Dealing with Priorities with mixed Files

Thanks for the replies everyone. It sounds like since I have such a mix of file types, I will have to try to use a mix of methods to control what shows up where. No one easy way to do it, unfortunately.

If you have a mix of files referenced into one design model then that model is referenced into your sheet model you may also want to try using update sequence. In reference manager/settings/update sequence you can change the order around of the reference files this may help you. They system reads from the top down placing the bottom of the list on top in your file. You can try what you suggested as well where you have everything in a 3D file and use elevations to control the display.

Unknown said:

You should not have any issues changing level priorities, By-level or override settings in nested reference files. Make sure you have the variable set MS_LEVEL_EDIT_NESTED_ATTACHMENT_LEVELS. This is under Workspace/Configuration you want to have this set to 1. This turns this variable on. In your level manager you should be able to select the level you want and make the change you desire.

Unknown said:

You should not have any issues changing level priorities, By-level or override settings in nested reference files. Make sure you have the variable set MS_LEVEL_EDIT_NESTED_ATTACHMENT_LEVELS. This is under Workspace/Configuration you want to have this set to 1. This turns this variable on. In your level manager you should be able to select the level you want and make the change you desire.

thanks Todd I knew about that but most cad administrators disable this for nested files as they want all the uses of the nested files to look the same.. personally I hate that and avoid letting them know they can enable that setting to stop me..I wish bentley would remove the variable and the setting in the ref manager..

If you are in a 3D model use elevations to make the adjustments and in 2D you should use priorities. You can also use Update Sequence in the Reference manager to move the Reference files up and down in display order this may also help. This is under located under the settings pull down. In two file you can also use Bring to Front under the Edit pull down.

I suppose my issue is more related to priorities with AutoCAD files. I have been adjusting straight MS files without issue. But if I have a mix of reference files (some MS and some ACAD), how should this be handled? Let's say I have an ACAD existing file that has most of the topo drawn at elevation and then it has some property lines drawn at 0. I also have a proposed 2D microstation file that has proposed road and building improvements and also includes some patterned areas to designate proposed sod. My issue comes when I want most of the topo to be displayed at 0 priority (for the sake of a reference point), the property lines to be displayed at 100, the proposed improvements to be at 50, and the proposed pattern areas to be at -50. If I have all of that, what are my options? Should I set the MS file to 3D and adjust the elevations appropriately?