tbclientv8

Users Guide

Title Block ClientAchieve title block consistency automatically!

Version 8.7

Axiom1805 Drew StreetClearwater, Florida 337651-727-442-7774 voice1-727-442-8344 [email protected]

Title Block Client

Copyright 1999-2008 Axiom.All rights reserved.

This document was last modified on December 31, 2008 at 2:46 PM.

Limited Warranty (Excerpted from the Axiom End User Software LicenseAgreement, see the full text of your Axiom End User Software License Agreement for

complete details.) LICENSEE is advised to test the SOFTWARE thoroughly beforerelying on it. The SOFTWARE is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either

expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties ofmerchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and the entire risk as to the quality

and performance of the SOFTWARE is with LICENSEE.

Governing Law This Agreement (Axiom End User Software License Agreement)shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, United States of America. Venuefor the resolution of any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be Pinellas County,

Florida, USA or, if that is not possible, the nearest court of competent jurisdiction thereto.

MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Incorporated.Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Title Block Client, Title Block Administrator and Title Block Manager aretrademarks of Axiom.

Table of Contents Page 3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------- 5Title Blocks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5The Title Block Client--------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

Chapter 2 Installation----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6Before You Install ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6Typical Installation from CD -----------------------------------------------------------------------6Congratulations------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

Chapter 3 Uninstalling --------------------------------------------------------------------13Uninstalling Axiom products --------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Chapter 4 Quick Start ---------------------------------------------------------------------14Title blocks------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14When should I use Title Block Client? ---------------------------------------------------------- 14Quick Start Objectives----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14Prerequisites ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14Demonstration Version ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15Tutorial #1 Place a title block into a design file using Title Block Client ---------------- 15Tutorial #2 Modify title block information--------------------------------------------------- 18

Chapter 5 The Basics ---------------------------------------------------------------------20Definitions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20

Title blocks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20Title Block Manager database -------------------------------------------------------------- 20Title block cells ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

What does Title Block Client do? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 20Title block templates exist in cell libraries. ----------------------------------------------------- 21The Title Block Client interface ------------------------------------------------------------------ 21

Title Block Client as a dialog box ---------------------------------------------------------- 21Title Block Client as a toolbar -------------------------------------------------------------- 22The Settings menu---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Chapter 6 Title Block Client Functions ----------------------------------------------26Place a title block.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Title Block Client as a dialog box ---------------------------------------------------------- 26Title Block Client as a toolbar -------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Modify Title Block Values in the active file. --------------------------------------------------- 29Modify title block values with ------------------------------------------- 30Updating the Title Block Manager Database --------------------------------------------------- 30List all title blocks in the active file ------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Title Block Client

Chapter 7 More on Cell Libraries------------------------------------------------------33Title block cells------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Sample Cell library--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Chapter 8 Optional Configuration Variables---------------------------------------34Configuration variables---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34

TBMGR_CELL_LIB ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34TBMGR_DATABASE ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 34TBLOCK_TYPE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34TBLOCK_LOCKED ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34TBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_TEXT ----------------------------------------- 35TBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_EDF ------------------------------------------- 35TBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASE------------------------------------------------------ 35TBLOCK_PREDEFINED_VALUES ----------------------------------------------------- 36TBMGR_LINE_SPACING ----------------------------------------------------------------- 36

Chapter 9 Frequently Asked Questions---------------------------------------------37Can I place title block cells without using Title Block Client?------------------------------- 37Can I add data to empty title block variable fields without using Title Block Client? ---- 37Can I modify title block variable fields without using Title Block Client? ----------------- 37Can I have more than one title block in a design file? ---------------------------------------- 37The file path or file name in the title block is wrong. ----------------------------------------- 38

Chapter 10 Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You Want-------------39We welcome your suggestions ------------------------------------------------------------------- 39

Chapter 11 New Features and Fixes--------------------------------------------------40Version 8.7a 31 December 2008-------------------------------------------------------------- 40Version 8.7a 15 February 2008 --------------------------------------------------------------- 40Version 8.6f 28 September 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------- 40Version 8.6e 20 July 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 40Version 8.6d 27 April 2007-------------------------------------------------------------------- 41Version 8.6c 23 March 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 41Version 8.6a 26 January 2007----------------------------------------------------------------- 41Version 8.5b 20 July 2006--------------------------------------------------------------------- 41Version 8.5a 23 February 2006 --------------------------------------------------------------- 41Version 8.4a 4 November 2005--------------------------------------------------------------- 41Version 8.3a 26 August 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 42Version 8.2a 24 June 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 42Version 8.1a 3 March 2005-------------------------------------------------------------------- 42Version 8.0b 25 September 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------- 42Version 8.0a 29 July 2004 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

