screen (as in a 2D model).
 x is positive from left to right (horizontally).
 y is positive from bottom to top (vertically).
 z is positive toward you, perpendicular to the screen.
While, for a Bottom view:
 y is positive from top to bottom (vertically).
 z is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.
Front view
A Front view displays the model from the front:
 the xz plane is parallel to your screen.
 x is positive from left to right (horizontally).
 z is positive from bottom to top (vertically).
 y is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.
While, for a Back view:
 x is positive from right to left (horizontally).
 y is positive towards you, perpendicular to the screen.
Right view
A Right view, displays the model from the right:
 the yz plane is parallel to your screen.
 y is positive from left to right (horizontally).
 z is positive from bottom to top (vertically).
 x is positive toward you, perpendicular to the screen.
While, for a Left view:
 y is positive from right to left (horizontally).
 x is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.
Isometric views
There are two other standard views — Isometric and Right Isometric. These views are rotated so the three faces of a cube
orthogonal to the design cube axes are equally inclined from the screen surface.
Standard view Faces in front

Isometric Top, Left, and Front
Right Isometric Top, Right, and Front
Isometric view (left) and Right Isometric view (right)
View coordinates
Working in 3D, in every view we always have at least two coordinate systems to work with — the DGN file coordinate system and
the view coordinate system. Only in a Top view, do the two coordinate systems align exactly. When we rotate a view, in reality
we are repositioning our view “camera” to let us see the model from a different direction. Thus, when we rotate a view, the DGN
file's axes rotate with it. Each view's axes, on the other hand, are relative to the view (or, if you like, the screen) and the following
always applies for view axes:
 The x-axis is horizontal and positive from left to right.
 The y-axis is vertical and positive from bottom to top.
 The z-axis is perpendicular to the view (screen), and positive toward you.
Thus, you can place elements relative to the DGN file coordinates, or relative to the view coordinates. When you use AccuDraw,
this is easier to understand as its compass gives you a visual indication of the drawing plane in which you are working.
Perspective projection
Elements in 3D designs must be displayed on the screen, which is planar.
 In a view with parallel projection, each element is projected to the screen along a line parallel to the view's z-axis. Although
parallel projected views make drawing easier, they lack realism because elements have the same relative size regardless
of their depth in the view. With parallel projection it can be difficult to decipher the orientation of the model.
 In a view with perspective projection, elements at greater depths appear relatively smaller, enhancing realism. A view with
perspective projection is also referred to as a camera view.
Example of parallel projection (left) compared to a perspective view (right)
Using the grid in 3D
In a 3D DGN file, you can define the orientation of the grid to suit the task at hand. Once you define a grid, Grid Lock works as
expected and input points are constrained to the grid points. The Grid Orientation is controlled from the Grid section of the
Design File Settings dialog (select Settings > Design File). Options are:
 View — Grid always aligns to the view and passes through the global origin.
 ACS — Grid aligns to the active ACS.
 Top — Grid aligns to a “Top” view. It extends along the X and Y axes from the global origin.
 Right — Grid aligns to a “Right” view. It extends along the Y and Z axes from the global origin.
 Front — Grid aligns to a “Front” view. It extends along the X and Z axes from the global origin.
Added to these options, is a key-in that lets you rotate the grid about (its) Z-Axis. This key-in, ACTIVE GRIDANGLE <value> is
included specifically to provide compatibility with AutoCAD, which supports only a grid in the XY plane, but can include a rotation
angle.
When you define a grid to align to an ACS or a view orientation, it will rotate with that view, or display with perspective in camera
views.
Perspective view displaying the grid with Orientation set to Top
Viewing a 3D model
A 3D view can display part of the design cube from any point, looking in any direction.
 As in 2D, elements to the left, right, above, or below, can be excluded from a view by zooming in or windowing so that the
elements are outside the view's area.
 3D views also have depth. You can exclude the display of elements located in front of, or behind, a required object by
changing the view's Display Depth, or by applying a clip volume.
3D viewing procedures that are similar to 2D
Many 3D viewing procedures are similar to their 2D counterparts. For example, you can change a view's area using the same
tools as for 2D. Tools such as the Window Area, Zoom In, and Zoom Out view controls are used.
Fitting views in 3D
The Fit View view control has some 3D-specific aspects and settings.
Expand Clipping If on, the view's Display Depth is adjusted, along with the view origin and magnification, so that all elements on levels that
Planes are on for the view are displayed.
Center Active If on, centers the Active Depth in the fitted view. (It is recommended that you turn on Center Active Depth when fitting a
Depth view you intend to dynamically rotate, or a view whose perspective you intend to change.)
Center Camera If on, centers the Camera in the fitted view.
When a clip volume has been applied to a view, the Fit View tool has no effect on the volume displayed in the view, it merely fits the
view to the elements contained within the applied clip volume.
Rotating views in 3D
Typically, the Rotate View view control is used in 3D to rotate a view to one of the standard views as well as to custom
orientations.
When rotating views in 3D, an important point to consider is the axis about which you want the view to rotate. By default, the
pivot point is the center of the view, at the active depth. If the active depth is far behind the elements in the view, then you can
quickly rotate the geometry out of sight. You can, however, move the pivot point to another location prior to rotating the view (see
To move the pivot point for dynamic view rotation).
To dynamically rotate a view (Cube option)
1. Select the Rotate View view control.

A cross-hair displays at the center of the active view.
2. Set Method to Dynamic.
3. In the extended settings, click the Cube icon.
4. Enter a data point (away from the cross-hairs) in the view to rotate.
Two white dots display in the view, a larger dot at the center of rotation and a smaller dot at the starting point of the rotation.
As you move the screen pointer from this first data point, the view is rotated.
5. Enter a second data point to define the view orientation.
To dynamically rotate a view (Sphere option)

A cross-hair displays at the center of the active view.
(If Sphere is selected already, in the extended settings, then the cross-hair displays at the center of a shaded sphere).
2. Set Method to Dynamic.
3. In the extended settings, click the Sphere icon.

A shaded sphere displays in the active view, with the cross-hair at its center.
4. Enter a data point somewhere within the shaded sphere (away from the cross-hairs).
Two white dots display in the view, a larger dot at the center of the sphere and a smaller dot at the starting point of the
rotation.
As you move the screen pointer from this first data point, the view is rotated. Graphics show the relationship between the
starting point and current point on the rotation sphere.
5. Enter a second data point to define the view orientation.
To rotate a view in 3D by three points
2. Set Method to 3 Points.
3. Enter a data point to define the origin of the x-axis in the view to rotate.
The origin, as well as a dynamic line indicating the positive direction of the view x-axis, displays.
4. Enter a data point to define the positive direction of the view x-axis.
5. Enter a data point in any view to define the positive direction of the view y-axis and rotate the view.
To rotate a view(s) in 3D to a standard orientation
2. Set Method to the desired standard orientation — Top, Front Right, Isometric, Bottom, Back, Left, or Right Isometric.
3. Select the view(s).
Panning views in 3D
Panning in 3D models, using the Pan View view control, gives you two options for determining the amount to pan the view. If
Dynamic Display is off, a dynamic cube is displayed between the origin and the pointer (rather than an arrow as in 2D), indicating
the distance and direction that the view will be moved. If Dynamic Display is turned on, then the elements in the view are panned
dynamically.
3D-specific viewing procedures
In addition to the familiar 2D viewing procedures, in 3D you can:
 Limit the depth of the view volume using the Set Display Depth view control.
 Change the perspective angle of a view using the Change View Perspective view control.
Window volume
You can define a volume of a model to display in a view, using the key-in WINDOW VOLUME. After entering the key-in, you
enter two data points that define diagonally opposite vertices of a rectangular volume, then select a view in which to display the
information. In effect, this key-in works in a similar fashion to the Window Area tool, except that the z value (depth) of the defining
points is taken into account.
Typically, this key-in can be used to display a part of an existing model, where you can snap to existing elements to define the
required volume.
For the display depth to be taken into account, the selected view must have its Clip Back and Clip Front view attributes enabled.
To define a window volume
1. Key in WINDOW VOLUME.
2. Enter a data point to define one vertex of the required volume.
3. Enter a data point to define the diagonally opposite vertex of the required volume.
4. Select a view in which to display the volume.
Using saved views in 3D
Creating saved views in 3D is identical to 2D. Like 2D saved views, those for 3D “remember” various parameters concerning the
view, which levels are on and off in both the active model and any references, and the region of the model that is displayed.
Additionally, the Display Depth is saved with a 3D saved view, as is the Clip Volume if one is applied.
The following categories of settings can be saved with a saved view:
 window aspect ratio, size, or size and position
 camera position
 view attributes
 clip volume
 level display
 reference levels
When creating saved views in 3D, thought should be given to the Display Depth and Clip Volume (if applied).
View toolbox
The tools in the View toolbox are used to manipulate views in the active DGN file and to manipulate view groups and view
windows.
To Select in the View toolbox
Manipulate views in
the active DGN file.
Manipulate view
groups and view
windows and to
navigate between
models.
View Groups window
Create, apply,
update, and
manipulate saved
views.
Saved View toolbox
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX VIEW [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
The View Control toolbox contains tools for manipulating views in the active DGN file. Tools that are 3D specific are disabled
when working in a 2D model.
All tools in a toolbox are not always visible by default. To see all tools, right-click in the toolbox and select Show All from the
menu.
To In the View Control toolbox, select
Open the View Attributes dialog.
View Attributes
Set the view display mode from the list of display styles or from the Display Styles dialog.
View Display Mode
Apply scene lighting to a view and adjust brightness of shaded views.
Adjust View Brightness
Update (redraw) a view(s).
Update View
Increase the magnification of a view.
Zoom In
Decrease the magnification of a view.
Zoom Out
Window an area in a view.
Window Area
Display all displayable elements in the active design and attached references in a view.
Fit View
Open the View Rotation toolbox and rotate the view.
Rotate View
View a different part of the design without changing the view magnification.
Pan View
(3D only) Interactively walk through a 3D model.
Walk
(3D only) Interactively fly through a 3D model.
Fly
(3D only) Interactively navigate a 3D view.
Navigate View
Undo the last viewing operation.
View Previous
Redo the last undone viewing operation.
View Next
Copy contents of one view to another.
Copy View
(3D only) Open the View Perspective toolbox and change the perspective angle of a 3D view.
(3D only) Set a view's Display Depth.
Set Display Depth
(3D only) Set a view's Active Depth.
Set Active Depth
(3D only) Show the Display Depth setting for a view(s).
Show Display Depth
(3D only) Show the Active Depth setting for a view(s).
Show Active Depth
(3D only) Set up the view camera.

Setup Camera
see footnote 110
Render a view(s), the fence contents, or an element(s).

Render
see footnote 111
Open the Clip Volume toolbox and apply a clip volume to a view.
Clip Volume
Apply a clip mask to a view
Clip Mask
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX VIEWCONTROL <OFF | ON>
Where you have particular view controls that you use regularly, you can customize the view control bar used with 3D DGN files to
include additional 3D-specific view controls, such as Render.
View Rotation toolbox
(3D only) The View Rotation toolbox contains tools for rotating 3D views dynamically, or to one of the Standard view orientations
— Top, Bottom, Front, Back, Left, Right, Isometric, or Right Isometric. Clicking on a standard view icon rotates the active view to
the selected standard orientation.
Note: All tools in a toolbox are not always visible by default. To see all tools, right-click in the toolbox and select Show All from
the menu.
To Select in the View Rotation toolbox
Rotate a view
Rotate View
Change active view to a top view
Top View
Change active view to a front view
Front View
Change active view to a right view
Right View
Change active view to an isometric view
Isometric View
Change active view to a bottom view
Bottom View
Change active view to a back view
Back View
Change active view to a left view
Left View
Change active view to a right-isometric view
Right-Isometric View
View Perspective toolbox
(3D only) The View Perspective toolbox contains tools for setting the perspective in a view. You can set perspective interactively,
select a camera lens setting, or select Two Point Projection. A final option lets you turn off the camera in a view.
the menu.
To Select in the View Perspective toolbox
Interactively set perspective in a view.
Set perspective in a view to match an extra wide angle camera lens.
Extra Wide Camera Lens
Set perspective in a view to match a normal camera lens.
Normal Camera Lens
Set perspective in a view to match a telephoto camera lens.
Telephoto Camera Lens
(Hidden by default) Set perspective in a view to two point projection.
Two Point Projection
Turn off a view camera.
Camera Off
3D Elements
Many of the elements used in 3D design, including shapes, circles, polygons, and arcs, are 2D. That is, they are planar and are
therefore restricted to being constructed in one plane, even in a 3D model. 3D elements do not have this restriction, and can be
drawn freely in the design cube.
Open 3D elements
Open elements do not enclose an area or volume.
Non-planar line strings and curves
To place a line string or point curve that is not constrained to one plane, use these tools in the Linear toolbox:
To place a non-planar Use this tool in the Linear toolbox

Line string Place SmartLine
Point curve Place Point or Stream Curve with the tool setting Non-planar turned on
The Extract Iso-Curves tool in the Surface Utilities toolbox and the Extract Faces/Edges tool in the Solid Utilities toolbox are
used to extract a curve from a B-spline surface, or SmartSolid.
Helixes
A helix is placed with the Helix Curve tool.
3D Primitives
Primitive see footnote 113

surfaces/solids (often referred to by 3D designers as “primary” or “simple” surfaces/solids) include the 3D objects that are
relatively simple to describe.
They are placed in the model with the tools in the Primitive Solids toolbox.
Slab
A slab (also referred to as a “3D block”) is placed with the Slab Solid tool.
Slab
A slab is defined in the model as an extruded surface in which the profile element is a block (rectangle). For information about
generating more complex extruded surfaces, see Extruded surfaces and surfaces of revolution.
Sphere
A sphere's geometry is defined by its center and its radius. It is placed in the model with the Sphere Solid tool.
Sphere
Rendered sphere
A sphere is defined in the model as a surface of revolution in which the profile element is an arc. For information about generating
more complex surfaces of revolution, see Extruded surfaces and surfaces of revolution.
Cone and cylinder
The ends of a cone are two circles lying in parallel planes. It is placed in the model with the Cone Solid tool.
Cone
A cylinder is a cone in which both ends have the same diameter. It is placed in the model with the Cylinder Solid tool.
Torus
A torus (also referred to as a “donut”) is defined by its radii and Projection Angle. It is placed in the model with the Torus Solid
tool.
Torus
A torus is defined in the model as a surface of revolution in which the profile element is a circle.
Wedge
A wedge is placed in the model with the Wedge Solid tool.
Wedge
A wedge is defined in the model as a surface of revolution in which the profile element is a rectangle.
Extruded surfaces and surfaces of revolution
Many objects can be drawn by first drawing a planar profile element (or cross-section) and then extruding or revolving the profile.
 An extruded surface or solid is formed by extruding a planar element — line string, curve, shape, ellipse, B-spline curve,
complex chain, or complex shape. It is placed in the model with the Solid by Extrusion tool in the Create Solids toolbox.
 A surface or solid of revolution is formed by revolving a planar element about an axis. It is placed in the model with the
Surface by Revolution tool in the Create Surfaces toolbox.
Extruded surface
Surface of revolution
Complex chains and shapes can be extruded or rotated to create elaborate surfaces.
Free-form (NURBS) surfaces
A non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surface is the most mathematically flexible way to represent a surface in a model. A B-
spline surface is easy to modify because each pole of its control net affects the shape of the surface only over a limited part. The
control net is analogous to a B-spline curve's control polygon.
B-spline surface: wireframe view.
B-spline surface: smooth shaded view.
Teapot created using B-spline surfaces.
Before working with 3D NURBS surfaces, it is a good idea to become familiar with 2D B-spline concepts and placement. For more
information, see Using Curves.
3D fillets
Tools in the Modify Solids toolbox and the Modify Surfaces toolbox let you round edges of solids/surfaces and blend existing
surfaces, using a variety of fillets.
SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces
Using MicroStation's SmartSolids and SmartSurfaces tools you can quickly construct complex 3D objects of your designs. For
example, starting with basic solids or surfaces, you then can:
 Add finishing touches, such as fillets and chamfers.
 Use a planar closed shape, or open element, as a profile to create a cut out in either a surface or a solid.
 Use the Shell Solid tool to quickly create a “hollow” solid with defined wall thickness.
Converting existing elements to SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces
By default, many of the tools in the Create Solids and Modify Solids toolboxes create SmartSolids or SmartSurfaces from existing
elements in your models. Additionally, you can convert existing solid and surface elements in your model to SmartSolids and
SmartSurfaces by using the tools in the Solid Utilities toolbox or Surface Utilities toolbox. These tools are called the Convert to
Solid or Convert to Surface tools.
To convert an element to a SmartSolid or SmartSurface
1. Select the Convert To Solid or Convert to Surface tool, depending on whether you are selecting a surface or a solid.
2. Identify the element to be converted.
3. Accept to complete the conversion.
Settings that affect SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces
Several settings control the way in which SmartSolids and SmartSurfaces are treated.
First, you should check that the Solids Accuracy is set appropriately for the solids that you are working with. This is controlled by
the Solids setting in the Advanced Unit Settings dialog.
Other settings, as described in the following, control both the display and the method for selecting SmartSolids and
SmartSurfaces, as well how they are treated when exported as visible edges.
B-spline and 3D dialog
The B-spline and 3D dialog (Element > B-spline and 3D) controls the default display of SmartSolid/SmartSurface elements, as
well as B-spline curves and surfaces.
Display
By default, SmartSolids and SmartSurfaces are displayed in Wireframe display mode. This is the more efficient mode for working
with SmartSolids and SmartSurfaces in a design session. Surfaces display mode should be used only where the model is to be
rendered with an earlier version of MicroStation (pre-MicroStation/J).
Surface/Solid Iso Lines
In Wireframe (and Surfaces) display mode, curved surfaces are represented both by their edge lines and a defined number of iso
lines. The iso lines provide a visual indication of a surface's curvature.
With the default setting of 4, for example, a full cylindrical solid is displayed with 4 surface rule lines, while the same solid cut in
half displays with 2 surface rule lines. Planar surfaces, which do not have curvature, are represented by their edge boundaries
only.
To change the default display of SmartSolids and SmartSurfaces
1. Choose Element > B-spline and 3D.

The B-spline and 3D dialog opens.
2. Make the desired changes to the settings.
In non-rendered views, curved surfaces are represented by iso lines. Top: Surface/Solid Iso Lines set to 4 (the default).
Bottom: Surface/Solid Iso Lines set to 10.
Conceptual Modeling tools
Most useful for conceptual design, two tools in the Modify Solids toolbox, Draw on Solid and Modify Solid Entity, let you use
push-pull modeling techniques to create and modify solids. With these tools you can quickly evaluate alternatives.
You can use the Modify Solid Entity tool to manipulate edges, faces, and vertices of existing solids (other than feature solids).
Where required, you can use the Draw on Solid tool to create a new edge on a face of a solid. You have choices of lines, blocks,
or circles, which may be drawn on a face, plus you can imprint an element. Edges, vertices, and faces, created in this manner,
also may be “pushed” or “pulled”, with the Modify Solid Entity tool.
Drawing lines (like a line string) on the solid to divide the face (left) and modifying the new face (right).
Locate Interiors
This setting, in the Input category of the Preferences dialog, affects the way that solids and closed elements are selected.
Generally, you select elements by snapping to their edges. When Locate Interiors is set to Always, however, a data point
anywhere on a solid or surface will select that face element. This is particularly useful in a rendered view, where you can identify
a solid or surface with a data point anywhere on the displayed surface.
Options for Locate Interiors are: Never, Rendered or Filled, Rendered, Filled, or Always (default).
To change the method of selecting surfaces
1. Choose Workspace > Preferences.

