Hi.
I see 2 ways to create a Group in MicroStation:
- Group
- Named Group.
Group is very limitated because I understand we cannot add/remove elements later. And it is basically a Cell.
I understand that "Graphic Group" is a Named Group...
Because tools such as "Add to Graphic Group" and "Remove From Graphic group" are only for "Named Groups".
http://www.mdlapps.com/microstation/ustnhelp286.html#F26021
There is also "Graphic Group Lock" (ON /OFF) for Named Groups.
Why Bentley differenciates between Graphic Group and Named Group? is not the same? Is the old name of Named Group?
Thanks.
Joan Martínez Serra said:So "graphic group" is just an internal value?
Yes. Every graphics element contains (in its header) information about GG. When it is 0, it does not belong to any GG.
Joan Martínez Serra said:I understand that there is no button to create a graphic group
Yes, because there is nothing to be created.
When elements are added to (new) GG, MicroStation checks what is the highest used GG number, and set GG inforamtion in the elements to be +1 higher. So, in this aspect, GG number works as a counter.
As I wrote earlier, user tools to work with GG are limited, and GG information is even not displayed in Element properties dialog (but can be checked, when old key-in "analyze element" is used).
Joan Martínez Serra said:and "create Group" button is no a graphic group
You can create Named Group only.
With regards,
Jan
Bentley Accredited Developer: iTwin Platform - AssociateLabyrinth Technology | dev.notes() | cad.point
Answer Verified By: Joan Martínez Serra
mlm said:Could we "upgrade" legacy GGs to NGs?
Named Groups are supported by every API. A VBA macro (or .NET AddIn or C++ Application) could be developed to created a Named Group from a nominated Graphic Group.
I'm not sure whether there would be much demand for such an arcane tool!
Regards, Jon Summers LA Solutions
Joan Martínez Serra said:I see 2 ways to create a Group in MicroStation: - Group - Named Group.
the worst is that it is one dialog - in my view - "Add to Graphic Group" there you have to switch on the Option "Named Group" . Without you get GG, with the option an NG.
That is confusing.
Named Groups allow dependencies and "active" and "passive" members.
The worst is though that you can not copy that "Named Group" (or create a cell from it) ( it is a longstanding request) - In effect the Named Groups are not useable in practice.
You can copy GGs (it increases the GG Number)
Also - to confuse new users ? - there is the "Group" command which effectively creates an (unnamed) cell. (You can give it a name later in the properties)
I have seen that a Note ("Place Note") based on a Dimension + Text, it has the "Graphic Group property in its Properties palette.
So a Note (leader + text) is precisely a Graphic Group.
On the other hand, a Dimension has several subentities but it is not a Graphic Group.
Joan Martínez Serra said:So a Note (leader + text) is precisely a Graphic Group.
It's not quite right statement (or it's lost in translation ;-)
Regards,