Chapter 1 Introduction Page 5

Chapter 1 Introduction

Title BlocksA Title Block contains information about a design file. This format is derived from paperbased design, where each drawing would have information about the designer, draftsman,project, scale, dates, etc., drawn on the design, usually inside of a rectangular block thathad lines and boxes to be filled in. The lines and the information they containedcomposed the Title Block for the drawing. The same concept has carried over intoCAD drawings. A very simple title block in a design file might look something like this:

The Title Block ClientTitle Block Client helps you to place and maintain standard title block information indesign files.

Title Block Client uses special title block cells for placing and modifying title blocks indesign files. These title block cells can be in any format in any cell library. They arecreated from the in house title block design by the project manager using the Title BlockAdministrator program.

These title blocks have qualities that make them preferable to other title blocks. Theycontain hidden code that enables linking to a database as well as some special propertiesfor automatically inserting data into a title block.

Title blocks created using Title Block Administrator are easy to place and modify. In thedesign file, they can exist as shared cells, regular cells or individual elements.

Title Block Client

Chapter 2 Installation

Before You InstallThis chapter will walk you through a typical Axiom product installation. Theseinstructions apply to both MicroStation V7 and V8. V7 products are used in theexamples.

To install one or more Axiom products, you need:

The latest Axiom product CD; and A license file on floppy disk for the product(s) you are about to install.

Please shut down all MicroStation sessions on your computer before continuing.

Typical Installation from CD1. Insert the Axiom product CD into your CD drive.

2. The dialog box below should come up automatically. This may take a few momentsdepending on computer and CD drive speed.

CONDITIONAL: In some cases Windows is set to suppress auto-running executables.If the installation process does not begin automatically when you insert the CD, you willneed to start the process manually. From the Windows Start Menu, choose Run andtype in the following:D:\Setup.exewhere D is your CD drive letter.

Chapter 2 Installation Page 7

3. Click the button and the first installation dialog box (below) will appear.

4. Select MicroStation V7 or MicroStation V8 and click .

5. Choose which type of installation you want to perform. The Typical installation isbest for most situations and asks the user to make very few decisions.

6. These instructions will describe only the Typical installation path. ChooseTypical and click .

Title Block Client

7. Choose the license file for this installation. Place the floppy disk that came with thisinstallation CD into your floppy drive now.

8. Choose I have a floppy disk from Axiom. and click .

Although you have already selected the MicroStation family (V7 or V8) for whichyou want to install Axiom tools, it is common for one computer to have more thanone instance of MicroStation installed on it. For example, you might have twoversions of MicroStation/J installed (07.01.04.16 and 07.02.04.20). You must choosewhich of the two you want to associate your Axiom tools with.


9. Highlight the version of MicroStation you want to associate the Axiom tools with andclick .

Since this is a Typical installation, all programs for which an Axiom license wasfound will already be checked-on to be installed. Other items that are alsoautomatically checked-on for installation are the product Users Guides, individualproduct sample files and Axioms MicroStation pull-down menu.

Title Block Client

10. To proceed with default selections click .

Youve now completed the Pre-Setup.

11. Click to proceed with the installation.


12. The button is grayed-out unless you accept the agreement.

If you accept the license and click , the installation will begin. You can click at any time to abort the installation.

Title Block Client

13. This is the final dialog box. It shows that the installation is complete. By default theView Readme.pdf option is toggled on and will display the Readme.pdf documentwhen you click .

CongratulationsThats it! You have successfully completed the installation of your Axiom tools.

Chapter 3 Uninstalling Page 13

Chapter 3 Uninstalling

Uninstalling Axiom productsAxiom products can be uninstalled easily through the Windows Start Menu.

1. Go to , Programs | Axiom.

2. Select Uninstall V7 products or Uninstall V8 products depending on the productsyou want to uninstall.

3. Choose Select all. or Select components to uninstall. If you choose Selectcomponents to uninstall. then each product in the list can be manually checked orunchecked. This allows for any combination of products to be uninstalled. Onlyinstalled products will be shown in the list.

Note: At the bottom of the list of products you also have the option to uninstall sampledesign files, users guides and even the Axiom pull-down menu.

4. Once youve made your selections, click the button to complete theuninstall process.

Title Block Client

Chapter 4 Quick Start

Title blocksHave you looked for a way to keep all title blocks in a project in standard format?