The Preferences dialog opens.
2. In the Category list, select Input.

The Set input preferences options display.
3. From the Locate Interiors option menu, choose the required setting.
4. Click OK.
With Locate By Face: Off — solids and surfaces can be identified only with a data point on an edge or rule line (for example,
1). On — solids and surfaces may be identified with a data point anywhere on any face (for example, 2).
Use Optimized Fence Clipping
In the Operation section of the Preferences dialog, the Optimized Fence Clipping setting affects the way that SmartSolids and
SmartSurfaces are clipped. When this option is on (the default), fence operations that involve clipping (Clip and Void Clip) do not
drop the solids or surfaces back to their basic components. In effect, the fence operation works like a boolean subtraction, where
part of the solid or surface is removed.
As with other fence operations in 3D, the extent of a fence volume is defined by the fence, and the display depth of the view.
When a circular fence is used, for example, it is similar to using a cylinder as the clipping template.
Optimized fence clipping is supported in all views, including camera views.
Using optimized fence clipping. Top: A block with a fence in place ready to delete. Bottom: The result of deleting the fence
contents with Optimized Fence Clipping turned off (left) and on (right).
Visible Edges DGN Files
You can create a visible edges DGN file — a 2D or 3D DGN file that contains the edges visible in a 3D view (that is, with those
edges that would be hidden, removed).
Rather than creating a visible edges DGN file, the preferred technique in the context of the Drawing Composition workflow is to
merge references into the active model.
To merge references, select Tools > Merge Into Master in the References dialog.
To export a visible edges DGN file
1. From the File menu's Export submenu, choose Visible Edges.

The Export Visible Edges dialog opens.
Export Visible Edges dialog
2. On the General tab, choose the view number from the View option menu.
3. (Usually recommended) To create a visible edges DGN file, set Export To to 3D File or 2D File.
or
To place the visible edges in the active DGN file, set Export To to Active File.
4. Adjust other settings as desired.
5. (Optional) To preview the result, click the Preview button.

Starts the hidden edge removal process with output directed to the view specified in the View control.
If you are dissatisfied with the preview image, return to step 4.
6. Click the Export button.

The Save Visible Edges Design File As dialog opens. By default, the visible edges file is given the same filename as the
active design file but with the suffix “.hln.”
7. (Optional) Change the filename and/or choose a different directory.
8. Click OK.
You can export multiple visible edges DGN files using key-ins.
To export multiple visible edges DGN files
1. Key in EDGES PROCESS <file_name> [switches]
Alternative Method — To export multiple visible edges DGN files
1. Create an Input command file.
2. Key in EDGES BATCH <input_command_file>

In the above procedures:
<file_name> is the DGN file from which the information for the visible edges file is obtained. The wildcard characters “*” and
“?” can be used to specify more than one file. Unless a complete path is specified, the "Design Files "configuration variable
(MS_DEF) is used to locate the DGN file(s).
<input_command_file> is the name of the input command file containing the processing details, such as file names and
switches.
Unless a switch(es) is specified, the default settings set forth in the following table are used to control the conversion.
Switch Effect Default (switch not present)
Selects low, medium, or high accuracy for -AM
-A[L|M|H]
certain curved surface operations.
In perspective views, all view boundaries (side, front,
Process the entire DGN file (-BD), or the back) are always applied. For parallel views this option
-B[D|V]
view only (-BV). enables processing of the entire file without clipping to
any of the view planes.
Specifies whether a 2D or a 3D visible
-ED[2|3] edges DGN file is to be created (if -D is not Create a 3D visible edges DGN file.
present).
Specifies the filename and path of the visible Name is the same as the DGN file with the suffix “.hln”
-EF<edgesfile>
edges DGN file. saved in the “out/dgn” directory.
-EXPANDCLS, - Enables/disables modifications to the Line
-EXPANDCLSOFF
EXPANDCLSOFF Style Attributes in the generated geometry
-H, -HOFF Enables/disables output of hidden edges -HOFF

Where <color> is specified, hidden edges
-HC<color>, -HC are given that color. If no color is specified, -HC
they have the same color as the source.
Where <level> is specified, hidden edges
are placed on that level. If no level is -HL
-HL<level>, -HL
specified, they are placed on the same level
as the source.
Where <line_style> is specified, hidden
edges are given that line style. If no line -HS
-HS<line_style>, -HS
style is specified, they have the same line
style as the source.
Where <line_weight> is specified, hidden
edges are given that line weight. If no line -HW
-HW<line_weight>, -HW
weight is specified, they have the same line
weight as the source.
Enable, disable, calculation of intersections -I
-I, -IOFF
between elements.
Selects calculation method for edges.
Corresponds to the Method settings in the -MEXACT
-M[EXACT|FAST]
General tab of the Export Visible Edges
dialog.
Activates/Deactivates the pause (for OK) -NOPAUSE
-PAUSE, -NOPAUSE
dialog between views.
-REMOVESMOOTH, - Removes/leaves edges between tangent -NOREMOVESMOOTH
NOREMOVESMOOTH faces.
Sets the x resolution for Fast method (-
-RX<resolution> -RX1000
MFAST).
Sets the y resolution for Fast method (-
-RY<resolution> -RY1000
MFAST).
Select a saved view. This view is activated
-S<saved_view> The view is used in its current position.
(“attached”).
Forces all text and dimensions to show,
even if hidden by surfaces.
-SHOWTEXT, -PROCESSTEXT -PROCESSTEXT
Processes text and dimensions like other
geometry (may be hidden).
Sets the tolerance, in working units, for
-T<mu:su> .
certain curved surface operations.
Instead of using defaults, use settings from
-TCB .
the DGN file.
-USEMATERIALCOLOR, — Controls the "Use Color From Material" -USEMATERIALCOLOROFF
USEMATERIALCOLOROFF option.
Visible edges are created from the contents -V1, visible edges are created from the contents of View
-V<view_number>
of the specified view. 1.
Where <color> is specified, visible edges are
-VC<color>, -VC given that color. If no color is specified, they -VC
have the same color as the source.
Where <level> is specified, visible edges are
placed on that level. If no level is specified, -VL
-VL<level>, -VL
they are placed on the same level as in the
source.
Where <line_style> is specified, visible
edges are given that line style. If no line -VS
-VS<line_style>, -VS
style is specified, they have the same line
style as the source.
Where <line_weight> is specified, visible
edges are given that line weight. If no line -VW
-VW<line_weight>, -VW
weight is specified, they have the same line
weight as the source.
-X<transparency Sets the "Transparency Threshold" value. A
10
threshold (0–100)> value of "100" will disable transparency.
Input command file
The input command file is a text file in which each line consists of the filename of the DGN file to process followed by any
switches. The syntax for each line is:
<dgn_file> [switch(es)]
dgn_file is the name of the DGN file. If the path is not specified, the file is searched for in the directory specified by the MS_DEF
configuration variable.
The following sample input command file specifies that visible edges DGN files be created of views 1 and 2 of the DGN file
“test1.dgn” and “test2.dgn” and of View 1 of the DGN file “test2.dgn:”
test1.dgn -V1 -
EFc:/ProgramData/Bentley/MicroStation/Workspace/Projects/Examples/General/out/testv1.hln
test1.dgn -V2 -
EFc:/ProgramData/Bentley/MicroStation/Workspace/Projects/Examples/General/out/testv2.hln
test2.dgn -
EFc:/ProgramData/Bentley/MicroStation/Workspace/Projects/Examples/General/out/test2.hln
Drawing in 3D
By default, data points in a 3D model are placed at the view's Active Depth. Where you snap a tentative point or place a data
point in a blank part of a view, it will be located at the active depth. You can, however, snap a tentative point to an existing
element at any depth in a view. When you accept such tentative points, the data point is placed at the level of the snap point.
AccuDraw and its drawing plane, 3D data points and 3D tentative points, and 3D auxiliary coordinate systems, let you place
elements away from the Active Depth. Often this improves productivity, since you need not constantly change the Active Depth.
Placing Elements in 3D
Using AccuDraw in 3D
Precision Input Key-ins in 3D
3D Data Points and 3D Tentative Points
3D Auxiliary Coordinate Systems
Manipulating and Modifying Elements in 3D
Placing Elements in 3D
Placing elements in a 2D model is like manual drafting — all elements appear on the same plane, the sheet of paper.
In 3D, you place elements in space — horizontally (for example, a floor), vertically (for example, a wall), or at any other angle or
direction (for example, a sloping roof).
Many elements rely on the orientation of the view, AccuDraw's drawing plane, or the current auxiliary coordinate system if the
ACS Plane Lock is on, for exact placement. To place elements such as blocks (rectangles), circles (by center), polygons, cells,
and text, you have these choices:
 Rotate a view so that the plane of the view (your screen) is parallel to the required orientation.
 Use AccuDraw or work with 3D auxiliary coordinate systems.
Specifying whether an element encloses volume
When you use tools in the Primitive Solids toolbox, the Type tool setting specifies whether the 3D element is either of the
following:
 Solid — capped on its ends; encloses a volume.
 Surface — not capped on its ends; does not enclose volume.
For example, to draw a tube you can use the Cylinder Solid tool with Type set to Surface, while to draw an iron bar you could
use the Cylinder Solid tool with Type set to Solid.
Top: Solids with hidden lines removed. Bottom: Surfaces with hidden lines removed.
Where you have a 3D object that is a surface, you can convert it to a solid, and vice-versa.
To change an element from a surface to a solid
1. In the Solid Utilities toolbox, select the Convert to Solid tool.
2. From the Convert To option menu, select Primitive Solid.
3. Identify the element to modify.
4. Accept the modification.
Using AccuDraw in 3D
In 3D, usually it is easier to visualize your model in a pictorial view, such as Isometric. AccuDraw gives you the option of working
in a pictorial view, while placing elements as if you were working in the standard, orthogonal views. This is possible because
AccuDraw automatically constrains data points to its drawing plane regardless of the active view's orientation.
Compass tilted over to align with the top view plane in a 3D pictorial view
The AccuDraw window in 3D
In 3D, the AccuDraw window has an additional field for the z-axis, for both Rectangular and Polar modes.
The AccuDraw window for Rectangular (left) and Polar (right) modes.
Orienting the drawing plane in 3D
Learning to orient AccuDraw's drawing plane is essential to mastering 3D drawing. For example, it is easy with AccuDraw, using
an Isometric view, to place a non-planar complex chain or complex shape in any direction without reverting to an orthogonal
view. That is, simply by rotating the drawing plane axes to Front, Top, or Side, you can work in an Isometric view while drawing in
the plane of any of the orthogonal views.
This is most apparent during the creation of a true 3D drawing normally portrayed as an isometric drawing — for example, a
plumbing riser diagram. By starting a pipe run along one view axis and shifting it using the <F>, <S>, and <T> (Front, Side, and
Top) keyboard shortcuts, you can twist and turn the pipe through 3D space.
A simple plumbing riser diagram under construction showing the compass at each corner and annotation pointing out the
drawing plane orientation at each vertex
This ability to adhere to the standard view axes while manipulating your drawing in a pictorial view is so important that AccuDraw
maintains the current orientation from tool to tool. You can still return to the view orientation by using the <V> (View) keyboard
shortcut. Additionally, other keyboard shortcuts ley you rotate the AccuDraw compass to match the orientation of an element
(<R> <E>), to match the currently loaded Auxiliary Coordinate System (<R> <C>), or to rotate a view to match the AccuDraw
compass orientation (<R> <V>).
The following table summarizes the AccuDraw keyboard shortcuts available for fine tuning the drawing plane orientation so the
axes align in the directions you want them:
Key Effect
<V> Rotates the drawing plane to align with the view axes.
<F> Rotates the drawing plane to align with the axes in a standard Front view.
<S> Rotates the drawing plane to align with the axes in a standard Right view.
<T> Rotates the drawing plane to align with the axes in a standard Top view.
<R>,<Q> Used to quickly and temporarily rotate the drawing plane with a single point.
Used to permanently rotate the drawing plane by three points. Because it rotates the active ACS, this rotation will still be active after
the tool in use is exited. If on, the tool setting Use Current Origin causes the drawing plane origin to be used as the x-axis origin,
<R>,<A>
thereby eliminating the need to enter an extra data point. Of course, in many cases it is desirable to be able to define the x-axis
origin at a different location than the drawing plane origin.
<R>,<C> Rotates the drawing plane to the current ACS.
<R>,<E> Rotates the drawing plane to match the orientation of a selected element.
<R>,<V> Rotates the active view to match the drawing plane.
<R>,<X> Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its x-axis.
<R>,<Y> Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its y-axis.
<R>,<Z> Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its z-axis.
Successively pressing E rotates the drawing plane first 90° about its x-axis, then 90° about its y-axis, and then back to its original
<E> rotation. This is useful for working with any drawing plane orientation, particularly where the model is rotated relative to the drawing
file axes.
Arbitrary rotations
By default, AccuDraw orients the drawing plane to the view axes. This is in keeping with the way it works in 2D. You can return
AccuDraw to this orientation at any time using the <V> keyboard shortcut.
You can set up an arbitrary orientation that can be saved and subsequently retrieved as an auxiliary coordinate system (ACS).
To rotate the drawing plane axes to align with the current view
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press the <V> key.
To interactively rotate the drawing plane axes
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press <R>,<A>.
2. Enter a data point to locate the x-axis origin.
3. Enter a data point to define the direction of the x-axis.

As a result, the plane of the y-axis relative to the x-axis is implied (perpendicular to the x-axis). All that remains, is to define
the direction of the y-axis in that plane.
4. Enter a data point to define the direction of the y-axis about the x-axis.
Graphically rotating the drawing plane axes. Left: Defining the x-axis direction. Right: Defining the y-axis direction (only
necessary in 3D).
For information about saving and retrieving an ACS defined using AccuDraw, see Using AccuDraw with auxiliary coordinate
systems.
The Front, Side and Top rotations
Three keyboard shortcuts, <F>, <S>, and <T>, are used to orient AccuDraw's drawing plane to the standard Top, Front, and Side
views, no matter in what view you are working. Activating one of these shortcuts dynamically rotates AccuDraw's compass to
indicate the orientation of the drawing plane.
To rotate the drawing plane axes to align with the standard Top, Front, or Side (Right) view
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press <T>, <F>, or <S> to rotate the drawing plane to align with the Top, Front, or
Side (Right) view, respectively.
Rotating 90° about a specified axis
When the drawing plane is rotated to orientations other than the standard Top, Front, and side, often it is useful to be able to
access planes at 90° to the current orientation. AccuDraw has keyboard shortcuts that rotate the drawing plane 90° about its
individual axes. These shortcuts — <R>,<X> or <R>,<Y> or <R>,<Z> — can be used to spin the drawing plane through 90°
about the selected axis, any number of times, until its orientation is exactly as you desire.
To rotate the drawing plane axes 90° about an individual axis
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, use one of the following keyboard shortcuts.
To rotate 90° about Press
x-axis <R>,<X>
y-axis <R>,<Y>
z-axis <R>,<Z>
The new orientation is maintained only until a data point or Reset is entered. However, you can save this coordinate
system for subsequent recall.
Precision Input Key-ins in 3D
Precision input key-ins in 3D work much as in 2D, except that the depth coordinate must also be entered. see footnote 114
For more information about precision input key-ins, see Precision Input Key-ins and Precision input key-ins with an ACS.
3D Data Points and 3D Tentative Points
While not as easy to use as AccuDraw, 3D data points and 3D tentative points also can be used to position points at any depth
within the view volume. They are not restricted to the Active Depth but, for simplicity, require at least two views to be open, with
different z-axis orientations. To place points with this method you first define the x and y values in the current view and then, in a
second view, define the depth (z value) for the point.
To define a 3D point with 3D data points or 3D tentative points
1. In a view, position the pointer at the desired x- and y- coordinates.
2. To enter a 3D data point, press the 3D Data button.

or
To enter a 3D tentative point, press the 3D Tentative button.
A boreline, in the view's z-direction, displays in each view that is not the same z-axis orientation as the view selected in
step 1. (If no borelines display, adjust the views so that at least one other view that shows the same part of the model has a
different orientation.)
3. In one of the other views, position the pointer on the boreline at the desired depth and again press the 3D Data button or
3D Tentative button.
This completes the positioning of the point in the x, y, and z direction.
3D Auxiliary Coordinate Systems
An auxiliary coordinate system (ACS) is a coordinate system with an orientation, and/or an origin, different from those of the DGN
file coordinates (the Global system). Although not exclusively a 3D concept, an ACS is most useful in 3D modeling as a drawing
aid.
By using an ACS that corresponds to the location and orientation of a particular element, you can enter data points relative to
parts of the model rather than the global origin.
Although using ACSs may seem complicated, AccuDraw uses them as a basic part of its 3D functionality, permanently storing
arbitrary rotations. It is not necessary to learn much about ACSs to use them effectively with AccuDraw.
ACS is called UCS (user coordinate system) by some other CAD systems.
ACS Type
You can choose from these ACS types: Rectangular, Cylindrical, and Spherical.
Rectangular
Points are specified like the design cube coordinate system, with coordinates expressed in the form (X,Y,Z). You can use
AccuDraw to define, save, and retrieve rectangular ACSs.
Rectangular ACS
Cylindrical
Points are specified as two magnitudes (R and Z) and an angle (q), with coordinates expressed in the form (R, q, Z).
The process of locating a point in a cylindrical ACS can be thought of as follows:
1. Moving from the origin along the x-axis a distance of R.
2. Rotating about the z-axis an angle of q.
3. Finally, moving parallel to the z-axis a distance of Z.
Cylindrical ACS
In 2D, there is no depth (z-axis), and cylindrical coordinates are commonly known as polar coordinates.
These are used to position a data point with a Cylindrical ACS:
 AX=R,q,Z for an exact location, where:
R is the distance from the origin, along the x-axis.
q is the angle counterclockwise from the x-axis about the z-axis.
Z is the distance in the z-direction.
 AD=[Delta ]R,[Delta ]q,[Delta ]Z for locations relative to a tentative point, where:
[Delta ]R is the difference in distance from the origin, along the x-axis.
[Delta ]q is the difference in the angle counterclockwise from the x-axis.
[Delta ]Z is the difference in the distance in the z-direction.
Spherical
(3D only) Points are specified by a magnitude (R) and two angles (q and f), with coordinates expressed in the form (R, q, f).
The process of locating a point in a spherical ACS can be thought of as follows:
1. Move from the origin along the x-axis a distance of R to establish a radius vector.
2. Rotate this vector about the z-axis an angle of q.
3. The angle f is the angle between the radius vector and the positive z-axis.
Spherical ACS
These key-ins are used to position a data point with a Spherical ACS:
 AX=R,q,f for an exact location, where:
R is the radius vector distance from the origin.
q is the angle counterclockwise from the x-axis about the z-axis.
f is the angle between the radius vector and the z-axis.
 AD=[Delta ]R,[Delta ]q,[Delta ]f for locations relative to a tentative point, where:
[Delta ]R is the difference in the radius vector distance from the origin.
[Delta ]q is the difference in the angle, counterclockwise, from the x-axis.
[Delta ]f is the difference in the angle between the radius vector and the z-axis.
Using AccuDraw with auxiliary coordinate systems
Unless you are using one of the four (Top, right Side, Front, View) standard orientations, AccuDraw “forgets” the drawing plane
orientation at the end of the current design session. To overcome this, there is a mechanism to save and retrieve arbitrary
drawing plane orientations as rectangular auxiliary coordinate systems.
The <R>,<A> keyboard shortcut is used to define an arbitrary drawing plane orientation that can subsequently be saved as a
rectangular ACS.
To save a drawing plane coordinate system
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press <W>,<A>.

