There is a easy way to match an element's attribute and then apply those attributes to other elements without having to use the match element attributes or smart match tool.

Background

There is a tool in the change element attirubte dialog that allows for easy matching of an element's attribute commonly referred to as the "eyedropper"

Steps to Accomplish

1. Go to the Change Attribute tool
   

   

2. Click on eyedropper(Match Element Attributes)
   
   
3. Select the attributes you want to match by checking appropriate boxes
   
   
4. Select new element to apply the attributes from first element

If Use Active Attributes is turned on when you use the eyedropper tool, then they will change to match the element you clicked on.

If Use Active Attributes is not turned on, then it only changes the settings in the tool settings box and not  the active attributes.

One thing to note is that the button representing the eyedropper does not show that it's active. This tool is single shot, meaning you click it and select an element.  If you want to match another element, you have to reselect the eyedropper.

Alternative

To match element attributes anytime - even when you are already right in the middle of drawing an element.

Press the "Alt"-key - move your cursor to the element you want to match the attributes from - left-mouse-click.

The properties of the element become the active attributes.

See Also

https://communities.bentley.com/products/microstation/w/microstation__wiki/15938/how-to-use-alt-data-to-match-an-element

http://communities.bentley.com/communities/other_communities/askinga/w/askinga/alternate-method-to-change-element-attributes.aspx

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