Title Block Client places title blocks in design files from a cell library and uses specialroutines for updating them that maintain standard format.

Additionally, the text elements in these title blocks contain hidden fields that enableproject managers to generate reports and update title blocks from a database.

You will use cells created from your own title blocks. In this quick start, we use simpletitle block cells for demonstration only.

When should I use Title Block Client?Once your title blocks have been converted to cells by Title Block Administrator, useTitle Block Client whenever you want to add a title block to a design file or modify datain an existing title block.

Quick Start ObjectivesThe purpose of this Quick Start is to introduce you to the two basic functions of TitleBlock Client so that you can immediately use the program.

This Quick Start should take about 10 minutes.

Prerequisites1. MicroStation 08.00.04.01or later.

2. Title Block Client must be installed on your computer. You can verify this byselecting the Axiom menu from MicroStations main menu bar, then select TitleBlock Client. If Title Block Client does not appear in the Axiom menu, follow theinstructions in the Installation chapter of your User Guide.

3. You can practice this quick start on any sample file.

One sample cell library is delivered with Title Block Client. This library contains foursample title block cells that you can practice with. If you have installed Title Block Clientfor the first time, the sample cell library will be placed in the Axiom\V8\TBMgrfolder.

Chapter 4 Quick Start Page 15

Demonstration VersionThe demonstration version of Title Block Client works only on small files of 100 KB orless.

Tutorial #1 Place a title block into a design file using TitleBlock Client

The TBMgrV8.cel cell library that is delivered with Title Block Client contains a titleblock cell called ABC2 for a fictitious company named ABC. We will place that titleblock cell into a design file and enter some information into it.

Create a new blank design file for this sample run. Then load Title Block Client byselecting it from the Axiom pull-down menu at the top of your MicroStation window.You will see the first dialog box.

Select Place a title block. and click the button.

You will be presented with a list of available title block cells and their descriptions as inthe example below, where you see the sample title block cells that are delivered with theTitle Block Manager system.

Title Block Client

The ABC2 cell is a very simple title block. Double-click on it.

The MicroStation Place Active Cell tool activates along with the next dialog box.

You have the option to place the title block cell as a shared cell or regular cell. You canalso select Plain text. When you select Plain text, the title block will be first placed asa cell and then dropped to individual elements in your design file.

Note: When the TBLOCK_TYPE configuration variable is defined, the program will notoffer these options, but will place the title block in the form specified by the variable.

For this demonstration, you can select any one of the three options.

You can now place the title block with a data point on the design plain. After you do this,the button activates.

Click to go to a dialog box where you can enter values in title block fields.

Type your name as the Designer in the New value field. Then press the key.The next field name, Drawing # will automatically activate for your input. You canskip fields by pressing or the down arrow.

Enter data for each field that you want to update.


In this example, enter a Designer, a Date created, and a Checked by: Use any formthat you like for the date.

Then click .

Your design file now displays the data that you entered as well as the full file path. Thefull file path is triggered by hidden code in the title block cell.

Title Block Client

Tutorial #2 Modify title block informationYou may want to modify title block contents or add new information when you update orcheck a design file. Title Block Client allows you to do so easily without having toconsider symbology or placement.

Select Modify title block values in the active file. from the first dialog box and click.

The next dialog box presents you with a list of available title block fields and also showsyou which ones already contain data.

Highlight any field that you want to change. Then type in the new value and press the key.

Note that you cannot blank a field that contains data. You must put something in the fieldif only a hyphen (-) or other placeholder.


Put data in the remaining blank fields. Modify one of the existing fields by putting newdata into it.

When you have entered all necessary information, click . You will see yourchanges in the design file.

Title Block Client also has the capability to modify title blocks that contain tag elements.Please try Tutorial #2 again on the sample file tags.dgn.

Congratulations that completes the Title Block Client Quick Start!

As you begin to process your own title blocks with Title Block Client, remember that theentire Title Block Client User Guide is available from its Help menu.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Title Block Client

Chapter 5 The Basics

Definitions

Title blocksTitle Block Client uses special title blocks that are part of the Title Block Manager system.The text elements in these title blocks contain hidden fields that enable intelligentreporting and updating.

Title Block Manager databaseTitle Block Manager uses Microsoft Excel or Access to store title block information. TheExcel or Access file is referred to as the database. Title Block Client has the ability towrite modified fields to the database.

Title block cellsYou place title blocks from title block cells. Title Block Administrator contains a functionfor creating these cells from your own title blocks. They can exist in any cell library. Thelocation of the cell library that contains title block cells may be defined with aconfiguration variable. Please see section titled More on cell libraries for more on thisoption.