The Write To ACS dialog opens.
2. In the Name field, key in a name for the coordinate system.
or
To save the coordinate system as the active (unnamed) ACS, leave the Name field blank.
3. Click OK.
To recall a saved drawing plane coordinate system
1. With the focus in the AccuDraw window, press <G>,<A>.

The Get ACS dialog opens. Where more than one ACS has been saved, the Name field is an option menu from which you
can select the required ACS.
2. From the Name option menu, choose the auxiliary coordinate system to recall.
3. (Optional) To rotate the drawing plane to the saved orientation without moving the drawing plane origin, turn off Origin.
or
(Optional) To move the drawing plane origin to the saved location without rotating the drawing plane, turn off Rotation.
4. Click OK.
The compass updates to show the effect of recalling the saved coordinate system.
Other ways of working with auxiliary coordinate systems
In addition to the AccuDraw keyboard shortcuts for working with an ACS, MicroStation also has an ACS toolbox and an Auxiliary
Coordinates dialog. These are the only mechanisms for working with a cylindrical or spherical ACS.
Defining an ACS
You can define an ACS (without using AccuDraw) in any of the following ways:
To define an ACS Use this tool in the ACS toolbox
That is aligned with a planar element.
Define ACS by Element
By entering data points.
Define ACS by Points
That is aligned with a view.
Define ACS by View
That is aligned with a reference.
Define ACS by Reference
Making an ACS active
MicroStation lets you define and save multiple ACSs. At any time, you can make one ACS active using either AccuDraw, the
controls in the Auxiliary Coordinates dialog, or the Select ACS tool. This lets you work simultaneously with three coordinate
systems — the active ACS as well as the DGN file and view coordinate systems.
To identify an ACS to make it the active ACS
1. In the ACS toolbox, select the Select ACS tool.

Triads appear, indicating the available saved ACSs, in each view that contains the ACS's origins.
2. Identify the required ACS at its origin.
ACS Plane Lock
If on, ACS Plane Lock sets the default view depth to be on the active ACS's xy plane rather than the view's active depth plane.
As with the standard active depth, you can override this default by snapping to an existing element.
Gridplane lock
You can toggle the settings for ACS Plane Lock, ACS Plane Snap, and Grid Display, with the key-in ACCUDRAW LOCK
GRIDPLANE. This key-in is mapped to the AccuDraw shortcut <L>,<P> and also to the F8 function key.
Precision input key-ins with an ACS
While an ACS is active, precision input can be specified as one of the following:
For precision input as ACS Type Key in

Rectangular AX=x value, y value, z value
ACS coordinate Spherical AX=R value, q angle, f angle
Cylindrical AX=R value, q angle, Z value

AD=x value, y value, z value (x, y, and z,
Rectangular
axes)
Distances, along the ACS axes, from the most recently entered tentative point or
Spherical
data point AD=R value, q angle, f angle
Cylindrical
AD=R value, q angle, Z value
Manipulating an ACS
You can manipulate an ACS as follows:
To Use this tool in the ACS toolbox
Rotate the active ACS.
Rotate ACS
Move the origin of the active ACS.
Move ACS
Apply the ACS to the selected view.
Apply ACS to Selected View
Manipulating and Modifying Elements in 3D
For the most part, manipulating and modifying elements in 3D is similar to 2D. 3D-specific aspects are discussed here.
Element manipulations (for example, scaling or rotation) are performed relative to AccuDraw's drawing plane. If AccuDraw is not
active, the manipulation is performed relative to the view axes.
Graphic groups work as they do in 2D.
Selecting elements in 3D
Most basic 3D element manipulations, including moving, scaling, rotating, deleting, and copying, can be done with the Element
Selection tool, and are similar to 2D. For example, you can select one or more elements and manipulate them as a single
entity.
All 3D modeling tools have a unified workflow that covers the way you select items for creation and modification and how you can
modify them interactively.
Selecting edges and faces of solids and surfaces for modification
Typically, selecting edges, faces, or vertices, for solids and surfaces is as follows:
 Generally — select single items with a data point, and use <Ctrl-Data> for additional items.
 Faces — select the solid/surface first, then dynamics lets you select face(s).
 Back Faces — snap to an edge or vertex of a back face.
 Edges/Vertices — direct selection, or through dynamic selection.
Interactive handles to control 3D objects during creation
Interactive handles let you control aspects of 3D objects during creation. For example, you can reverse the direction of surface
normals interactively, during construction of fillets, by clicking the direction handles.
Identifying existing elements
You can identify elements at any depth in a view.
This is important to remember, particularly if AccuDraw is not active. In these cases, when you are using tools such as Move
Element or Copy Element, elements are moved to the Active Depth when you snap to the element with a tentative point (either
manually, or automatically via AccuSnap), and then accept with a data point. When AccuDraw is active, it always controls the
depth of the element in the view, keeping it at the same depth by default.
If you have difficulty selecting an element, check Grid Lock and Level Lock.
Using a fence in 3D
When you place a fence in a 3D file, it is planar and parallel to the view in which it is placed. A fence encloses the volume
bounded by the area of the fence and the view's Display Depth — that is, the volume enclosed by moving the fence from the
front to the rear of the view volume along the view z-axis.
Even if an element is completely within a fence's boundaries, if it also intersects the view's front or back clipping plane, it is
considered to cross the fence and is clipped if Fence Mode is set to Clip.
This is important to remember, in particular, when creating 3D cells.
How elements such as shapes and solids are clipped by a fence is affected by the preference Use Optimized Fence Clipping.
Text cannot be clipped.
For basic information about fences, see Using a Fence to Manipulate and Modify Elements.
Surface Modeling
MicroStation's Surface Modeling tools let you create all manner of surfaces, from the very simple through to complex B-spline
surfaces and, if required, meshes. For example, you can start with a simple surface and then modify and manipulate it into the
shape you want. Other tools let you create a “skeleton” from profiles, or sections, and then drape a surface over it, or you can
extrude/revolve a surface from a profile.
You can use the surface modeling tools alone, or in conjunction with the solids modeling tools.
Tools that allow the picking of faces like the Fillet Surfaces tool and Fillet Surfaces along Curves tool now can use a Tentative to
a back edge or vertex to select back faces instead of rotating a view. If a back edge is selected the faces that share the edge can
be selected. Reset will bring you back to the front faces. If a back vertex is selected the faces that share the vertex can be
selected. Reset to go back to the front faces.
Surfaces toolbox
Primitive Surfaces toolbox
Slab Surface
Cylinder Surface
Cone Surface
Torus Surface
Wedge Surface
Pyramid Surface
Dome Surface
Elliptical Cone Surface
Create Surfaces toolbox
Surface by Extrusion
Surface by Revolution
Surface by Extrusion Along
Create Freeform Surfaces toolbox
Loft Surface
Loft Surface by Vertices
Swept Surface Along Curves
Helical Surface
Loft Rectangle to Circle

Surface by Network of Curves
Surface by Edge Curves
Surface By Corner Points
B-spline Surface by Points
Planar Surface by Points
Modify Surfaces toolbox
Trim Surfaces
Trim Surfaces by Curves
Untrim Surface
Stitch Surfaces
Offset Surface
Change Surface Normal
Extend Surface
Merge Surface to Edge
Fillet Surfaces
Fillet Surfaces along Curves
Blend Surfaces
Modify B-spline Surfaces toolbox
Edit Surface Control Points
Change Surface Order
Change Surface Closure
Rebuild Surface
Combine Surfaces
Split Surface
Surface Handlebar
Twist Surface
Surface Utilities toolbox
Convert to Surface
Extract Points from Surface/Face
Extract Iso-Curves
Planar Slice
Compute Intersections
Unroll Developable Surface
Surface by Image
Show Surface Curvature
Match Surface Settings
Surfaces toolbox
The Surfaces toolbox contains tools useful for surface modeling tasks.
the menu.
Each of the tools in the Surfaces toolbox is also a member of a “child” toolbox. When a tool is pointed to and the Data button held
down, a drop-down menu opens from which a tool in the child toolbox can be selected. The child toolbox can be opened as a
floating toolbox by choosing Open As ToolBox from the drop-down menu.
When a tool is selected in a child toolbox, the tool automatically becomes the “representative” of the child toolbox in the Surfaces
toolbox.
The following table shows the “as delivered” arrangement of the Surfaces toolbox and identifies the corresponding child
toolboxes and, for each, the default representative tool:
Primitive Surfaces toolbox(Slab Surface)
Create Surfaces toolbox (Surface by Extrusion)
Create Freeform Surfaces toolbox (Loft Surface)
Modify Surfaces toolbox (Trim Surfaces)
Modify B-spline Surfaces toolbox (Edit B-spline Surface)
Surface Utilities toolbox (Convert to Surface)
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX SURFACES
The Primitive Surfaces toolbox contains tools to place simple 3D surface elements — slab, pyramid, cylinder, cone, elliptical
cone, torus, or wedge.
menu.
To Select in the Primitive Surfaces toolbox
Place a slab surface.
Slab Surface
Place a cylinder surface.
Cylinder Surface
Place a cone surface.
Cone Surface
Place a torus surface.
Torus Surface
Place a wedge-shaped surface.
Wedge Surface
Place a pyramid surface.
Pyramid Surface
Place a dome surface.
Dome Surface
Place an elliptical cone surface
Elliptical Cone Surface
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX SURFPRIMITIVES
Create Surfaces toolbox
The Create Surfaces toolbox contains tools to create surfaces from profiles by linear extrusion, revolving, or extrusion along a
path.
menu.
To Select in Create Surfaces toolbox
Create a surface by extruding an element linearly
Surface by Extrusion
Create a surface by revolving an element.
Surface by Revolution
Create a surface by extruding an element along a path.
Surface by Extrusion Along
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX SURFPROFILES [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Create Freeform Surfaces toolbox
The Create Freeform Surfaces toolbox contains tools to place or construct a free-form, helical surface, and to construct a surface
by cross-sections, edges, skin, or by sweeping along curves.
menu.
To Select in Create Surfaces toolbox
Construct a B-spline surface that is transformed between section elements.
Loft Surface
Construct a surface between the vertices of two profiles (or groups of profiles).
Loft Surface by Vertices
Create a B-spline surface by sweeping one or two section profile curves along two trace curves.
Swept Surface Along Curves
Create a helical-shaped B-spline surface by sweeping a section profile curve along a pre-defined helix
curve.
Helical Surface
Create a surface transition from a rectangular to a circular section.
Loft Rectangle to Circle
Construct a B-spline surface that is transformed between elements of a network.
Surface by Network of Curves
Construct a B-spline surface that contains selected elements as edges.
Surface by Edge Curves
Construct a B-spline surface by defining four points.
Surface By Corner Points
Place or construct a free-form B-spline surface.
B-spline Surface by Points
Construct a rectangular B-spline surface by defining 2 or 3 corner points, or by defining multiple points
that are averaged.
Planar Surface by Points
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DFREEFORM [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Modify Surfaces toolbox
The tools in the Modify Surfaces toolbox are used to create new surfaces from the union, intersection, or difference between
surfaces; to trim, extend, stitch, split, punch, or extrude surfaces; or to change B-spline specific attributes.
menu.
To Select in the Modify Surfaces toolbox
Trim two elements to their common intersection.
Trim Surfaces
Punch a hole in a surface, or to project a B-spline curve onto a surface.
Trim Surfaces by Curves

Reverse the sense of the boundaries of a B-spline surface.
or
Remove one or all boundaries (holes) from a B-spline surface. Untrim Surface
To stitch two surfaces together to form a single surface.
Stitch Surfaces
Construct a B-spline surface that is offset from another surface.
Offset Surface
Change the normal direction of a surface element.
Change Surface Normal
Construct a B-spline surface extension to an element.
Extend Surface
Merge a surface to the edge of a second surface.
Merge Surface to Edge
Construct a fillet of constant radius between two surfaces.
Fillet Surfaces
Construct a blend surface between two B-spline surfaces along their rail curves.
Fillet Surface along Curves
Construct a blend surface from two surfaces.
Blend Surfaces
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DMODSURF [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Modify B-spline Surfaces toolbox
The tools in the Modify B-spline Surfaces toolbox are used to change B-spline surfaces, edit their control points, and change their
surface order and closure settings.
menu.
To Select in the Modify B-spline Surfaces toolbox
Edit the number of control points and/or the number of rule lines for a B-spline surface.
Edit Surface Control Points
Change the degree of a B-spline surface in the U and/or V direction.
Change Surface Order
Change the closure settings in the U and/or V direction for a B-spline surface.
Change Surface Closure
Rebuild a B-spline surface.
Rebuild Surface
Combine B-spline surfaces that share a common boundary into a single B-spline surface.
Combine Surfaces
Split, or break, an element into two separate surfaces.
Split Surface
Modify a B-spline surface using handlebars.
Surface Handlebar
Twist a B-spline surface, or a mesh element, about a defined axis.
Twist Surface
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX SURFNURBS
Surface Utilities toolbox
Tools in the Surface Utilities toolbox are used to extract curves from B-spline surfaces.
menu.
To Select in the Surface Utilities toolbox
Convert a solid to a surface.
Convert to Surface
Graphically and numerically evaluate the attributes of a B-spline surface at given locations on the
surface.
Extract Points from Surface/Face
Extract a B-spline curve(s) from a solid or a B-spline surface.
Extract Iso-Curves
Extract planar slices through surfaces, meshes and solids.
Planar Slice
Find the intersection point between a solid/surface and a linear element.
Compute Intersections
Unroll a surface onto a plane, using an approximation process.
Unroll Developable Surface
Create a B-spline surface from a raster image.

Surface by Image
To visualize the curvature of a curve or surface.
Show Surface Curvature
Match the active B-spline surface settings to the attributes of a B-spline surface.
Match Surface Settings
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX EXTRACT [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Mesh Modeling
The Meshes toolbox contains tools that let you create or convert contours into meshes for very simple land contours to very
complex landscapes with a very lightweight mesh. For example, you can import data containing points, contours, or elements of
a landscape and convert it into a mesh. The meshes can be created and merged and manipulated to create a new land structure
ready for a building structure.
The Meshes toolbox contains tools specifically for working with mesh elements, which are surfaces composed of facets that
represent a smooth surface. Digital terrain models, for example, are commonly created as mesh elements. The mesh modeling
tools let you convert solids and surfaces to mesh elements, create meshes from contours or points, and to modify the mesh
elements.
Meshes toolbox
Create Meshes toolbox
Mesh from Element
Mesh from Contours
Mesh from Points
Developable Mesh from Curves
Place Grid Mesh
Thicken Mesh to Volume
Create Drape Mesh
Create Base
Modify Meshes toolbox
Mesh Unite
Mesh Intersect
Mesh Subtract
Stitch Into Mesh
Split Mesh
Split Mesh Facets
Mesh Project
Decimate Mesh
Subdivision Mesh
Change Mesh Normal
Delete Mesh Facet
Mesh Utilities toolbox
Convert Mesh To Surface
Mesh Audit
Close Mesh to Volume
Cleanup Mesh
Extract Boundary
Unfold Mesh
Meshes toolbox
The Meshes toolbox contains tools to create, manipulate, and modify faceted or mesh elements.
Meshes toolbox
menu.
Each of the tools in the Meshes toolbox is also a member of a “child” toolbox. When a tool is pointed to and the left mouse button
held down, a drop-down menu opens from which a tool in the child toolbox can be selected. The child toolbox can be floated by
choosing Open As ToolBox from the drop-down menu.
When a tool is selected in a child toolbox, the tool automatically becomes the “representative” of the child toolbox in the Meshes
toolbox.
The following table shows the “as delivered” arrangement of the Meshes toolbox and identifies the corresponding child toolboxes
and for each, the default representative tool:
Create Meshes toolbox (Mesh from Element)
Modify Meshes toolbox (Mesh Unite)
Mesh Utilities toolbox (Convert Mesh to Surface)
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX MESH
Create Meshes toolbox
The Create Meshes toolbox contains tools for creating various types of meshes.
menu.
To Select in the Create Meshes toolbox
Construct a faceted element from a solid or surface.
Mesh from Element
Construct a mesh surface from a selection of contours.
Mesh from Contours
Construct a mesh surface from a selection of points.
Mesh from Points
Create a mesh approximation of the developable surface between two curves.
Developable Mesh from Curves
Manually create a grid mesh.
Place Grid Mesh
Create a volume from an open mesh using an offset.
Thicken Mesh to Volume
Create a drape mesh over 3D elements.
Create Drape Mesh
Create a volumetric base for open mesh objects.
Create Base
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX MESHCONSTRUCT
Modify Meshes toolbox
The Modify Meshes toolbox contains tools to perform boolean operations on mesh elements and to change existing mesh
elements in various ways.
menu.
To Select in the Modify Meshes toolbox
Construct a mesh element from the union of two or more existing mesh elements.
Mesh Unite
Construct a mesh element at the intersection of two or more existing mesh elements.
Mesh Intersect
Construct a mesh element by subtracting one existing mesh element from another.
Mesh Subtract
Combine multiple mesh elements into a single mesh element.
Stitch Into Mesh
Split a mesh element into separate parts.
Split Mesh
Split mesh element facets.
Split Mesh Facets
Project a profile onto a mesh element.
Mesh Project
Reduce the number of facets in a mesh element.
Decimate Mesh
Subdivide a mesh to produce a smoother result.
Subdivision Mesh
Reverse the direction of surface normals for a mesh.
Change Mesh Normal
Delete one or more facets from a mesh element.
Delete Mesh Facet
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX MESHMODIFY
Mesh Utilities toolbox
The Mesh Utilities toolbox contains tools to unfold a mesh, extract boundaries, audit a mesh, repair a mesh, clean up a mesh,
and to convert a mesh element to a B-spline surface.
menu.
To Select in the Mesh Utilities toolbox
Convert a mesh element to a B-spline surface.
Convert Mesh To Surface
Generate a report on the geometric properties of mesh elements.
Mesh Audit
Repair a volumetric mesh that has a missing facet.
Close Mesh to Volume
Clean up mesh elements.
Cleanup Mesh
Extract a mesh boundary.
Extract Mesh Boundary
Unfold a mesh element.
Unfold Mesh
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX MESHUTILITY
Solids Modeling
The solids modeling tools let you quickly create 3D models of your designs. Typically, you can start with one or more simple
underlying solids, then use construction and manipulation tools to finish the design. Included are tools that make use of push-pull
technology to let you quickly create conceptual solids.
You can use the solids modeling tools alone, or in conjunction with the surface modeling tools.
Tools that allow the picking of faces like the Taper Face tool, Shell Solid tool, Replace Face tool, and the Align 3D now can use a
Tentative to a back edge or vertex to select back faces instead of rotating a view. If a back edge is selected the faces that share
the edge can be selected. Reset will bring you back to the front faces. If a back vertex is selected the faces that share the vertex
can be selected. Reset to go back to the front faces.
Solids toolbox
Primitive Solids toolbox
Slab Solid
Sphere Solid
Cylinder Solid
Cone Solid
Torus Solid
Wedge Solid
Pyramid Solid
Elliptical Cone Solid
Ellipsoid
Polyhedron
Create Solids toolbox
Solid by Extrusion
Solid by Revolution
Solid by Extrusion Along
Solid by Thicken Surface
Linear Solid
Modify Solids toolbox
Draw on Solid
Modify Solid Entity
Delete Solid Entity
Taper Face
Shell Solid
Replace Face
Unite Solids
Intersect Solids
Subtract Solids
Trim Solids
Cut Solids by Curves
Fillet Edges
Chamfer Edges
Edit Primitive
Solid Utilities toolbox
Convert to Solid
Align 3D
Change SmartSolid Display
Extract Faces/Edges
Remove Entity by Size
Solids toolbox
Tools for creating and modifying solids are accessed from this toolbox.
menu.
To Use tools in the
Place a standard 3D solid element — slab, sphere, cylinder, cone, torus,

