How Do I Send 3D Reference Files To Back?

Question

Mstn v8i SS4 
 We design water systems. The dgn is 3D. We attach the sewer design to our dgn's as references. The sewer dgn's (done by others, so we cannot modify) are also 3D. The sewer always seems to plot on top of our work. How can I send a read-only 3D reference file to the back? 
 thanks

Tim Hickman · Answer

you are in a 3d file - there is no send to back. The elements need to physically be at a lower elevation (z) than your data. Since you stated that you cannot modify the data that is showing on top, I suggest moving your data to a higher elevation (z).

Lorys · Answer

create a sub model and use 2d seed for this then ref merge the default 3d original data, rename this sub model 2D version to remove confusion, then ref attach only the 2d version... and rename the original default model 3D original version

Rick Ruth · Answer

If the drawing that you are referencing into is a 2D drawing, you can go into the reference dialog box and set the priority of the reference to a negative value and the reference will display under your active drawing. 
 If the drawing that you are referencing into is a 3D drawing, you first need to go make a change to the current Display style that you are using. In the display style dialog box, select your current display style. Then check on &ldquo;Use File Order&rdquo;. Next go into the reference dialog box and on the Settings pull-down in V8i (Properties pull-down in CONNECT), select &ldquo;Update Sequence&rdquo; and have the reference that you want displayed in the back, listed at the top of the list. The file that you want displayed on top would be at the bottom of the list. 
 Note: if you turn on &ldquo;Use File Order&rdquo;, elements closer to you (higher in elevation) may not always display on top of element farther away. It goes by the order that they are drawn or modified.