Level libraries in csv or xls instead of dgnlib

Question

I don't like dgnlibs because it is not obvious what is stored in which dgnlib. 
 
 Now we have level libraries in dgnlibs. Which is the active file looks in another file for the data. 
 
 So why can't we have the active file look in something more transparent and readable than a dgn? Like a csv, or a xls, which can be viewed parallel to the active dgn in ustn. 
 It would also be much easier to edit than through LM in ustn.

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi Thomas, 
 As suggested below creating separate dgnlibs for the various resources is a good method for management. 
 A recommended workflow is to use the CSV as the source for the levels.dgnlib, the CSV content can then be manipulated using Excel tools (as you are obviously fully aware). 
 Changes can be imported into the levels.dgnlib individually, or all levels can be imported into an empty dgnlib to ensure an exact match to the source CSV. 
 Whilst adding a step, this does have the advantage that the CSV is not unintentionally modified during daily operations.

Tim Hickman · Answer

I am not sure I follow what is being asked here…. 
 In an active file that has: 
 Levels from a DGNLIB 
 Textstyles from a DGNLIB 
 DimensionStyles from a DGNLIB 
 LineStyles 
 Etc,,, 
 These can all be found where they are coming from. 
 If the item is bold in the list , it is a local item 
 There is a column in level manager that tells you where the level exists 
 If you hover over some items, these state where they exist

Lorys · Answer

Thomas I have to disagree dgn libs are awesome and easy to find 
 you just have to be clever what you name them and where you put them then make sure the work space config knows where they are ... 
 eg for levels 
 We have drive\xxx\mstn\stds\levels 
 in that we have 
 Archi.dgnlib 
 Survey.dgnlib 
 Services.dgnlib etc 
 under the standards folder I also have another folder for text and dim styles dgnlibs. 
 Another for tool bars custom for differenet disciplines I have different interface.dgnlibs applied when you use specific work spaces... 
 So Mr's Bentley dont go changing dgnlibs now they are awsome once you learn how they work.. 
 BTw you can even make a macro or F key to load specific dgn libs... 
 but for levels I use the level manger import/attach levels and choose the dgnlib of choice for the discipline name needed....

Marc Thomas · Answer

Try this and let me know if it helps make things clearer (althought it will prompt other questions I'm sure!): 101 - DGNLIB (Design File Libraries)