wedge, pyramid, elliptical cone, ellipsoid or polyhedron.
Extrude a solid, or construct a solid of revolution,
or
Extrude a solid along a path,
or
Thicken a surface into a solid,
or
Create a linear solid.
Draw on modify a solid, delete an entity, taper a face, shell, or replace a
face,
or
Construct a new solid from the union, intersection, difference of existing

solids, cut a hole,
or
Fillet, chamfer an existing solid, edit a 3D primitive (slab, sphere, cylinder,
cone, torus, wedge, pyramid, elliptical cone, ellipsoid or polyhedron).
Convert solids to surfaces and vice-versa,
or
Align elements relative to a face on each element,
or
Change the display of a SmartSolid/SmartSurface,
or
Extract a face or edge from a solid.
or
Simplify SmartSolids by removing small details.
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX SOLIDS
The tools in the Primitive Solids toolbox are used to place 3D solid elements — slab, pyramid, sphere, cylinder, cone, elliptical
cone, ellipsoid, torus, wedge, or polyhedron.
menu.
To Select in the Primitive Solids toolbox
Place a slab solid.
Slab Solid
Place a sphere.
Sphere Solid
Place a cylinder solid.
Cylinder Solid
Place a cone solid.
Cone Solid
Place a torus solid.
Torus Solid
Place a wedge-shaped solid.
Wedge Solid
Place a pyramid solid.
Pyramid Solid
Place an elliptical cone solid.
Elliptical Cone Solid
Place an ellipsoid.
Ellipsoid
Place a polyhedron.
Polyhedron
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DDRAWING [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Tools in the Create Solids toolbox are used to extrude a solid linearly or along a path, construct a solid of revolution, or thicken a
surface to create a solid.
menu.
To Select in the Create Solids toolbox
Create a solid by extruding an element linearly.
Solid by Extrusion
Create a solid by revolving an element.
Solid by Revolution
Create a solid by extruding an element along a path.
Solid by Extrusion Along
Add thickness to a surface to create a solid.
Solid by Thicken Surface
Create a rectangular solid by drawing the base center line.
Linear Solid
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DCONSTRUCT
Tools in the Modify Solids toolbox are used to:
 modify, taper, or remove faces of a solid
 construct a single solid from the union, intersection, or difference of existing solids
 place cuts, fillets, or chamfers on existing solids
 edit existing 3D primitive elements
menu.
To Select in the Modify Solids toolbox
Create a new edge on an existing solid.
Draw on Solid
Relocate inwards or outwards one or more faces of a solid.
Modify Solid Entity
Delete an entity from a solid.
Delete Solid Entity
Taper one or more faces of a solid.
Taper Face
Hollow out a solid to create a solid with walls of constant thickness.
Shell Solid
Replace a selected face of a solid with an existing surface.
Replace Face
Construct a single solid that is the union of two or more existing (overlapping) solids.
Unite Solids
Construct a single solid that is the intersection of two or more existing (overlapping) solids.
Intersect Solids
Construct a single solid by subtracting the volume of one or more (overlapping) solids from another.
Subtract Solids
Trims two solids to their common intersection or trims one solid to its intersection with a second solid.
Trim Solids
Create a cut, slot, or pocket in a solid.
Cut Solids by Curves
Fillet one or more edges of a solid.
Fillet Edges
Chamfer one or more edges of a solid.
Chamfer Edges
Modify the dimensions of existing 3D primitive elements.
Edit Primitive
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DMODIFY
Tools in the Solid Utilities toolbox are used to:
 Convert a surface to a SmartSolid.
 Relocate elements so their faces are aligned.
 Change the display of SmartSolids.
 Extract a face or edge from a solid or surface.
 Intersect a solid or surface with a linear element.
 Remove unwanted details from SmartSolids based on size.
menu.
To Select in the Solid Utilities toolbox
Switch between surface types, or add caps to extrusions and surfaces of revolution.
Convert to Solid
Move an element and align a selected face of it to the selected face of a second element.
Align Solids by Faces
Change the display of SmartSolids/SmartSurfaces.
Change SmartSolid Display
Extract a face, or edge, from a solid or surface.
Extract Faces/Edges
Simplify SmartSolids by removing details such as blends, holes and small facets based on size.
Remove Entity by Size
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 3DQUERY
Feature-Based Solids Modeling
Introduction to Feature-based Solids Modeling

Adding and Manipulating Solids and Features
Variable Driven Modeling and Constraints
Feature Manager
Feature Modeling Tools
Dimension-Driven Design
Introduction to Feature-based Solids Modeling
Feature Modeling tools let you create parametric feature-based solids. That is, a parametric solid that is created from one or
more features. Each part of a solids model created with these tools is a “feature.” Parameters used to create the features are
stored in the design and may be edited with the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool. Alternatively, you can edit a feature
interactively by selecting it with the Element Selection tool and then dragging one or more of its handles.
Overview of Feature Modeling

Display of Feature Solids Geometry and Features
Solids Working Area
Feature Manager
Variable Driven Modeling
Constraints
Feature Cells
Manipulating Solids and Features Interactively
Creating Parametric Primitive Features
Profile Feature Solids
Boolean Features and Modify Face Features
Creating and Manipulating Features on Parametric Solids
Overview of Feature Modeling
Solids created with the Feature Modeling tools are much more powerful than those created with other 3D tools.
When Feature Modeling tools are used to add features to SmartSolids, the SmartSolids are converted to feature solids.
Feature Modeling tools must be used to edit feature solids.
Why use parametric feature-based solids
The feature-based solids tools give you a degree of flexibility, when working in 3D, that is not possible with the standard 3D tools.
For example, they let you edit solids by changing the parameters used to create them, or simply by selecting them and then
using handles to make changes interactively. You can use the Move Feature tool to relocate a feature, or you can use the
Element Selection tool to select the feature and move it to a different location on any part of the solid that was placed prior to the
feature being moved. Where you want to move a feature to a part of the solid that was created/added after the feature, you first
need to change the order of features in the solid via the Feature Manager.
Where you move a feature, such as a hole, to another location on a solid, the hole correctly orientates itself relative to previously
created surfaces over which the pointer is passing, no matter what view you are working with — there is no need to work in a
specific view. On completion of the move the solid regenerates automatically to reflect the change.
Left: Select the hole feature.
Center and Right: As it is moved, the hole feature orientates itself to the surface nearest the viewer (shown in heavy line weight
for emphasis).
When you create feature-based solids, you construct your model more like you would do in real-life. For example, you may start
with one or more primitive features (slab, sphere, cone, cylinder, torus, wedge), extrusions, or revolutions. These may be united,
subtracted, or intersected with the Boolean Feature tools, and then the finishing touches added, such as blends, holes, cuts, and
protrusions. Editing tools let you modify the underlying solids, as well as the added features. Similarly, feature manipulation tools
let you rearrange, copy, or delete, features of the solid.
Fully editable features
With the standard 3D tools you can edit the parameters for primitive solids, Slab, Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, Torus, or Wedge, but
that is all. Once one of these primitives is modified in any way, such as by adding a chamfer or cut, then no longer are they
editable.
With the Feature Modeling tools, which create parametric feature-based solids, all items are considered to be features whose
parameters you can edit. Take the example where you use the Feature Modeling tools to create a slab feature that has a
chamfered edge, a rounded edge, plus a countersunk hole. Each feature of this solid is editable.
Each feature of a solid, created with the Feature Modeling tools, is editable.
For each of these features, the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool opens the appropriate Edit <feature> dialog. After
making the desired changes to the settings and clicking OK, the solid is regenerated to reflect the changes.
Display of Feature Solids Geometry and Features
When you work with feature solids, you can control the way that the Geometry, Profiles, and highlighted features display in a
view. Settings for these are located in the 3D and B-Spline dialog.
Solids Working Area
When working with feature-based solids (or SmartSolids), you should first check that the Solids Accuracy is set appropriately for
the solids that you are working with. This is controlled by the Solids setting in the Working Areas (each axis) section of the
Advanced Unit Settings dialog.
Feature Manager
Feature Manager is a utility that lets you display a list of all features of a solid, in the order that they were added to it. Using
Feature Manager, you can select a feature and:
 Display its details.
 Display the solid up to the point that the selected feature was added (that is, turn off display of all features created after the
selected feature).
 Rearrange the order of features on the solid.
 Find “hidden” solids/features.
Rearranging the order of features on a solid
All information on each feature of a solid is retained in the DGN, in the order that it was created. This is very important to
remember, particularly when editing existing solids/features. For example, you cannot move a feature to a part of a solid that was
created after it. In such a situation, however, you can use Feature Manager to rearrange the order that features were created, so
that you can make the required move.
Take the simple case, for example, where you have a slab with a through hole in it, to which you add a smaller slab with the
Union Feature tool.
Left: Slab with hole feature.
Right: After adding second slab with Union Feature tool.
Because the hole was created on the solid prior to the second slab being added, you would not be able to relocate the hole on to
the region of this second slab. Using Feature Manager, however, you could move the hole in the feature tree so that it was higher
than the second slab. In other words, as though it had been created after the second slab. After this rearrangement, you could
then move the hole anywhere on the solid.
Using Feature Manager to reorganize the hole feature.
Left: Before rearranging the feature tree, the “through” hole only passes through the original slab, ignoring the more recent
addition.
Right: After rearranging the position of the hole in the feature tree, it now passes through the entire solid.
Finding “hidden” solids/features
Another situation for which Feature Manager is particularly useful, is when you have a solid on which you want to edit a feature
that no longer has any edges visible. In other words, a feature for which you have no way to graphically select it for editing. In
these situations, you can use Feature Manager to select the “hidden” feature.
Take, for example, a model that consists simply of a slab feature, with all of its edges rounded.
Solid created from a slab, with all edges rounded.
Here, none of the original edges remains visible to let you select the underlying slab. If you wanted to change the dimensions of
the slab, it would not be possible to select it graphically. You can select the slab, however, using Feature Manager. With Feature
Manager active you simply select the solid to list its features, then right-click on the entry for the slab and select Modify from the
pop-up menu. This opens the Edit Slab dialog, to let you modify the dimensions.
Select Modify in the Feature Manager menu (left) to open the Edit dialog for the highlighted feature (right).
After modifying the dimensions, the solid is regenerated to reflect the changes.
After editing, the solid is regenerated.
Variable Driven Modeling
While each dimension for a feature can be edited individually, other options let you use variables to define dimensions, such that
editing a single variable can propagate changes to all solids in the model that use that variable. By default, each feature is given
local variables to define its various parameters. As well, you can create your own global variables, which you may assign to the
parameters of a feature.
Taking this further, you can use equations to link dimensions, or variables. For example, you may want the width of a slab to be 1
meter plus one fifth of its length, and the Height to be one third of the Width. By assigning the appropriate equations to the Width
and Height dimensions, only the Length parameter would be available for manual editing, with the remaining two dimensions
automatically updated as per the equations.
Creating an equation linking the Length and Width values of the slab.
In this case, if you edited the Length dimension of the slab, its Width and Height also would be changed to maintain the
relationship defined by the equations.
With Width and Height defined by equations, only the Length value is available for manual editing.
Left: Original slab showing the length (L).
Right: Result of increasing the value of L — all 3 values are changed (length, width, and height) as per the equations (original
slab shown dashed).
For more detailed information see Variable Driven Modeling and Constraints.
Constraints
Constraints is another function available with parametric feature-based design. Using the Constrain Feature tool, you can fix
features relative to each other, so that they remain correctly located even if the underlying solid or feature is modified. For
example, you can assign constraints to ensure that the centers of holes always are located at twice their radius from the edges of
a solid.
If the holes are unconstrained, they will remain in their current location even if the base slab feature of the model is modified.
When the holes are constrained to be a particular distance from the edges, however, they will be relocated to honour the
constraints.
Left: Solid with unconstrained holes. When the base slab feature is modified, the holes remain in their current location.
Right: Solid with constrained holes. When the slab feature is modified, the holes are relocated also to maintain the constraints.
Feature Cells
Feature cells, are special cells that you create using global variables and equations, grouped in a parameter set, to define their
dimensions, or parameters. A single feature cell can have many parameter sets, covering its various allowable sizes, which lets
you choose the correct set of dimensions at placement time. Feature cells are placed with the Place Feature Cell tool and may
be edited with the Edit Feature Cell tool. During editing, you can select another parameter set to apply, or you can choose
another feature cell.
Manipulating Solids and Features Interactively
For “freestyle” modification of solids and features, you can manually “push” and “pull” them, or move and adjust features such as
holes and cuts by using handles that appear when you select the solid or feature with the Element Selection tool. These same
techniques for modifying solids, also can be used for SmartSurfaces and SmartSolids. In addition to interactive, graphical,
modification of solids and features, you can perform a number of operations via a Reset (or right-click) menu.
After you select the feature, tool tips indicate what the handles are for. If you pause your pointer over a handle, a tool tip indicates
that the handle either is part of the feature, such as “Hole Cbore./Csink. Diameter: 12.00, Diameter: 10.00” and can be used to
modify it, or a Move/Copy handle such as “Move Slab by Point (Press <Alt> while dragging to toggle copy)”.
For more detailed information on manipulating solids and features interactively, see Using Handles to modify solids and
features interactively.
Creating Parametric Primitive Features
Tools for creating 3D parametric primitive features — slab, sphere, cylinder, cone, torus, wedge — are located in the Primitive
Feature Solids toolbox. Unlike the standard 3D Primitives tools, there is no Type setting, for Solid/Surface, as all parametric
primitive features are solids. Additionally, the parametric feature solids are fully editable with the Modify Parametric Solid or
Feature tool.
Primitive Feature Solids, clockwise, from top left: Slab, Sphere, Cylinder, Wedge, Torus, Cone.
Profile Feature Solids
Many solids and features can be created from profiles, which can be standard elements or Dimension Driven Design (DDD)
cells/profiles. Tools for creating these solids are located in the Profile Feature Solids toolbox. Solids created with these tools
can be edited with the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature. As well, you can use the Modify Profile tool to adjust the profile(s)
used to create the solid.
Tools in the Profile Feature Solids toolbox let you:
 Extrude a profile —Extrude Feature tool.
 Revolve a profile — Revolve Feature tool.
 Extrude a profile along a trace curve — Tube Feature tool.
 Construct a surface/solid skin over any number of sections — Skin Solid Feature tool.
 Construct a helical solid from any profile — Helix Feature tool.
 Add thickness to an existing surface — Thicken Feature tool.
Boolean Features and Modify Face Features
Complex solids can be created by adding, subtracting, or merging two or more existing solids. To perform these operations, you
can use tools from the Boolean Features toolbox.
Result of using the boolean tools on an intersecting slab and cylinder.
Left to Right: Addition, Subtraction (of cylinder), and Intersection.
Surfaces also may be used with boolean operations.
Example showing a boolean subtraction, created by subtracting a b-spline surface from a slab.
Several tools in the Modify Face Features toolbox let you manipulate faces on a solid. With these tools, you can:
 Add a taper to a face(s).
A taper can be added to the face shown in a heavy line weight (left), to a single face (center), or to tangentially continuous
faces (right).
 Extend a face(s).
A face shown in heavy line weight (left) can be extended individually (center) or offset with tangentially continuous faces (right).
 Spin a face.
Left: Solid with face to be spun shown in heavy line weight.
Center: After spinning face about lower edge.
Right: After spinning face about lower edge, with a radius.
 Remove a face(s).
Left: Selected faces (shown in heavy line weight) can be removed.
Right: Solid with faces removed.
 Replace surfaces on a solid to align with each other, in a single operation.
Left: Before replacing surfaces 2, 3, and 4 to align with surface 1.
Right: After replacing surfaces.
Creating and Manipulating Features on Parametric Solids
You can add various parametric features to solids using tools in the Features toolbox. Using these tools you can add:
 Blends and Chamfers.
Top: Slab with constant blend (left) and varying blend (right).
Bottom: Slab with symmetrical chamfer (left) and unequal chamfer (right).
 Holes and Bosses
Slab with examples of countersunk, simple, and counterbore holes, plus a simple boss right and boss with draft and rounding
(left).
 Cuts and protrusions — where profiles can create cuts or protrusions on solids.
Slab and profile (left) used to create a cut (center) and protrusion (right).
 Swept edges — where a profile can be swept around a solid, as a cut or a protrusion, using an edge as a reference trace
path.
Solid, with elliptical profile to be swept, using edge of solid (shown in heavy line weight) as a reference trace path.
Swept profiles can create a cut (left) or a protrusion (right).
 Ribs
Example rib (shown heavy line weight).
 Thin shell solids
Before thin shelling (left) and after (right).
In a similar manner to how you manipulate individual elements, you can use tools in the Manipulate Feature toolbox, to move,
copy, rotate, mirror, or create an array of, existing features on a solid. A further tool lets you add one or more constraints to
features. This may be, for example, to ensure that a hole or cut always has a minimum clearance distance from one or more
edges of a solid.
Adding and Manipulating Solids and Features
The feature-based modeling tools bring with them a variety of new and improved ways to perform various tasks as you create
your models.
Workflow Techniques for Adding and Manipulating Features

