Axiom releases RefWriter for V8.

MicroStation V8 users can now have the same ease of editing reference files in V8 that they had in V7.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, USA — In response to demand by MicroStation users who work extensively with reference files, Axiom announces the release of RefWriter, its popular V7 tool, in a version for V8. With RefWriter for V8, MicroStation V8 users can edit attached reference files almost as easily as they can edit the active design file.

RefWriter for V8 allows users to make any reference file writable while still seeing all of the associated elements from the original master file and its other references. In fact, users will not notice a visible change on the screen. After modifying the reference file, clicking a button returns the user to the original master file.

RefWriter for V8 includes all the features of the V7 version and has an almost identical interface. Additionally, RefWriter for V8 handles features introduced in V8 such as models, DWG format files, live nesting and V7 mode seamlessly so that no special training is required. For example, making a DWG format reference file (xref) writable – with RefWriter for V8 — is no different in procedure from making a MicroStation V7 or V8 format reference attachment writable.

One beta tester, Carlos Bravo of the City of San Diego, said, “I found the latest version of RefWriter for V8 to work just fine in MicroStation V8.1. The interface is easy to use, and it looks the same as in previous versions. This means not having to re-train ours users on it. The transition between master and reference files is fine and accommodates our workflow. RefWriter for V8 works perfectly for our workflow and needs.”

From the second icon on the RefWriter for V8 toolbar, users can make a reference file writable.

Features
Like the V7 version, with a double-click of the mouse, RefWriter for V8 lets you activate and edit any attached reference file. The reference file is made active, and the original master file temporarily becomes a reference to it. Master file and reference view settings are carefully managed to ensure that screen elements look exactly as they appeared before making the reference file writable. When users are finished with the changes, a single click returns them to the original master file with all original attachments intact.

Users may click on the fourth icon to return to the original master file.

RefWriter for V8 also allows users to select reference files attached to the active file from a list.

In the RefWriter for V8 screen shot image below, you can see that the active file has three reference attachments (in slots 1, 2 and 3). The reference attachment in slot 3 itself has a live nested reference in its own slot 1. RefWriter shows this attachment indented.

Any reference file can be selected and made writable with RefWriter for V8. Various options exist for changing the view settings, level display, reference attachments and tool settings of the file that is made writable.

These default settings retain the screen view as it was before making the switch to a reference file.

The fifth icon in the RefWriter for V8 toolbar highlights the original clipping boundaries of reference file that has been made the active design file.

About clipped reference attachments
When a user makes a reference file writable, it temporarily becomes the active design file. Active files cannot be clipped, but users can view the original clipping boundary by clicking the fifth icon on the RefWriter for V8 toolbar.

Latest addition to MicroStation Productivity Toolkit for V8
RefWriter for V8 is the latest addition to Axiom’s MicroStation Productivity Toolkit for V8 and also is available for standalone purchase.

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