Attaching DGN Files as Underlays

Use the AttachDGN command to attach a DGN drawing file (DesiGN file) as underlay to a drawing.

Files of type *.dgn originate from MicroStation® or other CAD software.

The command links the specified file as a reference to the current drawing.

If you select a DGN underlay in the graphics area and the ribbon is active, the DGN Underlay contextual tab appears. You can adjust and clip the DGN underlay.

To attach DGN files as underlays:

1. Click Insert > DGN Underlay (or type AttachDGN).
2. Type AttachDGN at the command prompt.
3. In the dialog box, select a DGN file to attach and click Open.
4. In the Attach Reference: DGN Underlay dialog box, Name displays the name of the file you selected, or you can select a previously attached DGN file. Click Browse to select a different DGN file.
5. In File information, specify the Path type:
   • Full. Shows the complete path to the DGN file.
   • None. Shows only the DGN file name.
   • Relative. Shows the relative path to the DGN file. If the drawing and DGN file are in the same folder, only the file name of the image appears.
6. In Select a Design Model, select one of Design Models defined in the DGN drawing file.

   In DGN files, a drawing can be separated into Design Models which are individual workspaces where design geometry is defined.

7. In Conversion Units, specify whether unit conversion uses Master units or Sub units as its base.

   Master units and Sub units express a relationship between applicable measurement units such as feet and inches, or meters and millimeters. Sub Units cannot be larger than Master Units.

   The measurement units defined in the DGN file appear in the dialog box title in brackets.

   If an instance of the specified DGN file is already referenced in the drawing, unit selection is unavailable.

8. Under Insertion point, for X, Y, and Z, type coordinate values, or select Specify later to specify the insertion point on screen after closing the dialog box.
9. Under Rotation, for Angle, type a value or select Specify later to specify the rotation angle in the graphics area during insertion.
10. Under Scale, type a scale factor, or select Specify later to specify the scaling on screen after closing the dialog box.
11. Click OK.

You can drag DGN underlays directly into your drawing. At the command prompt, you can specify the name of Design Model, an insertion point, the scale factor, and the rotation angle.

Access

Command: AttachDGN

Menu: Insert > DGN Underlay

Ribbon: Insert > Reference > Attach > DGN