Adding Features to Solids
Manipulating Features
Workflow Techniques for Adding and Manipulating Features
When you are working with the Feature Modeling tools, several additional features and tools are provided that assist with
workflow.
Working with Views
For the most part, unless you are working with a multi-monitor system, it is more convenient to work in a single view, to present
the largest “picture” of your model. To facilitate this, the View Rotation toolbox lets you quickly change between Top, Front, Right,
and Isometric views. If you have only one view open, you do not need to select a view after choosing the required rotation. Other
tools in this toolbox let you quickly turn Constructions on or off, and to toggle between a smooth-shaded view and Wireframe
display.
Selecting faces on a solid
When you are working with feature-based solids the screen pointer will, by default, select only those faces that would be visible
to you in the view. That is, it ignores surfaces that would, in real life, be obscured by the rest of the solid in the view. Consider a
rectangular slab feature, viewed in an Isometric view. By default, only the top, front, and left faces of the slab would highlight as
you pass the pointer over it.
By default, the pointer selects only those surfaces that would be visible in the view in real life, such as the shaded surfaces in
the diagram.
In wireframe display mode, where all faces are visible, it is convenient to be able to work on any face of the solid, whether or not
it would be hidden in real life. MicroStation provides a means for doing just this. For example, to select a face(s) at the rear of the
example slab, after selecting it, you first snap to a common edge or vertex and then move the pointer to highlight the required
face prior to accepting with a data point. After the snap point on the edge or vertex, only faces sharing that common edge or
vertex will be highlighted by the pointer.
Left: Snapping to the rear right corner of the slab would force the pointer to only highlight the back and right faces (shown
shaded).
Right: Snapping to the rear lower right vertex of the slab forces the pointer to only highlight the back, right, and bottom faces
(shown shaded).
General Procedure — To select a surface(s) at the rear of a solid in a view
1. Select the tool that is to be used (such as the Extend Face Feature tool.)
2. Select the solid.
3. Snap to an edge, or vertex, of the required surface.
4. Move the pointer over the surface, so that the surface highlights.
5. Accept the surface with a data point.
Selecting an edge on a solid
You can use the normal identification methods to select an edge of a parametric solid — AccuSnap, Tentative Snap, Data Point.
If you enter a data point on a vertex, however, and the incorrect edge highlights, you can enter Resets to cycle through the edges
until the correct edge highlights and then enter a data point to accept.
Dynamic update to preview settings
When adding features to a parametric solid, you can change the settings prior to accepting the feature. This lets you preview how
the construction will look before completing (accepting) it.
Take, for example, the Blend Feature tool, which lets you preview the blend prior to finally accepting it. .
Example of previewing a blend prior to accepting
1. From the Features toolbox (Tools > Feature Solids), select the Blend Feature tool.
2. With Edge set to Blend, input the proposed radius.
3. Select the edge to blend.
4. Accept to view the blend.

The blend is displayed.
5. If necessary, before accepting the blend, change the values for the radius, or radii, in the tool settings. As each change is
input (by pressing <Enter> on the keyboard) the blend preview updates to show the new values.
6. Accept to place the blend, or Reset to cancel the placing of the blend.
Even if you make a mistake and accept the wrong blend, you can use the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool to change the
radius.
Adding Features to Solids
Using the tools in the Features toolbox, you can add the following features: blends, chamfers, holes, bosses, cuts, protrusions,
swept cuts/protrusions, and ribs. As well, you can use the Thin Shell Feature tool to “hollow” out a solid. These tools let you start
with simple solids and then finish them off with features. Take as an example the angle bracket shown in the following illustration.
This model is very simple to construct, from the basic extrusion of an L-shaped profile, using tools from the Features toolbox.
Example model of an angle bracket.
To the underlying solid, which is an extrusion, of an L-shaped profile, the Rib Feature tool is used to add the rib.
Left: The underlying solid — an extrusion of an L-shaped profile.
Right: After adding the Rib Feature.
The Blend Feature tool lets you add rounding to the corners and to the right angle bend. Then, a blend for the smaller radius
rounding on the outer edge is added.
Left: Rounding is added to the corners and the right-angle bend.
Right: Rounding is added to the outer edge of the bracket.
Next, the chamfer and the countersunk holes are added using the Chamfer Feature and Hole Feature tools, respectively.
Left: The chamfer is added between the back faces of the bracket.
Right: The countersunk holes are constructed.
To complete the bracket, the Thin Shell Feature tool is used to “hollow out” the back of the bracket.
Rear view showing before (left) and after (right) using the Thin Shell Feature tool to hollow out the back of the bracket to
complete the model.
For more information on using the tools for adding features to solids, see the Features toolbox.
Manipulating Features
During the design process it is not unusual to have design changes that require modifications to one or more solid(s) in your
design. With feature-based parametric solids, compared to normal solids, these procedures are simplified. Parameters used to
create the solids/features are retained in the model. When you edit a parameter, the solid is regenerated. The Modify Parametric
Solid or Feature tool lets you modify solids/features by editing their parameters in a dialog. Alternatively, you can modify them
using selection handles. These handles display when you use the Element Selection tool to select the solid or one of its features.
For graphical modifications, the parameter values update accordingly.
It is possible that a feature no longer has any edges visible by which you can select it. This can happen with a slab, for example,
where all the edges have been blended or chamfered. In such cases, you can use the Feature Manager to suppress some
features, so that the underlying feature again is visible, or to modify the underlying “invisible” feature directly.
Modifying a feature via its parameters
Values for the parameters used to construct a feature can be edited using the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool.
Alternatively, you can modify many features, interactively, by using the Element Selection tool to select the feature and then
manipulating its handles. When you modify a feature-based solid or feature, using handles, the parameters are updated also.
Consider the before and after images of this example solid. It consists of a rectangular solid (created with the Slab Feature tool)
to which various features have been added — blends, a cut, and a countersunk hole. These features can be modified by editing
their parameters.
Example solid, showing before version (left) and the modified version (right).
This example, requires two modifications — change one blend radius, and change the hole type to counterbore. You can change
the blend and hole using the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool, for which a dialog opens when you select the feature to
modify. This contains the current values for the parameters that were used to create the feature. In this example, although the
two corner blends were created simultaneously, you still can edit each radius individually.
Modifying a blend radius
1. From the Modify Feature toolbox, select the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool.
2. Select either of the blends.
3. Accept to open the Edit Edge Blend dialog.
4. In the Edit Edge Blend dialog, turn on Show All Edges.

The dialog expands to display the edges individually, with ID numbers that correspond to numbers that dynamically display
at the relative blends of the model.
Turning on Show All Edges (left) expands the dialog to display the edges that may be edited (right).
5. In the list box, highlight the edge to be modified and edit the value in the input fields below the list box.
6. Click OK.
The solid regenerates with the new value for the edge blend.
Left: Select one of the blends.
Right: After modifying the radius of the blend.
Similarly, the countersunk hole can be modified, using the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool.
Changing a hole type
1. Select the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool.
2. Select the countersunk hole.
3. Accept to open the Edit Hole dialog.
4. Change Hole Type to Counterbore.
5. Make other adjustments as required.
6. Click OK.
The solid is regenerated with the hole changed to a counterbore type.
Left: The original countersunk hole.
Right: After modification to a counterbore hole.
Using handles to modify solids/features interactively
You can use the Element Selection tool to select a solid, or feature, and then use the handles to copy, move, or modify it.
To modify or scale a solid or feature, you must first use the Element Selection tool to select it and display the relevant handles.
How you select the solid/feature determines which handles are displayed initially. You can select the solid or feature with a Data
Point, which displays the feature handles. You can enter a Reset, or right-click, on any of these handles to view a menu with the
same options as those available via Feature Manager's right-click menu.
Pop-up menu from entering a Reset on a feature handle.
After you select the feature, tool tips indicate what the handles are for. If you pause your pointer over a handle, a tool tip indicates
that the handle either is part of the feature, such as “Hole Cbore./Csink. Diameter: 12.00, Diameter: 10.00” and can be used to
modify it, or a Move/Copy handle such as “Move Slab by Point (Press <Alt> while dragging to toggle copy)”.
Selecting handles
In many situations, when moving or modifying solids or features interactively, you can select one or more handles to work with.
This method can be used, for example, to modify several faces of a solid simultaneously.
 To select a single handle — Data Point (click) on it.
 To select multiple handles — <Ctrl-data point> on each, or <Ctrl-data point> a box around several handles.
Modifying solids and features
When modifying solids, interactively, you can modify, move, or copy features forming the solid, or the profiles used to create a
feature.
Take, for example, the following solid, which consists of a slab with a simple “through” hole and a cut. The cut was made using
the rectangle (shown dashed) as a profile.
Example model consisting of a slab, with a hole and a cut using a rectangle as a profile.
Using the Element Selection tool to select the slab feature part of the solid displays the handles for modifying or moving the slab
feature.
After selecting the slab feature, the moving/copying handle displays at the center of the slab along with handles for modifying
the feature.
For a feature, such as a slab, handles appear in each corner of the (original) slab, as well as a “moving/copying” handle at the
center of it. Dragging any of the handles modifies/moves the slab.
Left: Selecting a handle to modify the slab feature.
Right: The modified slab feature.
In a similar fashion, you can select a profile used to create a solid or a cut and modify it by its handles, which automatically
regenerates the solid. In this example model, the corner cutout was created with a rectangular profile. To modify this, you first
select an edge of the cutout area, which will display the original profile along with handles for modifying it.
Selecting an edge of the cutout region displays the profile used to create it, along with handles to move or modify it.
You can use the handles in each corner to modify the shape of the profile, or the fifth handle in the center of the profile to
move/copy the cutout. To move a feature, you can click and drag the move handle. You can toggle between move and copy
modes by pressing the <Alt> key. A plus sign appears at the selected handle when in copy mode.
Left: Click and drag a corner handle to change the shape of the cutout.
Right: Click and drag the center handle to move the cutout region. To create a copy of the feature, press the <Alt> key to
toggle to copy mode.
With a hole feature, you can use a similar procedure to change its radius, or to change its location. First you use the Element
Selection tool to select the feature.
Select an edge of the hole feature to highlight it and display its control handles.
Using the handle on the edge, you can modify the radius, while the center handle can be used to move/copy the hole in the solid.
Left: Click and drag the edge handle to modify the radius of the hole.
Right: Click and drag the center handle to move the hole. To create a copy of the feature, press the <Alt> key to toggle to copy
mode.
When you modify a solid/feature interactively, you can select multiple handles to modify simultaneously. This is particularly useful
with more complex solids, or those with multiple edges/faces that you want to manipulate together. To select multiple handles,
use <Ctrl-data point> on each required handle so that it is highlighted. To modify all the selected handles simultaneously, click
and drag any of the highlighted handles.
Left: Select handles required to be modified.
Right: Select a highlighted handle and drag to the new location.
In a solid that contains a cut created with a simple shape, having no parametric dimensions, for example, the cut still could be
modified graphically.
Modifying a cut interactively
1. Select the Element Selection tool.
2. Select an edge of the cut.

The cut is highlighted, and the profile used to create it is displayed with handles.
3. Click on one of the manipulation handles at the edge of the profile that you want to adjust.
4. Move the pointer to make the required adjustment (AccuDraw can be used for precision adjustment).
5. Accept.
6. (Optional) Repeat steps 3 to 5 for any other required adjustments.
7. Accept to finish.
Left: Select an edge of the cut (1) and then a handle to modify (2).
Right: Move the handle, using AccuDraw for precise placement.
After modifying the profile, the solid is regenerated to reflect the change.
Adding or removing blends and chamfers
You can use handles to add copies of an existing blend or chamfer, or remove them.
To add a copy of a blend
1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the existing blend.

The blend highlights. A circle depicts the radius, and a line depicts its axis. A green handle is at its center.
2. Click the green handle.

It changes color to yellow.
3. Move the pointer to the new edge, so it highlights.
4. Accept.
The blend is copied to the new edge.
Left: Select the existing blend.
Right: Move the pointer to the new edge.
Rendered view of the modified solid.
You can remove copies of a blend or chamfer by double-clicking its handle. Where it is the last instance of a blend or chamfer,
however, you must use the handle's right-click menu to perform the deletion.
To delete a copy of an existing blend or chamfer feature
1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the blend or chamfer.
2. Double-click the handle at the center of the axis line.

The feature is deleted.
To delete the last instance of a blend or chamfer feature
1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the blend or chamfer.
2. Right-click the handle for the feature.
3. Select Delete from the menu.

The feature is deleted.
Adding or removing faces of a thin shelled solid
You can use handles to remove additional faces from a thin shelled solid, or to replace a previously removed face.
To remove additional faces from a thin shelled solid
1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the solid at an open face.
The solid highlights, with a green handle displayed at the center of the open face.
2. Click on the handle.

The handle changes color to yellow.
3. Move the pointer to the face to remove.

The face highlights.
4. Enter a data point to select the face.

A green handle appears on the face.
5. Accept with a data point.

The face is removed.
Left: Select solid at open face.
Center: Click on face to remove.
Right: Solid with additional face removed.
To return a previously removed face on a thin shelled solid
1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the solid at an open face.
The solid highlights, with a green handle displayed at the center of each open face.
2. Double-click the handle on the face to return.
3. (Optional) Double-click the handle of other faces to return.
Left: Select solid at an open face, and double-click the handle of the face to be returned.
Right: The solid after returning the missing face.
Variable Driven Modeling and Constraints
The Variable Driven Modeling (VDM) tools let you assign variables or equations to the parameters of solids and features
contained in your models. For example, if a slab always has its width and height as percentages of its length, you could set
equations for these such that any changes you made to the length would automatically correct the width and height dimensions
to maintain the relationship. Variables may contain simple values or equations that define a value. Equations also may include
previously defined variables.
Many of the settings for features have an equation icon, signifying that you can assign a variable, or an equation, to the particular
setting.
Equation icon
Working in conjunction with the variable driven modeling tools, the Constrain Feature tool lets you constrain a feature of a solid.
That is you can constrain, or fix, a feature so that it remains in the same relative position on a solid irrespective of how the
underlying solid's dimensions are modified. For example, you could constrain a hole to always be 25 mm from a slab's edges.
Settings for constraints also may include variables or equations.
Variables and Equations

Constraints
Working with Variables, Equations, and Constraints

Working with feature cells
Parameter sets for hole features
Variables and Equations
Variables can be divided into two main categories:
 Global — created manually and available to all solids in the model.
 Local — created by MicroStation automatically, for all feature parameters of a solid, and available for that solid (only).
Variables can be defined as individual values, or they can be defined by equations, which in turn may contain previously defined
variables. Equations can include trigonometric and algebraic expressions, giving you a full range of options.
Valid expressions for equations
When creating equations you have access to MicroStation's mathematical capabilities.
White space and comments
White space and comments can appear anywhere in an expression and are ignored.
A comment is a sequence of characters enclosed in brackets or braces, as follows:
'[' … ']' | '{' … '}' | '/*' … '*/'
Built-in functions and arithmetic operators
You can include any of the following arithmetic operators in your equations:
Function/Operator Operation Performed

– arithmetic negation
cos cosine
sin sine
tan tangent
acos arccosine
asin arcsine
atan arctangent
sqrt square root
ceil (x) returns a double value representing the smallest integer that is greater than or equal to x. There is no error return.
floor (x) returns a floating-point value representing the largest integer that is less than or equal to x. There is no error return.
fabs (x) returns the absolute value of the floating point number (x)
+ addition
— subtraction
* multiplication
/ division
% modulo
^ exponent. For example, a^2 squares the value of a.
Built-in numerical constant
The following numerical constant is available:
Constant Means
pi [pi ]
Naming variables
Variable names may have up to 32 characters, with no embedded blanks. They are case sensitive and must begin with a letter,
followed by letters, numbers, or underscores.
You cannot create a variable name that is the same as a built-in function or constant, but it may contain a reserved word as part
of a name. For example, as “sin” is a built-in function, 'sin' is not a valid variable name. The variable “sin_of_x”, however, is valid.
Reserved words are not case sensitive, so “Sin” also is not a valid variable name.
A variable's name must be unique within the solid (local variables), or DGN file (global variables), in which it is used.
Caution should be used when using variables because of the possible confusion of an underscore in a variable name with that of Text
Entry fields. It is strongly recommended to change the ED character to &. You do this in the Text category of the Preferences dialog
(Workspace > Preferences), by changing the setting for ED character from an underscore to an ampersand “&”.
Global Variables
You can create your own global variables, which are available for all solids in a model. Typically, you can give them names that
simplify later identification where editing is required, or where you may want to use them on other solids. To avoid confusion with
local variables, names for global variables must begin with an alpha character. Names for local variables always begin with the
underscore character.
Global variables can be either driving or driven.
 Driving variable — like a constant in an equation. Can be changed only by manual editing.
 Driven variables — derived from the solution of an equation and cannot be edited manually. Changes to these occur,
automatically, when a value (of a driving variable) in the equation is modified.
Consider, for example, a simple slab that always has its width as 0.5 times its length, and its height as 0.75 times its width. You
could create a driving variable for its length, and driven variables for its width and height. In the case where the length is 5 units,
then the global variables could be created as follows:
Driving variable — Length=5
Driven variables — Width=0.5*Length and Height=0.75*Width
In this case, the variables would have to be created in the order Length, Width, and Height, as each includes a reference to the
previously defined variable. You cannot create an equation that references a nonexistent variable. With the above variables
applied to the dimensions of the slab, only the value of Length is readily editable, but this would cause changes to the Width and
Height of the slab, as per the driven variables.
Creating global variables and equations
Global variables and equations are created via the Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog, which has tabs for Variables and
Equations. This lets you Create, Edit, and Delete, variables and equations as well as to Apply edited values to any solid(s) that
uses the global variable. When you create a variable, it can be one of the following Types:
 Distance — (the default) defined in working units and displayed as specified in the Working Units category of the Design
File Settings dialog (Settings > Design File).
 Degrees — defined in degrees and displayed as specified in the Working Units category of the Design File Settings dialog.
When using trigonometric functions, the Angle variables of type Degree are computed without conversion to Radians. If you
wish to use Radians with the trigonometric functions, then the variables should be of type Number.
 Number — a floating point number with six digit precision.
To create a global variable
1. Select Tools > Feature Solids > Feature Modeling Primary > Feature Modeling Variables.
The Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog opens.
2. With the Variables tab active, click the New icon.

A list box entry for the new variable appears.
3. In the Name field, type the required name.
4. In the Value field, type the required value.
5. From the Type option menu, select the type of variable.
To create an equation
2. Click the Equations tab.
3. Click the New icon.
4. Type the required equation.

You can use one or more variables from the Available Variables list box below the equation field. Double-clicking on an
available variable enters it in the equation field.
5. When done, click the Equations tab.