What does Title Block Client do?Use Title Block Client to place and update title block cells in design files as shared cells,regular cells, or simple elements. Title Block Client maintains the correct placement andsymbology for your title block elements.

Chapter 5 The Basics Page 21

Title block templates exist in cell libraries.Title block cells consist of templates with blanks in the variable fields where a designerwill add information. See a simple example of a title block cell below with blank variablefields.

The Title Block Client interfaceOn startup, Title Block Client may be displayed as a window, a tool bar, or both. Thewindow and tool bar show Title Block Clients two available functions.

Title Block Client as a dialog boxThe Title Block Client main dialog box gives you access to the Settings and Helpmenus and gives you two options to choose from Place a title block and Modify titleblock values in the active file, which will be described in detail later in this UsersGuide.

Title Block Client

Title Block Client as a toolbarTitle Block Client may also be utilized as a toolbar by selecting the settings optionsSettings | Change Settings | Create toolbar or Settings | Change Settings| Both.Once set, the Title Block Client toolbar displays as follows:

The Settings menu

Settings from menu

Settings from toolbar

Title Block Client contains settings allowing you define how you want Title Block Clientto be displayed upon startup.

The Title Block Client settings may be saved and reloaded at a later time using theSettings menu. Settings are saved as .ini files. INI stands for initialization. Thesefiles contain configuration data that is used by Title Block Client to save and retrieveinformation about your preferences and operating environment. The .ini files can beedited with any text editor.

When you save settings without specifying a settings file name, the settings are saved inthe TBCLIENT.INI file. This file is loaded when Title Block Client starts up. If this filedoes not exist, Title Block Client creates one using the factory default settings.


Change SettingsTitle Block Client contains settings allowing you define how you want Title Block Clientto be displayed upon startup.

GeneralHere you can control some aspects of Title Block Clients interface and cell namehandling.

On startup:

Selecting Show opening dialog box will open Title Block Client, upon startup, as adialog box.

Selecting Create toolbar will open Title Block Client, upon startup, as a toolbar.

Selecting Both will open Title Block Client, upon startup, as both a dialog box andtoolbar.

Increment cell names during placement.Turning this option on will automatically numerically increment regular (non-shared) cellnames as they are placed in a file. This way you can place multiple title blocks in thesame design file as Title Block Manager requires that each title block cell have a uniquename in each model.

Title Block Client

Sort Field NamesThe Sort Field Names category lets you control the order in which title block fields willbe sorted in Title Block Client when you are modifying their contents. This order is savedin the current .ini file.

Click to add your entry to the Field Name list

Clickto remove the selected Field Name from the list.

Click to move the highlighted text up one position in the list.

Click to move the highlighted text down one position in the list.


Click to select a title block element. Clicking on an existing title block willpopulate the Field Name section of the dialog with all of the selected title blocks fields.

Load SettingsWhen Title Block Client is started up, the settings from the TBCLIENT.INI file areloaded. Use the Load Settings option to load settings from other .ini files that havebeen previously saved.

Use the TBCLIENT.INI file to hold your default settings.

Save SettingsUse Save Settings to save all currently selected options into the active settings file.

Save Settings AsUse Save Settings As to save your current selections with a filename of your choice.

Restore Factory DefaultsThis clears all settings to their factory default state.

Settings file:The Settings file: line displays the name of the currently loaded .ini file. If you selectSave Settings, your current settings will be saved to this filename.

Title Block Client

Chapter 6 Title Block Client Functions

Place a title block.Use the first function to place a title block in the active design file and add someinformation to its fields.

Title Block Client as a dialog boxThe Title Block Client main dialog box gives you access to the Settings and Helpmenus and gives you two options to choose from Place a title block and Modify titleblock values in the active file, which will be described in detail later in this UsersGuide.

Title Block Client as a toolbarTitle Block Client may also be utilized as a toolbar by selecting the settings optionsSettings | Change Settings | Create toolbar or Settings | Change Settings| Both.Once set, the Title Block Client toolbar displays as follows:

Chapter 6 Title Block Client Functions Page 27

Step 1. Select the title block cell.Load Title Block Client either as a window or toolbar, and select Place a title block.

You will be presented with a list of available title block cells.

Select one title block cell by highlighting it, and click .

Step 2. Place the title block cell into the design file.The MicroStation Place Active Cell tool will activate and allow you to place the titleblock cell into your design file. The button appears at the bottom of the dialogbox as soon as you place the title block.

