MicroStation Wiki Creating a DGNLIB Library File for Customizing Microstation's User Interface

Creating a DGNLIB Library File for Customizing Microstation's User Interface

	Product:	MicroStation
	Version:	08.09.04.xx and above
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	UI Customization
	Subarea:	Tools

This is a brief introductory guide on how to create and configure a DGNLIB library file for customizing MicroStation's User Interface

Background

In MicroStation XM and newer versions all the interface customizations, such as custom toolbars and menus, are stored and handled using “dgnlib libraries”. A “dgnlib library” is simply a .dgn file that stores specific resources (interface, levels, text styles, etc) which are accessible, provided this has been correctly configured in the workspace, for all files.

Steps to Accomplish

In order to customize the interface, you have to create a new *.dgnlib file (=dgnlib library) and configure the variable “MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST” with the correct path

To create a dgnlib library:

1. File -> New

2. Change file type to “All Files” and manually change the new file extension to .dgnlib

To configure the newly created dgnlib library, we can use the “Workspace->Configuration” dialog:

1. Open the “Workspace->Configuration” dialog

2. Select “MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST” from the list of variables and then click “Edit…”

3. Change the Edit mode to “Append” and type the path to the new dgnlib in “New Value”

4. Restart MicroStation to apply these changes, and open the newly created *.dgnlib file.

Now you should see the "User Tools" section in the "Workspace -> Customize" menu and should be able to make your changes.

Please note that by configuring the MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST from the configuration dialog, the change will only affect the currently active user (see marked area in picture 1).

If you want the dgnlib to be configured for all users, the above variable needs to be manually defined in the standards.cfg configuration file. This should be only done by the site administrator or by somebody who is familiar with Workspace configuration.

Please note that the workspace default interface folder path is configured in the MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST from factory, so every DGNLIB file save in this folder (...\WorkSpace\Interfaces\MicroStation\default) will be automatically loaded at MicroStation startup, provided that the "Default" interface is selected in MicroStation Manager dialog.