The equation is entered in the Equation list box. As well, the (driven) variable, which is defined by the equation, is added to
the variable Name list in the Variables tab.
Local Variables
Local variables, by default, are created automatically for each parameter of a feature/solid and can be used when creating/editing
equations for parameters, or when adding/editing constraints. You can toggle the display of local variables with the Locals setting
in the equation dialog, which is opened when you click the equation icon for a parameter.
Local variables are available only for the selected solid. The naming convention used for local variables is:
_<Feature Name><Node Number>_<Parameter Name>
For example, a slab on node 1 of the feature tree would have the following local variables defined for each of its dimensions:
_SLAB1_Length, _SLAB1_Width, and _SLAB1_Height
Local variables for a solid always are available for use when creating or editing features on the selected solid. They also may be
used in equations.
Constraints
Constraints let you “fix” various dimensions that control the location and/or orientation of features on a solid. The Constrain
Feature tool, in the Manipulate Feature toolbox, lets you add constraints to features.
For example, you could constrain holes in each corner of a slab to always be 25 mm from adjacent edges. The holes would
remain correctly located no matter how you changed the dimensions of the slab. Without the constraints, changing the dimension
of the slab leaves the holes static in their current locations.
Left: Original solid (slab) with holes offset 25 mm from adjacent edges in each corner.
Center: With holes unconstrained — changing the dimensions of the slab can leave the holes incorrectly positioned.
Right: With holes constrained — when the dimensions of the slab are modified, the holes remain correctly located 25 mm from
adjacent edges of each corner.
Variables and constraints
When adding a constraint to a feature, you can define the constraint using an existing global or local variable, either by itself or
as part of an equation. When variables are used in this way, you can “redesign” the solid simply by changing the values of the
variables. This results in the solid being regenerated, with the new values applied to the constraints for the features.
Working with Variables, Equations, and Constraints
To illustrate how variables, equations, and constraints can be used, the following consists of a simple example. This model
consists of a 50 mm x 50 mm x 20 mm (high) slab which has a 15 mm radius blend in one corner and in which two 10 mm hole
features and a 13 mm x 9 mm rectangular cut feature have been placed. Several methods will be used to constrain these
features.
Adding constraints
For this example, the following constraints will be applied:
 A hole will be constrained to be concentric to the rounded corner of the solid.
 The second hole will be constrained to be a distance from two edges of the solid — using a variable, and an equation.
 The cut will be located midway along an edge, and offset by a specified distance.
Features that have point-like entities may be constrained to be concentric. Such features include holes and bosses, as well as
features that have vertices. In this example, the center point of a hole will be constrained to be concentric to the center point of
the rounded edge on the solid.
Constraining the hole to be concentric to the rounded edge
1. From the Manipulate Feature toolbox, select the Constrain Feature tool.
2. Click the Add New Constraints icon and the Concentric icon.
3. Select the hole.
4. Select a curved edge of the rounded corner on the solid.

A concentric icon appears at the center of the curved edge, where the center of the hole will be located.
5. Accept to preview the effect of constraining the hole.
6. Accept again to complete constraining the hole to be concentric to the rounded edge.
The hole is moved so that it is concentric to the rounded edge.
Left: Select the feature (1) and the rounded edge (2).
Right: Accept (3) to preview the effect of the constraint and again (4) to add the (concentric) constraint.
With the hole constrained to be concentric to the curved edge, if the radius of the edge is modified, then the hole will move,
automatically, to maintain its concentric relationship.
Modifying the curved edge of the solid results in the constrained hole moving to maintain its concentric relationship.
In this example distance constraints are used to position the rectangular cut in a corner of the solid, with a 2 mm clearance to the
nearest edges.
Adding distance constraints to the rectangular cut
1. Select the Constrain Feature tool.
2. Click the Add New Constraints icon and the Distance icon.
3. Select the Distance check box and in its field, type 2.0.
4. Select the rectangular cut feature in the solid.
5. Select an edge of the feature to be constrained.
6. Select the edge on the solid to which the constraint will be referenced.
The constraint dimension displays dynamically.
7. Using <Ctrl-data point>, select the second edge of the feature to be constrained.
8. Using <Ctrl-data point>, select the edge on the solid to which the constraint will be referenced.
The constraints dimension displays dynamically.
Left: Select the feature (1), the edge to be constrained (2) and the reference edge on the solid (3).
Right: Select the second edge on the feature (4) and the reference edge on the solid (5).
9. Accept to preview the effect of the constraints.

The cut is repositioned to the location defined by the constraints.
Accept (6), to preview the effect of the proposed constraint(s).
10. Accept to complete the constraint.
Finally, an equation will be used to constrain the remaining hole to be clear of the edges of the solid by 1.5 times the diameter of
the hole. Because there are two holes in this solid, first it must be established which hole is being constrained. For this, Feature
Manager can be used. This lists all the features of the solid, with unique numbers (node numbers). As well, any features that are
already constrained will have an asterisk (*) next to them in Feature Manager.
Select the unconstrained hole, using Feature Manager
1. Select Tools > Feature Solids > Feature Modeling Primary > Feature Manager.
The Feature Manager dialog opens.
2. Click the remaining hole to display the solid with the hole feature highlighted in Feature Manager.
The feature that you click appears highlighted in Feature Manager. Previously constrained features have an asterisk (*)
next to them. This helps to select the correct hole diameter when adding the constraint. When you construct a solid such as
this, the number of the hole varies depending on the order in which the features were placed.
Constrain the remaining hole
2. Click the Add New Constraints icon and select the Distance icon.
3. Select the Distance check box.
4. Select the hole.

The hole highlights. At the same time, the Equation icon for the Distance setting is enabled.
5. Click the Equation icon.

The equation input dialog opens.
6. In the equation input dialog, select the Locals check box to display local variables for the features on the solid.
7. In the list of variables, double-click the local variable _HOLE3_Diameter.

The variable is entered in the text field above.
8. In the text field, add *1.5 to the variable already present.

The equation should read _HOLE3_Diameter*1.5.
This makes the constraint 1.5 times the diameter of the hole.
9. Click OK.
The equation dialog closes and the value 15 is entered in the Distance field — this is 1.5 times the diameter (10 mm) of the
hole.
10. Select one of the edges adjacent to the hole.
11. With a <Ctrl-data point>, select the remaining edge adjacent to the hole.
In each case, the dimension 15 appears dynamically to show the constraint value.
12. Accept to preview the effect of the constraints.
13. Accept to complete the addition of the constraints.

The hole moves to the required location.
Left: Select the feature (1) and then, after clicking the equation icon and entering the equation, select the edges (2 and 3).
Right: Accept (4), to view the effect of the constraint, and again (5) to accept.
With the features constrained, changes made to the parameters of the underlying slab will result in the features moving, if
necessary, to maintain the defined constraints.
When the underlying solid is modified, the features maintain their constraint settings.
Similarly, if changes are made to the parameters of a feature, then it is repositioned, if necessary, to maintain the defined
constraint(s).
When a feature is modified, it still maintains its constraint settings.
As well as being able to modify solids and features, while maintaining the constraint settings, you also can make changes to the
constraint settings themselves. You do this with the Constrain Feature tool, with Constraint set to Modify. For example, the
clearance constraints for a rectangular cut could be modified. If both are currently set at 2 mm, they can be modified individually,
to different values, if required. In the following procedure, both offsets are increased to 6 mm.
Modify the constraints for the rectangular cut feature
2. Click the Modify Existing Constraints icon.
3. Select the rectangular cut feature.

The feature is highlighted.
4. Accept.
The Modify Feature Constraints dialog opens, displaying the constraints currently applied to the feature.
5. Select the first constraint in the dialog.

The constraint highlights and the value is entered in the edit field below the list box.
At the same time the corresponding dimension displays dynamically on the solid, to help you select the correct constraint
for modification.
6. In the Value field, type 6.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the second constraint.
8. Click OK.
The dialog closes and the solid updates with the cut in the new location.
The solid after modifying the offsets for the cut feature.
Working with feature cells
Feature cells are special cells that have been created using global variables and equations, grouped in a parameter set, to define
their parameters.
One feature cell can have multiple parameter sets, one of which you select when placing the cell. As well as fixed dimensions,
parameter sets can include variable or “free” parameters, which you define when placing the feature cell.
Sets of the parameters then are created in a Parameter Sets Table, thus letting you use the one cell, with different dimensions
applied to the various parameters.
When you place a feature cell, you also select a parameter set from the table, which is used to construct the cell. Parameters can
be defined from global variables, and equations. They can be fixed (not editable) or free (editable) at placement time.
Feature cell origin
When you create feature cells, it is important that you take into account the way that these cells are varied when the different
parameter sets are applied. This directly affects the location of the cell origin, or placement point.
Take, for example, a feature cell that is based on a slab feature that has a blend and a cut feature added to it. In this cell, the
origin (0,0,0) of the base cell is in the lower left corner of the slab. Any parameter sets that change the dimensions of the
underlying slab will cause the new dimensions to be calculated relative to the centroid of the underlying slab.
Original cell, with origin at lower left corner of underlying slab.
Thus, if a parameter set reduces the length and width of the underlying slab, the cell origin will be outside the feature cell.
With the underlying slab reduced, the origin falls outside the cell.
Similarly, if a parameter set increases the length and width of the underlying slab, the cell origin will now be located inside the
feature cell.
When the underlying slab is enlarged, the origin falls inside the cell.
To avoid this “shifting” of the cell origin you can use a different modeling method to create your feature cells. In the above
example, rather than using a primitive for the underlying solid, you could use an extruded dimension driven (DD) profile. When
you create the DD profile, you create a fixed point set at the required location for the cell origin. All changes in dimensions then
would be relative to this fixed point, which is also the cell origin.
In the previous example, the underlying slab can be created from a rectangular DD profile, which is extruded and then the blend
and cut features added. In this case, the fixed point for the profile would be the lower left corner as before. No matter which
parameter set is chosen, the origin of the cell remains in the lower left corner of the cell.
In each case, the origin of the feature cell is the lower left corner of the cell.
Typically, the workflow for creating a feature cell of this type is:
1. Create a dimension driven (DDD) profile with variables for the required dimensions.
2. Create a feature solid using the profile.
3. Create a Global Variables/Equations list, which will be used by the feature cell.
4. Use the Modify Profile tool to assign the global variables to the (dimension driven) profile.
5. Create the parameter sets.
Creating a feature cell
In the following section are the steps to create a feature cell. For this example, you create the cell pictured below, which is an
extrusion of an L-shaped dimension driven design (DDD) profile. As with a normal cell, a feature cell is created in a model that
has the “Can be placed as a cell” option enabled.
Creating the DDD profile
In this example, you create a shape and then convert it to a DDD profile.
Prepare to create the feature cell
1. In a DGN file, create a new 3D model, giving it the name of the required feature cell. In this example, the cell is L Bracket.
2. Turn off all views other than View 1.

This lets you quickly rotate the views.
3. Rotate View 1 to a Top view.
Draw the base profile
1. In the Polygons toolbox, select the Place Orthogonal Shape tool.
2. Draw an L-shaped profile with dimensions 150x100x30(thick). Start with the outer corner of the “L” at 0,0,0.
This point forms the origin of the completed feature cell.
Profile shape, showing dimensions and location of 0,0,0 point.
Convert the shape to a profile
1. In the Profile toolbox (Tools > Parametrics > DD Design), select the Convert Element to Profile tool.
2. Turn on Set Text Size Automatically and Set Tolerance Automatically.
3. Select the profile element.
4. Accept to convert it to a profile.

Symbols appear, to indicate the geometric constraints that have been applied.
Profile showing geometric constraints symbols.
This has set the geometric constraints for the profile. Next, you will add dimensional constraints to it. For this profile, you will
dimension the two legs and the thickness. Before you can add any dimensional constraints, however, you must place a Fixed
Point constraint. This provides a base point about which the system calculates all dimensions of the finished feature cell. In this
profile, you will place the fixed point constraint at the same point as you want for the finished cell origin.
Add a fixed point constraint
1. In the Geometric Constraints toolbox (Tools > Parametrics > DD Design), select the Fix Point at Location tool.
2. Snap to the profile at the outer corner of the two legs of the “L”.
3. Accept to place the fixed point constraint.

In the status bar, the message DOF=4 indicates that the profile has 4 degrees of freedom.
With the fixed point constraint in place, and knowing that the profile has 4 degrees of freedom (DOF), you will add dimensional
constraints. You will notice that each of the remaining “unfixed” vertices has a yellow marker and question mark (you may need
to zoom in to clearly see the yellow question marks). These indicate points that are not fixed. The vertex with the fixed point
constraint has a white marker and no question mark.
You will fix the other points, and reduce the degrees of freedom to zero, by adding dimensional constraints to the profile. These
can be added in either of two ways. You can dimension the profile and then use the Convert Dimension to Constraint tool to
convert the dimensions to constraints. Alternatively, you can specify the constraints as you add the dimensions. Here, are steps
that use the latter option.
Add dimensional constraints to the profile
1. In the Dimensions toolbox, select the Element Dimensioning tool.
2. Click the Dimension Element icon in the tool settings, and set Alignment to Drawing and Location to Automatic.
3. Select the vertical edge at the right of the profile.

The Element Dimensioning tool settings window now display a Constraint field.
4. Select the Constraint check box and in its field, type W1.
5. Move the pointer to the right of the profile and enter a data point to complete the dimension.
The status bar displays DOF=3.
6. Repeat for the bottom edge of the profile, naming the constraint L1.
7. Similarly, dimension the topmost edge of the profile to specify its thickness, naming the constraint T1.
8. Dimension the left edge of the base of the profile, this time selecting the existing constraint T1, from the constraints list box
in the tool settings.
The status bar displays DOF=0. In other words, the profile is fully constrained.
With the profile fully constrained, you can create a feature solid by extruding it.
Creating the feature solid
Using the DDD profile, you can create a feature solid by extrusion.
Extrude the DDD profile
1. Rotate to the Isometric view.
2. Fit the view.
3. From the Profile Feature Solids toolbox (Tools > Feature Solids) , select the Extrude Feature tool.
4. Turn on Distance and in its field, type 75.
5. Select the profile.
6. Move the pointer upward and accept with a data point.
Solid after extruding the DDD profile.
Create the Global Variables/Equation list
Now you can create a list of global variables and/or equations. In this example, you will create global variables for the length,
width, and thickness of the L-shaped profile that was used to create the feature solid. You also will create an equation to define
the height variable of the model. This will be the extrusion distance and you will set it to be half the total of the length plus width.
That is, 0.5*(Length+Width). Later, these variables will be assigned to the solid and used to create parameter sets.
Create Global Variables
2. Select the Variables tab.

A new row is inserted in the variables list box. It is given a default Name (Unnamed1), Value, and Type.
4. Right-click the Name field and type a new name, Length. Then press <Enter> to complete the change.
5. Right-click the Value field and type a new Value, 150. Then press <Enter> to complete the change.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for additional variables and settings for Name and Value, as follows:
Width, 100
Thickness, 30
Global Variables dialog after adding the variables
Create equation to define height variable
1. In the Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog, click the Equations tab.

A new row is inserted in the Equation list box, and the equation editor opens (if not, double-click the empty row to open the
editor). Below the input field, the editor displays a list of Available Variables that may be used in creating the equation.
3. In the input field, type Height=0.5*(.
4. In the Available Variables list, double-click both Length and Width.

They both are inserted into the equation, with a “+” sign between them.
5. In the equation input field, complete the equation with a closing bracket “)”.
Creating the equation
6. Click the highlighted row in the Equations list box to add the equation (and close the equation editor).
7. Open the Variables tab and notice that the new variable “Height” has been added.
The variable “Height” is greyed out. This indicates that it is derived from an equation and is not directly editable. To change its
value, you would have to modify one of the variables used in its equation. In this case, changing either Length or Width would
result in a change to the value of Height.
Variables tab showing the new variable created from the equation
Assign the Global Variables
The next task is to assign the global variables to the dimensional constraints of our feature solid. In this example, the variables
Length, Width, and Thickness, will be applied to the feature solid's profile element, while Height will be applied to the extruded
distance. You can apply the variables via the modifying tools — Modify Profile and Modify Parametric Solid or Feature.
Assign global variables to the solid's profile
1. In the Modify Feature toolbox (Tools > Feature Solids), select the Modify Profile tool.
2. In the tool settings window, select the Modify DD Profile Parameters icon.
3. Select the solid and accept with a data point.

The Modify Profile dialog opens, displaying the original profile and the parameters. A list box displays the parameters and
their values. As well, the original parameters/dimensions appear on the solid.
4. In the Modify Profile dialog, click the row for parameter W1.
5. Click the Equation icon to the right of the W1 field below the list box.
A dialog opens displaying the global variables.
6. In the list of variables, double-click “Width” so that its name appears in the input field above.
7. Click OK to complete the assignment.
8. Repeat steps 4 to 7 for the W1 and T1 parameters, assigning the Global Variable Length to L1 and Thickness to T1.
9. Click OK in the Modify Profile to finish.
Finally, you need to assign the Height variable for the solid. This dimension is not part of the DD profile, it is the distance that the
profile was extruded. You can use the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool to make the assignment to this dimension.
Assign a global variable to the solid's height
1. In the Modify Feature toolbox, select the Modify Parametric Solid or Feature tool.
2. Turn off Edit Solids About ID Point.

This ensures that modifications will be taken about the cell origin.
3. Select the solid and accept with a data point.

The Edit Extrusion dialog opens.
4. Click the Equation icon to the right of the Distance field.

A variable input dialog opens.
5. Double-click the variable Height, so that it appears in the input field, then click OK.
The Distance field in the Edit Extrusion dialog now is greyed out, and may only be edited by first clicking the Calculator
icon.
6. In the Edit Extrusion dialog, Click OK.
Assigning a variable to the extrusion distance
Create the Parameter Sets
Now you have a feature solid that is controlled by global variables. Using Parameter Sets, you can specify various combinations
of values for these global variables. In future, when placing the solid as a feature cell, these parameter sets give you the option of
selecting from a list of predefined dimensions for the cell. Where it is required to define the dimension at placement time, you can
leave the field blank for one or more variables in the parameter set.
Create parameter sets
1. Select Tools > Feature Solids > Feature Modeling Primary > Parameter Set Table.
The Parameter Sets dialog opens, with a default parameter set named “Untitled”, displaying the Length, Width, and
Thickness variables with their current values.
2. Select the name value (untitled), change it to L-150x100x30 and then press <Enter>.
An asterisk appears in the title bar, indicating that there are unsaved changes in the parameter set.

