Automate reference and master file merging with RefMerge

Clearwater, Florida, USA — Unfortunately, many document management systems – while good with some types of file links – just do not understand MicroStation reference files. Plus, not everyone associated with architectural and engineering projects is an expert CAD user. This can result in untrained users submitting incomplete CAD files to be plotted or distributed.

RefMerge eliminates these problems by providing an automated way to generate complete, merged output files routinely, named the way you want with all the information correctly displayed.

Why RefMerge?
RefMerge automates the task of merging 2D, 3D and raster reference files into a separate output file. RefMerge contains all of the options needed for creating a complete set of project design files that show everything you want, the way you want it. The resulting file or set of files can be archived, distributed, translated, submitted or plotted without concern for missing references or merged element display symbology.

As RefMerge creates new output files, it controls the way elements are copied from both the master and reference files to maintain a consistent display after the merge is complete. For example, when level symbology or override symbology settings are different in a master file than they are in the attached references, RefMerge can force the symbology of each element in the output file to match its original symbology or the level symbology or override symbology of the file from which it is copied.

RefMerge for V8′s Element Modification and Control Options dialog box

Raster reference file control
RefMerge allows you to exclude or include raster reference files as part of the merging process. If you choose to exclude raster reference files, you have the option to leave them attached or not. If you do leave them attached, the referenced raster image can be copied to the same output directory as the merged file.

All the options you need to control the results
Getting the output you want is the priority and RefMerge gives you options to handle all aspects and potential problems associated with the merging process. This includes output file naming and location, element symbology control, maintaining fill in clipped elements, non-displayed element inclusion or exclusion and many others. RefMerge also allows you to limit the merge to only include elements within a specific area defined by a shape or a fence. This is in addition to smoothly handling existing reference file clipping boundaries and masks.

MicroStation complexities handled smoothly
RefMerge smoothly handles clipping boundaries and masks, view rotations, tag information, dimension elements, text node numbers, shared cells, graphic group numbers, pattern scaling and other MicroStation complexities to ensure your merged files display and plot just the way you want them to.

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