[CONNECT Update 15 VBA]: Should attachments added to a .dgn file after an .ips file was created, print the next time the .ips file is opened and printed?

I think it SHOULD, but it doesn't. You will have to open your IPS file and "Update from Design File".

I've been having this issue with a project I an working for, partnering with a major firm. There are certain changes that the IPS just doesn't seem to recognize, and changes to reference attachments is one. I have started writing time into the schedule for updating, because of course that takes time...

I've been told it should work the way we expect, but nobody can tell me why it doesn't.

Thank you for the answer Mary. I did not notice the "Updated From Design File" button before. So, at least there is a way, even if not preferred. (I have only been using InterPlot Organizer for the last year and am still learning all it can do.) One question on updating from design file, all the plots in the IPS file can be selected and updated at once, correct?

Yes, they can. It will, of course, take time, but you can select all of your files, or just part of them (if you know that some sheets haven't changed) and Update from Design File. That button is located in the Properties  - select your files and right-click to get to the Properties.

Matter of fact, you can use the Properties dialog to see that the reference attachments did (or did not) get updated - that's how I figured it out. I believe the dialog has a tab for References, and I checked one file that had printed incorrectly. I noticed that one reference was missing and another was still attached (and shouldn't be!). After I UpFDF, I looked at the IPS Properties for the same file and I saw the changes had been made.

No, it's not ideal, but it does work. I have also noticed that reference levels turned on and off don't update automatically either. We use "container files" to set up our sheets, and it's very frustrating to turn something off in the container and still see it on when I print.

I've actually created a small batch command file and set up a Batch Process to run on all of our files before we print. It may be overkill, but better safe than sorry. I use the FILEDESIGN command so that MicroStation opens every file in the list, saves settings, saves and closes. That way I KNOW that my reference level settings have saved. Then I go into my IPS, select everything and Update From Design File. It takes a little time, but we have far, far fewer misprints this way.

It's almost as if IPS is printing some sort of Saved View, instead of actually accessing the design file.

Thank you for the confirmation and your experience with IPS files.

Thank you for the confirmation and your experience with IPS files.