A second parameter set row is placed in the list box.
4. Select the name value, change it to L-200x150x30 and then press <Enter>.
5. Select the Length and Width values in the second row and change them to 200 and 150 respectively.
6. Using the same technique, create further parameter sets with the following names/values:
L-300x200x50 with values 300,200,50
L-100x80x30 with values 100,80,30.
7. Click the Name column title button, to sort the parameter table by name.
8. Click the Save Table icon, to save the parameter table to disk.
The asterisk in the title bar disappears, indicating that the current parameter table has been saved to disk.
To this point, you have specified values for each variable in the parameter sets. If you leave a variable blank, then you can input
the value at the time you place the feature cell.
Create a parameter set with variable values
1. In the Parameter Sets dialog, click the New icon.
2. Select the name value and change it to L-variable.
3. Select the Length variable and delete the figure, so that <empty> appears in the field.
4. Repeat this for the Width and Thickness fields.
5. Click the Save Table icon to save the changes to disk.
Once you have created a parameter set, you can apply it to the feature solid. This is useful for checking the effect on the solid of
the values used in the parameter sets. Where a parameter is blank, then that dimension is left as is.
Check the effect of the parameter sets
1. In the Parameter Sets dialog, select a parameter set.
2. Click the Apply icon.

The solid updates to conform to the values of the chosen parameter set.
3. Repeat for other parameter sets, noting that each time the solid changes to reflect the chosen parameter set.
Placing and editing feature cells
Placing feature cells is similar to placing normal cells, except that feature cells have a parameter set table associated with them.
These let you select from a list of preset dimensions prior to placing the cell. Where a dimension is left blank in the parameter
table, you can specify it at the time of placing the cell. As well, after placing the feature cell, you can apply a different parameter
set to it. In the following example, you will work with the feature cell created in the previous section.
Placing feature cells with predefined parameter sets
1. In the Modify Feature toolbox, select the Place Feature Cell tool.
2. Click the Browse icon to the right of the Cell field.

The Select File dialog opens.
3. Use the controls in the Select File dialog to select the file containing the required cell.
4. Click OK.
5. In the Place Feature Cell tool settings, use the Cell menu to select the required cell (in this case, L Bracket).
6. From the Params menu, select the required parameter set for the cell.
7. Click the Show Extended Settings icon to view the parameters and their values.
8. Enter a data point to place the cell.
9. (Optional) Place further instances of the feature cell, selecting different parameter sets where required.
Isometric view of the one feature cell placed three times with different parameter sets for each.
When a parameter set has “free” fields, you can input values interactively before placing the feature cell. Free fields are created
when no value is specified in the parameter set. When placing feature cells, any fields that may be edited have a black dot in
their Free column, in the Extended Settings list. One of the parameter sets created for this feature cell, L-Variable, has such
fields.
Placing a feature cell with variable parameters
1. Select the Place Feature Cell tool.
2. Click the Browse icon to the right of the Cell field.

The Select File dialog opens.
3. Use the controls in the Select File dialog to select the file containing the required cell.
4. Click OK.
5. In the Place Feature Cell tool settings, use the Cell menu to select the required cell (in this case, L Bracket).
6. From the Params menu, select L-Variable.
7. Click the down Show Extended Settings icon to view the parameters and their values. In this case, parameters Length,
Width, and Thickness have black dots in their Free column, indicating that they are editable.
8. Select the variable, then right-click its value.
9. Type the new value.
10. (Optional) Edit other variables as required.
11. Enter a data point to place the feature cell.
Editing feature cells
You can modify feature cells, by replacing their parameter set, or by replacing the cell with another feature cell. To do this, you
must have the cell library attached, or it must be in the Cell Library List, which is defined by the configuration variable
MS_CELLIST.
Changing the parameter set of a feature cell
1. In the Modify Feature toolbox, select the Edit Feature Cell tool.
2. In the model, select the feature cell.

The Cell and its current Params settings display in the tool settings.
3. From the Params menu, select a new parameter set.
4. Accept to make the changes.
Replacing a feature cell
1. Select the Edit Feature Cell tool.
2. In the model, select the feature cell.

The Cell and its current Params settings display in the tool settings.
3. From the Cell menu, select a different feature cell.
4. (Optional) From the Params menu, select the required parameter set.
5. Accept to complete the replacement.
Parameter sets for hole features
You can create parameter sets for feature holes, which let you place hole features with previously defined settings. Parameters
for feature holes must be set up in a CSV (comma separated values) file.
Apart from the Name column, which is mandatory, only columns for those parameters for which you want to set particular values
need be included in the CSV file. Other values then can be defined, if necessary, via the tool settings at the time of placement for
the selected hole.
To create parameter sets for hole features
1. Create a CSV file with the relative variables and the required values.
2. Import the CSV file into a DGNLib file using the key-in paramset table import hole.
The Import Parameter Set Table dialog opens, which lets you select a CSV file to import.
3. Use this DGNLib file in conjunction with your active DGN file to access the feature hole Parameter Sets.
To edit an existing parameter set for hole features
1. From the DGNLib file that has the parameter set, type paramset table export hole.
The Export Parameter Set Table dialog opens.
2. Select a folder and file name for the CSV file.
3. Use a text editor, or import the file into a spreadsheet, to edit the information.
4. Save the file again as a CSV file.
5. Import the CSV file into a DGNLib file using the key-in paramset table import hole.
The Import Parameter Set Table dialog opens, which lets you select a CSV file to import.
When you create or edit a CSV file, the correct syntax for variable names is required. The table following shows the names of
the variables and their equivalent labels on the Hole Feature tool dialog.
Variable Name in CSV file Variable Type dialog label Values Tool Setting
Name String Parameter Set . .
0 Simple
HoleType Integer Hole Type 1 Counterbore
2 Countersink
0 Through
DrillType Integer Drill 1 Blind
2 Next Face
0 First Face
WhichEnd Integer Cbore or Csink End 1 Last Face
2 Both
0 Disabled
Threaded Integer Add Thread
1 Enabled
Depth Distance Depth . .
Diameter Distance Diameter . .
CDiameter Distance Cbore or Csink Diameter . .
CAngle Angle Csink Angle . .
CDepth Distance Cbore Depth . .
DraftAngle Angle Draft Angle . .
0 Disabled
Tapped Integer Drill Angle
1 Enabled
TapAngle Angle Drill Angle (field) . .
ThreadDiameter Distance Thread Dia (field) . .
ThreadDepth Distance Thread Depth . .
ThreadPitch Distance Thread Pitch . .
Feature Manager
The Feature Manager lets you display the feature tree of a solid. That is, all features of a solid are displayed as “branches” on a
tree view, in the order in which they were added to the solid. Using Feature Manager, you can:
 Select features.
 Analyze features.
 Modify features.
 Suppress features.
 Temporarily suppress the display of features.
 Reorder features in the feature tree.
Working with Feature Manager
Working with Feature Manager
When you first open the Feature Manager dialog, you are prompted to “Identify element.” On selecting a solid, its feature tree
appears in the Feature Manager dialog. Using Feature Manager, you have many options for modifying and viewing the features
of the solid. In the first part of this discussion, the following example model will be used.
Example model used in discussion.
You can use the Feature Manager to select and modify features, and even to view the solid at various stages of its
“development.”
To open Feature Manager and view a solid's feature tree
1. Select the Feature Manager tool in the Feature Modeling Primary toolbox.
The Feature Manager dialog opens.
2. Select the solid.

The feature tree for the solid is displayed in the Feature Manager list box.
3. If necessary, you can expand (+) or collapse (–) branches of the tree by clicking the + or – icons.
Fully expanded feature tree for the example solid.
Display of features in the feature tree
When a feature tree is displayed in Feature Manager, the following conventions apply:
 Features followed by an asterisk (*) — indicates that a constraint is applied to the feature.
 Features highlighted in yellow — indicates that you have marked the feature for moving in the tree.
 Features displayed in red — indicates that due to some problem the feature no longer can be constructed.
In the example solid, Hole (17), Hole (18), and Hole (19) have asterisks next to them, indicating that they have constraints
applied.
When you select a feature in the Feature Manager list box, any edges of the feature that are visible on the solid are highlighted.
Similarly, if you select a feature on the solid, then its entry in the Feature Manager list box is highlighted. Where a feature does
not have any edges visible on the solid, you still can select the feature in the Feature Manager list box.
Selecting the feature in the Feature Manager list box, highlights the feature on the solid and vice-versa.
Right-clicking on a feature entry in the list box highlights the feature on the solid and displays a pop-up menu with various feature
editing and display options.
Modifying features
You can right-click a feature and select Modify to edit the parameters used to create the feature. This is similar to using the
Modify Solid or Feature tool in the Modify Feature toolbox. For example, right-clicking on an Edge Blend feature and selecting
Modify opens the Edit Edge Blend dialog. Here you can edit the parameters used to construct the blend.
To modify a feature's parameters from Feature Manager
1. In the Feature Manager list box, right-click on the feature to be modified.
2. In the right-click menu, select Modify.

The Edit feature dialog opens.
3. Make the required changes.
4. Click OK.
The dialog closes and the solid updates to display the new values for the feature.
Before (left) and after (right) editing the value of an edge blend on the example solid.
Similarly, you can choose to delete a highlighted feature, by selecting Delete in the right-click menu.
Same solid, after deleting the edge blend.
It is possible, when modifying features, that a change will “break” another feature of the solid. When this happens, the item for the
broken part of the solid appears in red in the feature tree. For example, if we increased the width of the underlying horizontal slab
of the sample model then the chamfer join where the vertical components meet the horizontal part would not be able to be
constructed. As well, part of the edge blend would disappear due to the break in continuity.
Left: Original solid with chamfers (1) and blends (2).
Right: Modified solid, with chamfers and blends missing.
Looking at the feature tree, the missing features, displayed in red, are easily picked out.
Feature tree displaying the missing features in red.
While the features are not displayed on the solid, they still retain their positions in the feature tree. If later changes to the features
of the solid would allow the missing features to again be constructed then they will reappear. For example, if the chamfer
distance was reduced, then the missing features could again be constructed on the solid. Although you could not modify the
chamfer by selecting it graphically on the solid, you still can access it from the feature tree.
Suppressing features on a solid
It can be useful at times to view, or work with, a solid that has some of its features suppressed. For example, you might want to
view the solid without some features displayed, or you may want to suppress blending along edges of a slab to make it easier to
select for manipulation, or modification. This function in effect lets you view or work with the solid at an earlier stage in its
development, prior to adding various features. You can suppress features with options in Feature Manager.
To suppress the display of features on a solid
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the last feature that you want to have displayed.
The features are listed with the newest feature at the top of the list.
2. In the right-click menu, select Display > Geometry At Feature.

The solid updates to display without the features listed above the selected feature.
This is a display function only, and updating the view returns the solid to its normal display. Where you want to disable the
display of features on a more permanent basis, without deleting them, you can use another option that suppresses the features.
For example, you may want to temporarily suppress some blends so that you can select, graphically, edges of an underlying
solid for manipulation or modification.
To suppress features on a solid
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the last feature that you want to have displayed.
2. In the right-click menu, select Suppress Feature > All Above Feature.
The solid updates without the features listed above the selected feature. In the Feature Manager list box, suppressed
features are shown greyed out.
Left: Original solid.
Center and Right: The same solid with various features suppressed.
To suppress the display of a feature type on a solid
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the feature that you want to suppress.
2. In the right-click menu, select Suppress Feature > By Type.
3. In the Feature Type Suppression dialog, turn on Suppress Feature Type.
4. Where the selected feature has an associated dimension, adjust the settings to define which features are suppressed (such
as blends with a radius less than 25 mm).
5. Click OK.
Changing the order of features
When you create a solid with features, the order in which the features are created can be important. This can be demonstrated
with a simple example. In this example, the solid is constructed from four slabs, one of which has a “through” cut in it. The slabs
are merged into a single solid with the Union Feature tool.
The four slabs (left) used to create the solid (right).
Even though the cut through the center (vertical) slab is a “through” cut, it does not extend to the rest of the solid after the union
with the other slabs. Looking at the feature tree for the solid, you can see that the reason for this is that the cut is associated only
with Slab (2).
Feature Manager dialog with the Cut item highlighted.
For the cut to extend through the other parts of the merged solid, it would have to be created after the union. In a situation like
this, you could extract the profile used for the cut. This then could be used to cut through the rest of the solid. A simpler method,
however, is to reorder the feature tree, with the cut placed above the Union Solids entry. In this case, the union currently is at the
top of the feature tree, so we need to relocate the cut to the top.
To move the cut feature to the top of the feature tree
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the Cut item.
2. In the right-click menu, select Reorder Tree > Move To Top.

The feature moves to the top of the feature tree.
The solid updates, with the cut now extending through the entire solid.
After reordering the feature tree, the cut is at the top and extends through the whole solid.
Where you want to move a feature to a particular position in the feature tree (not at the top), you first mark the item and then
move it. Continuing with our example, the cut could be relocated to be above the item Slab (4), so that it only passes through that
part of the solid.
To move a feature in the feature tree
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the item to be moved.
2. In the right-click menu, select Reorder Tree > Mark For Move.
The feature is highlighted in yellow.
3. Right-click on the feature above which the marked item is to be moved and, in the menu, select Reorder Tree > Insert
Marked Above.
The feature is relocated in the feature tree and the solid updates to reflect the change.
After moving the cut feature, the solid updates to reflect the change.
Working with profiles
Where a profile has been used in the construction of a solid, Feature Manager provides options for manipulating the profile.
These provide similar functionality to that provided by the Modify Profile tool, in the Modify Feature toolbox. A simple example will
explain how these features work. Consider the solid shown in the following figure, which has been created by extruding a profile
shape.
Modifying this solid consists of three procedures — extract, modify, and replace the profile — all of which can be achieved via
Feature Manager.
To extract and modify the profile
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the feature containing the profile.
2. In the right-click menu, select Profile > Extract In Place.

The profile is extracted from the solid.
3. Make the required modifications to the profile.
Solid with modified profile (shown in heavier line weight).
When the required modifications have been made to the extracted profile, you are ready to replace it in the solid.
Replace the profile
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the feature containing the profile.
2. In the right-click menu, select Profile > Replace.
3. Select the modified profile.
4. Accept to complete the operation.

The solid is regenerated, using the modified profile.
The regenerated solid.
Where the solid has been constructed using a dimension driven design (DDD) profile, then you have the option to edit the
dimensions and thus modify the solid. This can be done without the need to first extract the profile. Following is an example
showing the steps required to modify the dimension driven profile used to create the solid shown below.
The solid which was created by extruding a DDD profile.
To modify the solid via its DDD profile
1. In the feature tree, right-click on the feature containing the solid.
2. In the right-click menu, select Profile > Modify.

The Modify Profile dialog opens.
3. Make the required changes to the profile dimensions.
4. Click OK.
The Modify Profile dialog closes and the solid is regenerated with the modified dimensions applied to the profile.
After modifying the DDD profile's dimensions, the solid is regenerated.
At times, it can be useful to view the dimensions associated with dimension driven design profiles that were used to create a
solid. You can toggle the display of these dimensions from Feature Manager.
To display of a DDD profile's dimensions from Feature Manager
1. In the feature tree, right click on the Solid_header entry for the solid.
2. In the right-click menu, select Profile Dimensions > All On.

The dimensions for all DDD profiles used, display on the solid.
Similarly, you can select Profile Dimensions > All Off to turn off the display of the dimensions.
Feature Modeling Tools
Feature Solids toolbox

Feature Modeling Primary toolbox
Feature Manager
Feature Manager dialog
Feature Type Suppression dialog
Feature Modeling Variables
Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog
Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog Variables tab
Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog Equations tab
Parameter Sets
Parameter Sets dialog
Primitive Feature Solids toolbox
Slab Feature
Sphere Feature
Cylinder Feature
Cone Feature
Torus Feature
Wedge Feature
Boolean Features toolbox
Union Feature
Intersection Feature
Difference Feature
Profile Feature Solids toolbox
Extrude Feature
Revolve Feature
Tube Feature
Skin Solid Feature
Helix Feature
Thicken Feature
Modify Face Features toolbox
Taper Face Feature
Extend Face Feature
Spin Face Feature
Remove Face Feature
Replace Surface Feature
Features toolbox
Blend Feature
Chamfer Feature
Hole Feature
Boss Feature
Cut Feature
Protrusion Feature
Sweep Edge Feature
Rib Feature
Thin Shell Feature
Manipulate Feature toolbox
Move Feature
Rotate Feature
Mirror Feature
Array Feature
Constrain Feature
Delete Feature
Modify Feature toolbox
Modify Parametric Solid or Feature
Modify Profile
Change Feature Attributes
Re-Evaluate Tree
Place Feature Cell
Edit Feature Cell
Feature Solids toolbox
The Feature Solids toolbox contains tools for creating and manipulating features.
menu.
Each of the tools in the Feature Solids toolbox, apart from the Delete Feature tool, is also a member of a “child” toolbox. When a
tool is pointed to and the left mouse button held down, a drop-down menu opens from which a tool in the child toolbox can be
selected. The child toolbox can be floated by choosing Open As ToolBox from the drop-down menu.
When a tool is selected in a child toolbox, the tool automatically becomes the “representative” of the child toolbox in the Feature
Solids toolbox.
The following table shows the “as delivered” arrangement of the Feature Solids toolbox and identifies the corresponding child
toolboxes and for each, the default representative tool:
(Feature Manager)
Primitive Feature Solids toolbox (Slab Feature)
Boolean Features toolbox (Union Feature)
Profile Feature Solids toolbox (Extrude Feature)
Modify Face Features toolbox (Taper Face Feature)
Features toolbox (Blend Feature)
Manipulate Feature toolbox (Move Feature)
Delete Feature
Modify Feature toolbox (Modify Parametric Solid or Feature)
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX FEATURESOLIDS <OFF | ON | TOGGLE>
The Feature Modeling Primary toolbox is a launch point for commonly used Feature Modeling management tools.
menu.
To Select in the Feature Modeling Primary toolbox
Open the Feature Manager dialog.
Feature Manager
Open the Feature Modeling Global Variables dialog.
Feature Modeling Variables
Open the Parameter Sets dialog.
Parameter Set Table
Key-in: DIALOG MODELER PRIMARY
Primitive Feature Solids toolbox
The tools in the Primitive Feature Solids toolbox are used to place simple 3D parametric solids — slab, sphere, cylinder, cone,
torus, or wedge.
menu.
To Select in the Primitive Feature Solids toolbox
Place a parametric slab.
Slab Feature
Place a parametric sphere.
Sphere Feature
Place a parametric cylinder.
Cylinder Feature
Place a parametric cone.
Cone Feature
Place a parametric torus.
Torus Feature
Place a parametric wedge-shaped object.
Wedge Feature
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX 100 TOGGLE FEATURESOLID
Boolean Features toolbox
The Boolean Features toolbox contains tools to construct parametric solids by uniting, intersecting, or subtracting existing solids.
With each tool you can perform multiple operations without the need to accept each before selecting another solid.
menu.
To Select in the Boolean Features toolbox
Construct a single parametric solid that is the union of two or more solids.
Union Feature
Construct a single parametric solid that is the intersection of two or more solids
Intersection Feature
Construct a single parametric solid by subtracting one or more solids from another solid.
Difference Feature
Profile Feature Solids toolbox
The Profile Feature Solids toolbox contains tools for creating parametric solids from existing profile elements.
menu.
To Select in the Profile Feature Solids toolbox
Create a parametric solid by extruding a profile element or cell.
Extrude Feature
Create a parametric solid by revolving a profile element or cell.
Revolve Feature
Create a parametric solid by extruding a profile element, or cell, along a trace curve.
Tube Feature
Create a parametric solid with its shape defined by two or more section profiles.
Skin Solid Feature
Create a parametric solid by extruding a profile element, or cell, along a helical trace curve.
Helix Feature
Create a parametric solid by adding thickening to one or both sides of an existing surface.
Thicken Feature
Modify Face Features toolbox
The Modify Face Features toolbox contains tools that let you taper, extend, spin, remove, or replace faces of a solid.
menu.
To Select in the Modify Face Features toolbox
Taper one or more faces of a solid.
Taper Face Feature
Extend a face of a solid.
Extend Face Feature
Rotate the face of a solid.
Spin Face Feature
Remove a face from a solid.
Remove Face Feature
Replace surfaces on a solid, to align them to another surface.
Replace Surface Feature
Features toolbox
The tools in the Features toolbox are used to add features to a solid. Complex designs can be created by starting with a basic
solid to which you add the features required to finish it.
menu.
To Select in the Features toolbox
Blend (fillet) edges, vertices, or faces of a solid.
Blend Feature
Chamfer one or more edges of a solid.
Chamfer Feature
Create a simple, countersunk, or counterbore hole in a solid.
Hole Feature
Construct a circular protrusion (boss) on a solid.
Boss Feature
Place a cut in a solid.
Cut Feature
Construct a protrusion on a solid.
Protrusion Feature
Construct a cut or protrusion along an edge of a solid.
Sweep Edge Feature
Construct a rib on a solid.
Rib Feature
Hollow out a solid to create a solid with walls of constant or varied thickness.
Thin Shell Feature
Manipulate Feature toolbox
The tools in the Manipulate Feature toolbox are used to manipulate most features — holes, circular bosses, cuts, protrusions,
or ribs.
menu.
To Select in the Manipulate Feature toolbox
Move or copy a feature.
Move Feature
Rotate a feature.
Rotate Feature
Mirror a feature.
Mirror Feature
Create a rectangular or polar array of a feature.
Array Feature
Constrain a feature relative to other features or entities in a solid.
Constrain Feature
Modify Feature toolbox
The tools in the Modify Feature toolbox are used to modify features or profiles of existing solids.
When modifying features or profiles, dialogs let you edit the parameters that were used initially to create the feature or profile of
the solid.
menu.
To Select in the Modify Feature toolbox
Modify a parametric solid or feature by editing its parameters.
Modify Parametric Solid or Feature
Modify a profile, used to create a solid, by editing its parameters.
Modify Profile
Change the attributes of one or more features of a solid.
Change Feature Attributes
Re-evaluate all nodes in a feature tree and synchronize the model.
Re-Evaluate Tree
Place a feature cell.
Place Feature Cell
Edit the parameters of a feature cell
Edit Feature Cell
Dimension-Driven Design
Dimension-driven design (DDD) is the process by which elements are drawn with respect to previously determined dimensions,
and/or relationships between dimensions.
Taking a very simple case, for example, you may have a rectangular element in which you want the width always to be half the
length. You can create a dimension-driven cell, with this constraint defined. When you place the cell, you need only define the
length and the width is determined from the constraint formula. Similarly, when you use the DDD tools to modify the length, the
width also is modified to maintain the relationship.
Creating Dimension-Driven Cells

