replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 17:37:43 GMT

63 and no retirement in sight. I work on my own now, sometimes miss the old days working for consulting engineers with multiple branch offices. What I miss is the resources available as a group. I'll bet in your multitudes of fellow technicians there are a few who would love tackling the Batch Process business. Make 'em share, it doesn't have to all be on you.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 17:25:17 GMT

Thanks, Bob. At 60 years of age, I should have thick skin by now . . . but I just don't.

I do know what you mean about social media. It seems that people lose all sense of kindness on that platform. I have hope though. You know, I mentioned earlier that I work at a huge corporation. Lots of young men and women and I love how they hold open doors, have manners, and for the most part, they are kind. So all is not lost.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:04:41 GMT

As long as we're discussing replace cells, I'd like to point out Connect r12 replace cell command has a bug. It does not retain the level, always replaces cell with level Default.

K- My comment "If you just don't want to learn anything new, you may be in the wrong business." was not meant as a put down or criticism. I was simply trying to change your mindset, seemed the best help I could offer. Always wear the thick skin to the social media.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:35:53 GMT

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your kind words. I had decided to never use this forum again and I would most certainly quit recommending it to my co-workers. I felt beaten up - even by the Bentley people.

I have been using and teaching MicroStation since the '90s. I know how to use the key-ins and do all the assorted things that they kept telling me. I just wanted a simple answer as to if this was set up in CONNECT (and for Bentley to tell me that they had in fact done the work themselves to we could easily get things done. I can't lie about that.) With all of that said I hope their answers do help someone else.

As for me, I will always remember your kindness. Thanks again.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Lorys — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 04:10:58 GMT

Hi Kelly

Don't sweat it, if you learn the batch processor utility and save the proc file centrally all users can benefit from it..

I have made several of these over time to run over entire folders eg set the symbology overrides back on and fit view then save and move on to open next file

if you can do the keyin manually to test it works to do what you want then you can use it in the batch processor utility to do it to any number of files in a list...

The batchprocessor is one of the best tools around and you don't have to use it for 100s of files you can use it just for the active file if it does what you need done often or a lot then make it..

I even have one for spell check on all folder contents as we old dudes ( me) never had spell checker in microstation when we started so we tend to forget to use it while the file is open .. so before issue I just run the batch processor for spell check.. saves a lot of time and effort and for things like fit view save it opens and closes faster than me opening a file hit fit view and save settings...

don't let negative comments bug you there are a lot of users here who English is not their first language and are very literal in their questions and answers and some old grumps like me get tired of saying the same stuff and repeating stuff.. but DON'T let it stop you from posting .. we are a community of users ( mostly volunteers) and some Bentley employees also visit and help thank God!

We occasionally need reminding that were all friends here and the purpose to help one another and to learn from each others experiences. I have even fixed and urgent file for some users that just couldn't get things to work even if I didn't have axiom repair..

I've been using and contributing to the forum since early 90s when I first found it, I was and still am, amazed at the lengths others around the world will go to helping one for FREE.. I have been given lots of custom tools and tips and help over the years that I wouldn't be where I am today in my job and the fraternity of msnt users..

Good luck an don't give up ok?

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Ron Jones — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 21:54:33 GMT

Hi Kelly,

You can use the Batch Process Utility in MicroStation to perform the task you you have outlined. Your IT guy is not wrong.

Axiom provides some great utilities for MicroStation users, but that doesn't mean that you can't also do some of them in MicroStation itself.

Take a look at these quotes from Axioms website and MicroStation Connect Help

Quote from Axiom's website:
Global File Changer is a powerful batch file processor that can execute MicroStation key-in commands on any number of DGN files.

Quote from MicroStationConnect Help:
Batch Process Utility
The Batch Process utility lets you create and run a script that can be performed on individual files or entire directories of files. The script is a text file that contains a series of MicroStation key-ins that can run commands, MicroStation , VBA Macros, or MDL applications.

These two quotes sound very similar. Both describe Batch operations that run MicroStation Key-ins on multiple files.

In both instances you still need to instruct the batch operation on what is to be done and which files are to be modified.

Take a look at this link to the entry in MicroStation Connect Help on the Batch Process Utility and I think you'll find that the Batch Process Utility will handle your needs.

Regards,
Ron

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

mwlong — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 19:24:45 GMT

[quote userid="922632" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534768"]I want to be able to push a button and have the software do it all.[/quote]

That's the problem with the world today. Everybody wants a single button to do everything for them.

[quote userid="922632" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534768"]MicroStation still needs input from humans[/quote]

Would you have a job if the program did not need human input?

