USING CELLS

Cells are small 2D symbols or 3D models stored in a CELL LIBRARY

Creating CELLS

  1. Create model for the cell in the design file that you will using it in or a new design file. Cells should have the same working units as the design files it is to be used in to avoid scaling. Cells store attributes such as symbology and level - so make sure model is on appropriate level.
  2. A cell library must be created and attached before a cell can be ceated and stored. It needs a cell seed file (2d or 3d) just like a dgn file. A library created previously could be attached and used to store a cell.
    Menu Element Cells File New decide what directory to save the new cell in then enter a Name. Optionally Select a Seed cell (seed2d.cel is the default seed file, select seed3d.cel)
    (V5: File Cell Library New Name & Seed; File Cell Library Attach Name)
  3. Identify model to store in cell by using FENCE BLOCK or SELECT ELEMENT. The view in which the model is selected will represent the model orientation when saved in the cell and placed in a design file regardless of view placement.
  4. Define cell origin with DEFINE ORIGIN tool in Cells palette. This point is used when placing the cell in a new dgn file. The Create button in setting box should now be active (not greyed out).
  5. Click on the Create button (lower right corner of Cell Library settings box) (Menu Element Cells Create)
  6. In the Create New Cell dialog box that comes up enter a name and description.
  7. Click on Create. Repeat from identifying the model part above for more cells.

Placing Cells

  1. Open Cell Library settings box (Menu Element Cells) and Attach a cell library in which the cell will be found. (File Attach) Many cell libraries ar found in ustation\wsmod\default\cell.
  2. Select a cell from the list in the cell setings box and click on Placement to make it active. Check the Use Shared Cells check box (ON) for instancing.
  3. Select Place Cell tool from Cells Tool Box and cell model will appear on the cursor.
  4. Data-point to insert into the design file.
  5. In the Palce Active Cell tool settings box: Relative (ON) for shifting levels of cells. Active level is base level where cell level 1 is placed.
  6. Interactive (ON) allows setting angle and scale interactively rather than by active settings.

© Drew Browning 1999