Parametrics toolbox
DD Design toolbox
Profile toolbox
Sketch Profile
Convert Element to Profile
Parameter Constraints toolbox
Convert Dimension to Constraint
Assign Equation
Assign Variable to Dimensional Constraint
Attach Element toolbox
Construct Attached Line String or Shape
Construct Attached Arc
Construct Attached Ellipse or Circle
Attach Element to Point
Align Element with Point and Line
Attach Pen Element to Point
Geometric Constraints toolbox
Constrain Elements
Make Construction or Parameter Invariant
Constrain Point on Construction
Constrain Point at Intersection
Constrain Two Points to be Coincident
Fix Point at Location
Equate Parameters or Constructions
Evaluate Constraints toolbox
Re-solve Constraints
Modify and Re-solve Constraints
Describe Selected Construction or Constraint
Modify Constraint toolbox
Break Constrained Geometry
Trim Constrained Geometry
Fillet Constrained Geometry
Chamfer Constrained Geometry
Modify Value of Dimension or Variable
Dimension-Driven Design dialog
Creating Dimension-Driven Cells
A dimension-driven cell is one that is constrained by dimensions and/or formulae. It can serve as a template for a family of cells
that can be derived — solved for a specified set of dimension values. Constraints and constructions represent a dimension-driven
cell's underlying structure. A derived cell is a cell in a design that is derived from a dimension-driven cell.
Dimension-driven design tools are used to specify constraints and constructions that determine the size, extent, or shape of
associated elements in the model. All dimension-driven design tools are in the DD Design toolbox.
The dimensions and constants on which a dimension-driven cell are based can be modified with the Dimension-Driven Design
dialog.
The Dimension-Driven Design dialog is also used to place derived cells.
Concepts and terminology
This section has definitions of basic terminology and other introductory information about dimension-driven cell creation.
Important terminology
The following terms are important for understanding dimension-driven cell creation:
Constraint — a piece of information that limits or controls a construction.
Construction — an element (point, infinite line, circle, ellipse, or B-spline curve's control polygon) that lets constraints locate,
delimit or arrange other elements. For example, a construction line can be the center line of a symmetric design.
Well-constrained — a set of constructions that is completely defined by constraints or is constant and has no redundant
constraints. There is generally more than one feasible solution for a set of well-constrained constructions, but the choice is
usually clear.
Under-constrained — a set of constructions that is not completely defined by constraints and is not constant. An under-
constrained construction has many possible “solutions” and is unacceptably ambiguous.
Redundant — A constraint that is applied to a set of constructions that are already well-constrained. A redundant constraint may
or may not be inconsistent with other constraints, but, in either case, it adds no useful information.
Degrees of freedom — Number that sums up a dimension-driven cell's ambiguity.
Solve — To construct the design from a given set of constraints and show what remains to be defined.
Constructions are elements with the class construction and special symbology.
Constraints
Constraints say what characteristics a dimension-driven cell must have, but not necessarily how to arrive at a design with those
characteristics. How to compute geometry in the light of constraints is the task of “solving.”
Most constraint relationships apply to the design's essential layout or general structure. The design's details are located and
shaped by its structure. For example, if a dimension-driven cell is generally symmetrical, it has constraints that relate elements to
a center line in some way.
The following types of constraints can be created:
 Location — A constraint that fixes the location of a point in the design plane.
 Geometric — A constraint that controls the position or orientation of two or more elements relative to each other.
 Dimensional — A constraint that is a controlled by a dimension.
 Algebraic — An equation that expresses a relationship among variables.
When a constraint is added, modified, or deleted, the model is resolved — an attempt is made to reconstruct the design so that
the new or modified constraint, as well as all existing constraints, are satisfied.
 If a solution is found, the affected elements are updated and redisplayed. The solution may affect elements that are not
obviously or locally related to the new constraint.
 If no solution is possible, the message “Not Solved” and graphical cues as to where the trouble is are displayed. The
design's geometry is not updated, but the constraint is accepted anyway. If MicroStation reports “Not Solved” even though
the new constraint is not redundant and you are sure that a solution is in fact possible, it may help to re-arrange the
geometry of the model to look more like the solution you want and then re-solve.
Adding a new constraint removes ambiguity from the design. (Deleting a constraint has the opposite effect.)
A constraint can apply only to a construction. An element is converted to the equivalent construction when a constraint is applied
to it.
Most location and geometric constraints are assigned the class Construction. You can define the level and class of dimensions,
location constraints, and equations. In the future, you will be able to specify the level, symbology, and class of all constraints and
constructions.
Diagnosing an ambiguous dimension-driven cell
The symbology of constrained elements and of the constraint and dimension elements themselves alert you to ambiguities and
inconsistencies in the design.
 If a construction or variable is completely defined by constraints or is constant, it is well-constrained and is displayed in

solid white.
 If a construction or variable is not completely defined by constraints, it is under-constrained and is displayed dashed in
yellow.
 If a constraint is applied to a set of construction that are already well-constrained, it is redundant and is displayed dashed in
red.
Valid constraints are displayed as follows:
Constraint Displayed In
Dimensions solid white

Other geometric constraints solid blue
Equations white
The remaining ambiguity in a design is summed up by a number called “degrees of freedom.” Each new construction adds
degrees of freedom as follows:
Construction Degrees of Freedom Added

Point 2
Line up to 4
Circle up to 3
Ellipse up to 5
Each valid constraint removes one or more degrees of freedom.
A well-constrained design has zero degrees of freedom and no redundant constraints. All constructions are well-constrained
(displayed in white).
If the number of degrees of freedom is not zero, then parts of the design are under-constrained (displayed in yellow).
When a constraint is added, the remaining degrees of freedom are displayed, followed by the message “Over-constrained” if
there are any redundant constraints.
Equation syntax
An equation consists of an algebraic expression (or just a variable), optionally followed by an equals “=” sign and another
algebraic expression. For example, “a + b = c^2” is an equation relating a, b, and c. If just one expression is given, “= 0” is
assumed. For example, the equations “a + b = 2” and “a + b - 2” mean the same thing.
Constant expressions are valid in equations. A constant expression is an algebraic expression involving numbers, operators,
built-in functions and built-in constants (like pi).
Algebraic expression
An algebraic expression can contain variable identifiers, numbers, arithmetic operators, and built-in functions and constants,
according to the usual rules of algebra.
Formally, the grammar of an algebraic expression is as follows:
Clause Grammar
exp2: exp1 [ [op2] exp2 ]*
exp1: [op1]* exp0
exp0: `(' exp `)' | variable | number | const
op2: binary arithmetic operator
op1: unary operator or built-in function
const: numerical constant reserved word
number: integer, floating point, exponential, or mu:su:pu notation
variable: user-defined variable identifier
[ …] denotes an optional clause
* means zero or more clauses
| separates alternatives quotes
`…' denote a literal character.)
Fractional clauses are valid in algebraic expressions. A fractional clause has the following grammar:
`#' integer `/' integer `#' (example: #2 1/2#)
In number clauses, distances and coordinates can be expressed in working units (MU:SU:PU:), decimal, or fractional notation.
The multiplication operator * is not assumed. Omitting an operator is a grammatical error.
White space and comments
White space and comments can appear anywhere in an expression and are ignored.
A comment is a sequence of characters enclosed in brackets or braces, as follows: `[' ...`]' | `{' ... `}' |
`/*' ... `*/'
Arithmetic operators
The following arithmetic operators are available:
Operator Operation Performed

- arithmetic negation
cos cosine
sin sine
tan tangent
acos arccosine
asin arcsine
atan arctangent
sqrt square root
ceil (x) returns a double value representing the smallest integer that is greater than or equal to x. There is no error return.
floor (x) returns a floating-point value representing the largest integer that is less than or equal to x. There is no error return.
fabs (x) returns the absolute value of the floating point number (x)
+ addition
- subtraction
* multiplication
/ division (floating point)
% modulo
^ exponent (e.g., a ^ 2 squares the value of a)
= equal to
Built-in numerical constants
The following built-in numerical constant is available:
Constant Means
pi [pi ]
Numbers
A number can be expressed in integer, floating point or exponential notation, followed by an optional units keyword, or in working
units notation (mu:su:pu). Units keywords are as follows:
Keyword Units Denoted

deg degrees (for angles)
Variable names
A variable name can have up to 32 characters, beginning with a letter or underscore, followed by letters, numbers or
underscores, with no embedded blanks. Variable names are case-sensitive.
A variable name cannot be the same as a built-in function or constant, but may contain a reserved word as part of its name. For
example, if “sin” is a built-in function, then “sin” is not a valid variable name, but “sin_of_x” is valid. Reserved names are not case
sensitive, so “Sin” is not a valid variable name.
A variable's name must be unique within the cell or sub-design in which it is used.
Parametrics toolbox
The Parametrics toolbox contains tools for creating and modifying dimension-driven profiles and is used to open the DD Design
toolbox.
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX PARAMETRICS [ON | OFF | TOGGLE]
DD Design toolbox
The DD Design toolbox contains tools for creating and modifying dimension-driven profiles and cells plus dimensioning tools.
menu.
Each of the tools in the DD Design toolbox is also a member of a “child” toolbox. When a tool is pointed to and the Data button
held down, a drop-down menu opens from which a tool in the child toolbox can be selected. The child toolbox can be opened as
a floating toolbox by choosing Open As ToolBox from the drop-down menu.
When a tool is selected in a child toolbox, the tool automatically becomes the “representative” of the child toolbox in the DD
Design toolbox.
The following table shows the “as delivered” arrangement of the DD Design toolbox and identifies the corresponding child
toolboxes and for each, the default representative tool:
Profile toolbox (Sketch Profile)
Parameter Constraints toolbox (Convert Dimension to Constraint)
Attach Element toolbox (Construct Attached Line String or Shape)
Geometric Constraints toolbox (Constrain Elements)
Evaluate Constraints toolbox (Re-solve Constraints)
Modify Constraint toolbox (Break Constrained Geometry)
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDTOOLS [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Profile toolbox
The tools in the Profile toolbox are used to sketch a profile and convert an element to a profile.
menu.
To Select in the Profile toolbox
Sketch a geometrically-constrained profile.
Sketch Profile
Convert a line string shape or complex shape to a geometrically-constrained profile.
Convert Element to Profile
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDDRAW
Parameter Constraints toolbox
The tools in the Parameter Constraints toolbox are used to apply dimensional constraints to constructions.
menu.
To Select in the Parameter Constraints toolbox
Convert an associative dimension into a constraint.
Convert Dimension to Constraint
Assign an equation to a model.
Assign Equation
Assign a constant or variable to a dimensional constraint.
Assign Variable to Dimensional Constraint
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDPARM [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Attach Element toolbox
The tools in the Attach Element toolbox are used to construct an arc, line string, or shape that is attached to one or more
constructions. Only the elements size, shape, or location are modified when solving.
menu.
To Select in the Attach Element toolbox
Construct an attached line string or shape.
Construct Attached Line String or Shape
Construct an attached arc.
Construct Attached Arc
Construct an attached ellipse or circle.
Construct Attached Ellipse or Circle
Attach an element's location to a construction or constraint.
Attach Element to Point
Attach an element's location and rotation to a constraint.
Align Element with Point and Line
Cause an element to track a point, ellipse, or constraint.
Attach Pen Element to Point
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDATTACH [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Geometric Constraints toolbox
The tools in the Geometric Constraints toolbox are used to create geometric constraints.
menu.
To Select in the Geometric Constraints toolbox
Constrain geometry to be tangent, perpendicular, parallel, or fix angle to horizontal or vertical.
Constrain Elements
Make a variable a constant or make a construction invariant (not recalculated when solving).
Make Construction or Parameter Invariant
Constrain a point (or the center of a circle or an ellipse) to lie on a construction.
Constrain Point On Construction
Constrain a point to the intersection of two constructions.
Constrain Point at Intersection
Constrain two points to be coincident, two circles to the same center, or a point to the center
of a circle.
Constrain Two Points to be Coincident
Fix the location of a point in the design.

Fix Point at Location
Equate the endpoints of constructions.
Equate Parameters or Constructions
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDCONSTRAINT [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Evaluate Constraints toolbox
The tools in the Evaluate Constraints toolbox are used to evaluate, modify, and re-solve constraints for dimension-driven profiles.
menu.
To Select in the Evaluate Constraints toolbox
Re-establish dimensions and other constraints in a parametric profile that has been modified
with conventional element modification tools.
Re-solve Constraints
Modify a dimension-driven profile.
Modify and Re-solve Constraints
See a visual representation of relationships between constraints in a profile.

Describe Selected Construction or
Constraint
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDMODEL [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]
Modify Constraint toolbox
The tools in the Modify Constraint toolbox can be used to break or trim constrained geometry, add fillet and chamfer constraints
to constrained geometry, and modify dimension or variable values.
menu.
To Select in the Modify Constraint toolbox
Break an element between constraints so that additional geometry and constraints can be inserted.
Break Constrained Geometry
Trim two elements that share a common intersection.
Trim Constrained Geometry
Add a fillet between two constrained elements.
Fillet Constrained Geometry
Add a chamfer between two constrained elements.
Chamfer Constrained Geometry
Change the value of a dimensional constraint or variable.
Modify Value of Dimension or Variable
Key-in: DIALOG TOOLBOX DDDMODIFY [OFF | ON | TOGGLE]

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3D Design and Modeling Page 1 of 111

3D Design and Modeling

The standard 3D tools are similar to the Feature Modeling tools.

DWG workmode and 3D

DWG workmode and 3D

 B-spline curves cannot be used in creating a complex chain or shape.

 Self-referencing of DGN files is disabled, as is reference clipping.

 Raster references are disabled.

The 2D design plane (top) and 3D design cube (bottom)

 Clip Back — if on, a back clipping plane is active in a view.

 Clip Front — if on, a front clipping plane is active in a view.

 The front clipping plane is nearest the viewer.

 The back clipping plane is farthest from the viewer.

A view's Active Depth always lies within its Display Depth.

 The x-axis is positive from left to right (horizontally).

 The y-axis is vertical, and positive from bottom to top (vertically).

position from which the model is viewed.

A Top view displays the model from the top:

 the xy plane is parallel to your screen (as in a 2D model).

 x is positive from left to right (horizontally).

 y is positive from bottom to top (vertically).

 z is positive toward you, perpendicular to the screen.

While, for a Bottom view:

 y is positive from top to bottom (vertically).

 z is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.

A Front view displays the model from the front:

 the xz plane is parallel to your screen.

 x is positive from left to right (horizontally).

 z is positive from bottom to top (vertically).

 y is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.

While, for a Back view:

 x is positive from right to left (horizontally).

 y is positive towards you, perpendicular to the screen.

A Right view, displays the model from the right:

 the yz plane is parallel to your screen.

 y is positive from left to right (horizontally).

 z is positive from bottom to top (vertically).

 x is positive toward you, perpendicular to the screen.

While, for a Left view:

 y is positive from right to left (horizontally).

 x is positive away from you, perpendicular to the screen.

Standard view Faces in front

Isometric view (left) and Right Isometric view (right)

 The x-axis is horizontal and positive from left to right.

 The y-axis is vertical and positive from bottom to top.

Elements in 3D designs must be displayed on the screen, which is planar.

Example of parallel projection (left) compared to a perspective view (right)

Using the grid in 3D

 ACS — Grid aligns to the active ACS.

Perspective view displaying the grid with Orientation set to Top

3D viewing procedures that are similar to 2D

To dynamically rotate a view (Cube option)

1. Select the Rotate View view control.

2. Set Method to Dynamic.

3. In the extended settings, click the Cube icon.

5. Enter a second data point to define the view orientation.

To dynamically rotate a view (Sphere option)

1. Select the Rotate View view control.

2. Set Method to Dynamic.

3. In the extended settings, click the Sphere icon.

5. Enter a second data point to define the view orientation.

To rotate a view in 3D by three points

1. Select the Rotate View view control.