Microstation V8i - is it possible to OpenDesignFileForProgram and print?

Is it possible to open some .dgn-files using the command "OpenDesignFileForProgram" and print them?


One of our users asked for a kind of batch print tool where he could enter a list of file names in a VBA-Userform. Then the program should do some additional things (like adding an attachment and show/hide some levels) and afterwards print the files. I assume that print organizer is not an option because of these additional tasks ...


Every idea or suggestion is very welcome!

Parents
  • Unknown said:
    Is it possible to open some .dgn-files using the command "OpenDesignFileForProgram" and print them?

    Prefer to use OpenDesignFile.  You want the model to look exactly as the user would see it.  OpenDesignFileForProgram doesn't display a model, and you would have to take extra steps to get the presentation correct.

    You can drive MicroStation printing using key-ins.  This article shows you how.

    Unknown said:
    I assume that print organizer is not an option

    Assumptions are bad.  Print Organizer is a useful tool.  In particular, Print Styles provide a lot of control.

    You can drive Print Organizer using key-ins.  This article shows you how.

     
    Regards, Jon Summers
    LA Solutions

  • Thanks for this.

    So you think it would be better to open the "main" .dgn-file, attach the required reference file, control the levels as required and then kick off the printing job using the key-ins.

    Unfortunately my knowledge around Print organizer is very limited - because of this fact the next question may sound very stupid:

    What advantage could Print organizer give us? I need to do some things like adding the reference file (using a VBA code) that Print organizer cannot do ... when this is done, then I can print the view or fence with the "normal" print command.

    What benefit could Print organizer deliver in my situation?
  • Unknown said:
    my knowledge around Print organizer is very limited

    Read more about it in MicroStation help.  Print Organizer was developed because many people had similar wishes to you, and not everybody wants to write VBA.  This is not the right Forum to expound the virtues of Print Organizer — visit the Printing Forum.

    Unknown said:
    The next question may sound very stupid

    No question is stupid — people who don't ask questions remain ignorant.

    MicroStation provides an enormous breadth of functionality.  It's hard for anybody to know everything it provides, let alone understand it all.  If we boil your question down to its kernel, you're asking "How do I automate printing with optional requirements such as reference attachments?"   Print Organizer may provide the answer, but if it does not then you can move to a VBA solution.

     
    Regards, Jon Summers
    LA Solutions

  • Hi,

    Unknown said:
    Is it possible to open some .dgn-files using the command "OpenDesignFileForProgram" and print them?

    I agree with Jon it's not good idea and I am sure it brings more problems than benefits. OpenDesignFileForProgram is not equal to opening of active design file and some functionality is not available. To ensure the model will be printed correctly, I assume you have to open it normally.

    Unknown said:
    What advantage could Print organizer give us?

    It's really powerfull tool with plenty of options and functions. If used with sheets, the printing process can be fully automated including pen tables, using Named Expressions e.g. to define output names etc.

    Unknown said:
    What benefit could Print organizer deliver in my situation?

    It's not clear what your situation is (what steps you have to do and how print parameters are defined). But if you need to implement some pre-processing, I guess it can block PrintOrganizer usage. But I have not researched VBA cooperation with PrintOrganizer yet. For sure you should exactly define what MicroStation version will be used, because both print options and VBA API has changed in versions.

    With regards,

      Jan

Reply
  • Hi,

    Unknown said:
    Is it possible to open some .dgn-files using the command "OpenDesignFileForProgram" and print them?

    I agree with Jon it's not good idea and I am sure it brings more problems than benefits. OpenDesignFileForProgram is not equal to opening of active design file and some functionality is not available. To ensure the model will be printed correctly, I assume you have to open it normally.

    Unknown said:
    What advantage could Print organizer give us?

    It's really powerfull tool with plenty of options and functions. If used with sheets, the printing process can be fully automated including pen tables, using Named Expressions e.g. to define output names etc.

    Unknown said:
    What benefit could Print organizer deliver in my situation?

    It's not clear what your situation is (what steps you have to do and how print parameters are defined). But if you need to implement some pre-processing, I guess it can block PrintOrganizer usage. But I have not researched VBA cooperation with PrintOrganizer yet. For sure you should exactly define what MicroStation version will be used, because both print options and VBA API has changed in versions.

    With regards,

      Jan

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