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 18:01:11 GMT

That many users can be a problem, but it's also a potential great resource. Put together a small team for this sort of thing. The team can distribute the info to the various branch offices, disciplines, users.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 17:57:24 GMT

Thanks for your help Mary

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

MaryB — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 17:51:25 GMT

1. Yes, it can be challenging to come up with the most concise, correct phrasing to communicate my question.

2. Thank God it does, or we'd all be out of a job!

3. Tell your CAD administrator to get on top of this - that's what they pay them for, right? To make sure that everyone at the company has the resources they need to do their job?

Companies like Axiom have been in business for decades, and will stay in business for years to come because no software package has every possible tool that every potential user might want. That's why there's a rich history of third-party applications, and user customization tools. From UCMs to C++ apps, Microstation has been very customizable to meet the needs of large and small firms. They can't think of everything! And what is "obvious" to you may be useless to me. Bentley covers the basics (and a lot more than the basics!) and they give us tools to create the rest of what we need.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 17:39:42 GMT

Is that reassuring? NOPE. I want to be able to push a button and have the software do it all.

So I learned three things today. 1. Be VERY specific in how I use words and phrase a sentence in this forum. 2. MicroStation still needs input from humans. 3. My IT guys are wrong. We DO need Axiom or someone is going to have to sit down and figure this stuff out and then send it out to the entire company so that 300 of us aren't re-writing the same thing for the same problem over and over and over again.

Thank you Timothy Hickman for sending this: "I would like to inform you that this issue resulted in Enhancement Request 711206. We are continuously improving our products via regular SELECT updates, during which we implement many of the Enhancement Requests reported by our users."

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Jon Summers — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 17:10:04 GMT

[quote userid="922632" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534680"]I haven't used a .bat file in a decade[/quote]

Don't conflate MicroStation's batch processor with a Windows batch (.bat) file. Nobody is suggesting that you should or need write a Windows batch file.

[quote userid="2622" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534758"]The batch utility with the needed keyins could do this[/quote]

MicroStation's batch processing utility has been available in V8 and CONNECT for many years.

It's designed explicitly to process one or more DGN files. It executes the key-ins that you write. If you can write a key-in for replace cell then it's eligible to be added to a command file. You can save your key-ins to the command file and recall it another time.

[quote userid="2436" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534687"]Batch Process will do almost everything you want[/quote]

Is that reassuring?

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Tim Hickman — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:10:35 GMT

there are many simple things that MicroStation does not do on multiple files. IE: you could place a line at specific coordinates in multiple files - is there a button for this ? no Can it be done ? yes The batch utility with the needed keyins could do this.

A descriptive word for knowing how to make the program work ? I would not call this programming.

I just wanted to clarify that this was not prgramming as we do have a specific community for this.

As you have done - filing a service request and asking for this functionality are the correct steps.

It never hurts to ask if something is possible as you may not be aware of its existence. In this case there is no specific button or tool. But the end result can be achieved thru the batch utility as mentioned above.

I have been mentioning the axiom tools to development for some time and that these functions should be in the product.

I will grab your SR (service request) and assign it to the enhancement.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:59:42 GMT

Us old drafters have morphed into CAD technicians. It's not programming, just general CAD skills. I experience this same frustration, every few months I must figure out how to do something new, then I don't use again for a year.

Here is an example of a simple batch I used to get rid of the "add to workspace?" prompt on every new file after upgrading to Connect. Backstage>Tools>Batch Process will create and run the .bprc, the text file is simple command keyins. I vaguely remember having to edit something to the bprc by hand.

WSfix.bprc

[SETTINGS=bpOptions]
   logFile=_USTN_OUT:batchprocess.log
   cmdFileName=D:\PD\08\CMworkset.txt
   clearLog=1
   initialModel=-18
[SOURCE=D:\PD\08\*\*.dgn]
[MODEL=:Default:]

CMworkset.txt

FILE ASSOCIATEWORKSET
FILEDESIGN SAVE SETTINGS

Hint- For your task you may need to attach a cell library to each file (RC=<cellfilename>

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:32:50 GMT

Tim Hickman,

Please excuse me for using the wrong word 'programmer'. What descriptive word would you use for what it takes to figure out how to make a program work? I'll try and use that next time.

If it is all so simple then why hasn't Bentley included it in MicroStation?

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:27:30 GMT

That search button has been a lifesaver. I'm glad Bentley did that at least. And we know where the replace tool button is. The problem is it only works in the single file.

it's okay. I put in a service request.

