Cells vs shared cells.

Question

I understand cells are kept in a cell library and shared cells are kept in the dgn. 
 How do the cells react when opened by another user without the cell library? 
 What scenarios should I be using cells? 
 When should I be placing cells as shared cells? 
 Microstation Connect 10.16.03.11

Lorys · Answer

I agree with all the comments so far, in particular being burned when you edit a shared cell zoomed in so much you cant see all the shared cells, and you may not be aware its a shared cell for for example once I needed to change text , say it has PV and you need to edit to say SV so you just double click on the cell and edit the text yes, now unbeknown to you there are 50 other instances of this shared cell but now by changing just one cell you have unintentionally just automatically change all 50 shared cells.. if this was your intention then great, but if it wasnt you wont detect it until much later when your masters decide to tear you a new one! yep happened to me to an online government web site for the entire state locations of all Pressure valves.... was an easy fix with restore back ups but loads of people were potentially going to be given false information into GIS, public access etc... never used a shared cell again in 25 years.. it still stings when I hear the term shared cell... they are good if you have really big 3d cells for parts etc and for easy updates and compatibility with acad but for the average user its fraught with danger and requires frequent education of users of the possible dangers..

Cells vs shared cells.

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