Printing to the Active Windows User Documents Folder

maybe something like...

MS_PLTFILES = C:\users\$(username)\Documents\

??

As Mary suggested that variable can be set at a Site, Project or User level depending on desired outcome.  If you want this setting for all users or just one then set in the appropriate configuration file.

Hi guys,

Thank you Todd and Mary for your valuable insights.

I defined the variable MS_PLTFILES as Mary suggested. I added it to the workspace configuration file.

All works as expected and the issue has been solved.

Let me also mention that in the PLTCFG driver configuration file one can set the default plot file name and extension.

Regards,

Benzi

Hi guys,

I have another suggestion for those of you who want to streamline your plotting process.

This suggestion is directly related to the topic discussed in this thread.

In our firm the engineers create plot files as required using a customized Bentley PLTCFG file.

The plot is saved to the users local Documents folder and is given a default name of 1.plt.

Once the plot is created the user then loads a powerful PLT viewing software called ViewCompanion Premium.

If the engineer is satisfied with the results they send the plot file directly to the plotter using the viewer's "Print Direct" feature.

The viewer software is loaded from within Microstation using the following syntax:

%C:\users\%USERNAME%\Documents\1.plt

The % sign allows one to run any Windows executable from within Microstation.

The reason that the above command works is because the PLT file extension is registered with the viewer software.

Regards,

Benzi

As Mary stated, setting it to C:\users\$(username)\Documents\ works like a charm. It does so like  99% of the time. Unless your profile is not stored on C:.

If you assign it like this:
MS_PLTFILES = $(homeshare)/My Documents/
your plot output will go to the My Documents folder, regardless of its location, wether it is on C: or D: or X:. So if the IT guys move the Homeshare directory (which contains Desktop, Downloads, Appdata, My Documents, My Pictures, and so on) to a network location, homeshare will follow thus.

When working in a virtual environment, this may prove more helpfull then hardcoding to C:\ or D: or...