But from everyone's answer here - it isn't looking good for the home team. Yay for the old way of doing things . . . <insert crying smiley here>

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Tim Hickman — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:15:58 GMT

what they are suggesting is nowhere near programming. It is a simple keyin string from a text file. The whole issue is what exactly the syntax is for the keyin needed.

This all can be done in the product. Is there a specific "button" for it ? no.

So you can either purchase the axiom product or spend some time getting the keyin string and use it in the batch utility provided by the software.

The batch utility allows a text file to be used for keyin commands to be applied to multiple files. As long as you know the keyin you want, you can use the text file to provide the keyins and then process this against a list of files. So this is not limited to just replacing cells, it could be used for other things.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:15:48 GMT

There is a field, upper right of ribbon, for searching the ribbon. Type in replace, it will tell you where they are. On my GUI it's under Task Navigation>Overflow>pulldown cell thing. or just key-in "replace cells". Again, apologies for not understanding the question, I'll work on that.

[quote userid="922632" url="~/products/microstation/f/microstation-forum/183008/replace-cells-in-an-entire-folder-using-microstation-connect/534737"]Where is the tool located to replace cells in a folder? [/quote]

That does not exist.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:10:27 GMT

I work for a huge company. People come to me asking for help. People from all kinds of different fields. Right now our company is trying to transition everyone over to CONNECT. I've told them the hardest part is just finding out where Bentley has relocated the tools.

What I'm trying to do is find the tool so that they can replace cells, they can replace text, like they can using Axiom. (We do it without opening a file. We use Global Replace in Axiom and then we use Print Organizer to plot them to pdf.)

Maybe instead of being grouchy towards Bentley, I should be grouchy towards the IT guys who said Bentley had these tools. They didn't have them in v8i why would they have them in CONNECT?

But the answer I am looking for is: Where is the tool located to replace cells in a folder?

I just put a support ticket in on this.

I do want to thank Mary, Duncan and you. Because if they don't have this I will have to go back to the old days and write it myself. Then I'll have to figure out a way to get it to everyone in our offices around the world.

So, yes, I want it to be in CONNECT really badly.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:03:00 GMT

Apologies, was meant to help, not attack. I guess it's more what you're asking I'm not sure of. I have done tech support for a small department. Folks don't like honesty, I get that. Short of laying it all out for you, how else can we help? I'm not a Bentley employee, just a person trying to make a living. Help out when I can. Always wear the thick skin.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:34:34 GMT

Wow. Way to attack a person instead of software.

I'm not afraid of learning something new. Everything is old that is being written about in this post. (When I am asking very specifically if this tool is available in CONNECT. I'm not asking how to write around the software. I've tried to make that very very clear.)

So, you must not be in the business of buying for your workplace or providing tech support for a whole lot of different departments? Otherwise, you would understand why I am asking.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Bob Rayner — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:26:41 GMT

You can do this. Connect does provide the tools to "replace a cell in a whole folder full of drawings". But not in one click. Mary has laid out much of it below. If you just don't want to learn anything new, you may be in the wrong business.

Don't forget to create a quick archive before you start experimenting. Good luck!

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:53:26 GMT

I know they have to write stuff for their Autocad software. That's why I said it. The people here who work with Autocad have a ton of lisp routines that they've had to write so that they can work efficiently in Autocad.

Up until CONNECT I was able to show Autocad people how MicroStation already does what they have to create for Autocad. Now, Bentley is taking away their 'intelligence' so that they can be like Autocad? It's insane. Do I need to bone up on DOS again?!?

I'm still salty about CONNECT not having steel.ma

Everyone, I KNOW that things can be written. Now Bentley please explain why you are taking away simple things from MicroStation so that we all have to write our own stuff to make things work? It makes zero sense to go back to the dark ages.

A replace the cell, replace text, etc., should be a simple button push or something along the lines of Print Organizer or batch plot. And I shouldn't have to write the thing. It should be built-in.

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

MaryB — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:43:51 GMT

It's not about writing a program. You don't have to do anything that fancy. But you do have to have some way to tell the software what you want it to do. That's where the key-ins come in. These are the same key-ins that you can use in the middle of working to execute the same commands.

(By the way, plenty of people have to write AutoCAD LISP routines for things that software package still doesn't have).

RE: replace cells in an entire folder using MicroStation CONNECT

Kelly Ogle — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 12:36:04 GMT

But guys, I don't want to have to write a program! MicroStation is a very expensive program. Shouldn't something as simple as this already be written into the program?!? Why are they making us write things so that we can do basic tasks?!?

What is this Autocad?!?