Title Block Client

Step 3. Enter title block field valuesAfter placing the cell, you can begin to enter field values. In the image below, thedesigner name and drawing number have been already entered and the user is about toenter a date into the Date completed field by pressing the Enter key or the button.

The basic update method is to highlight a field name, type the desired information intothe New Value area, then click , or press the Enter key.

The program will automatically skip to the next field after you enter data. You can typein data for that field or click to bypass it leaving it unchanged.

Tip: Existing single line text can be converted to a multi-line text node by inserting the| character (represents a new line). For example, entering This is|multi-line text in theNew Value field will create a text node that spans two lines. Removing the |character will change the text back to single text.Continue until all data that you want isentered. Then click the button or . The title block placement is done.

Note regarding use of EDFs: If the cell contains more than one EDF in the sameelement such as 3 EDF characters followed by spaces followed by 4 EDF characters, thedata you enter will start in the first position and fill in all available positions regardless ofEDFs.

Example: In the following image, the two EDF fields are a single element.

The proper way to fill in such an element is to account for all spaces, as in the followingimage:


The Sort pull down menu allows users to change the order that the fields are displayed.The User defined option displays fields as they are defined in the settings dialog. Othersettings a self-explanatory.

Modify Title Block Values in the active file.Use Title Block Client to update your title blocks in design files. Updating is done byreplacing the contents of a field with new data or entering data into fields that werepreviously blank.

Step 1. Load Title Block Client and select Modify title block values inthe active file.

Title Block Client

Step 2. Enter new values of title block fields.

To enter new values, highlight the relevant field and type the new data into the NewValue area. Press the Enter key or the button or to update the fieldwith your new data and skip to the next field.

When you have entered all of the desired information, press the button or .

Note: When you place title block cells as shared cells, if you have more than one of thesame shared cell in your design file, updating one of them, updates all of them.

Modify title block values with While Title Block Client is active, you can modify title block values by holding down the key and clicking on your right mouse button directly over a title block value.This will cause the Edit field value window to appear.

Enter the new value for the field and then click the button to accept the changes.

Note: MicroStation XM users should go to Workspace | Preferences | Input and ensurethat Reset Pop-Menu is set to Press and Hold for this feature to work.

Updating the Title Block Manager DatabaseTitle Block Client has the ability to update the Title Block Manager database. Thiscapability is enabled through the use of two MicroStation configuration variables. First


the database must be defined by setting the TBMGR_DATABASE variable. TheTBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASE variable controls how the database is updated,either on, on with confirmation or off. See the section titled Optional ConfigurationVariables for information about these configuration variables.

List all title blocks in the active file

Main dialog box List all title blocks in the active file option.

Toolbar List all title blocks in the active file button.

Selecting this option will allow you to see all of the title blocks inside a single design file.Once this option is selected the Title Block List dialog will be displayed.

Title Block Client

After selecting a title block from the list, the button will zoom in on thatparticular title block.

Clicking the button will allow you to modify the field values of the selectedcell.

Clicking the button will delete the cell from the design file.

Clicking the close button will close the dialog.

Chapter 7 More on Cell Libraries Page 33

Chapter 7 More on Cell Libraries

Title block cellsThe configuration variable TBMGR_CELL_LIB may be set and will specify the celllibrary path and name to use for placing a title block.

Note: Only title block cells created with the Title Block Administrator program will berecognized and presented for use by Title Block Client.

Sample Cell libraryA sample cell library is installed in the ...Axiom\v8\TBMgr directory.TBMgrV8.cel contains sample title block cells created with Title BlockAdministrator.

Tip: Title block cells can reside in any cell library.

Title Block Client

Chapter 8 Opt ional ConfigurationVariables

Configuration variablesTitle Block Client allows for the creation of specific configuration variables. Below areexamples. If you do not know how to create a MicroStation configuration variable, seeyour System Administrator or CAD manager.

TBMGR_CELL_LIBTBMGR_CELL_LIB is an optional variable that specifies the path to a cell librarycontaining title block cells to be used with 2D files.

TBMGR_DATABASETBMGR_DATABASE is an optional variable that locks a specific database for use withTitle Block Manager. This variable specifies the complete path and filename of thedatabase.

TBLOCK_TYPETBLOCK_TYPE is an optional variable that allows fixing the type of title blockplacement. Valid values are:

shared cell

regular cell

simple elements

When this variable is not defined, the program offers all three options at the time the cellis placed.

TBLOCK_LOCKEDTBLOCK_LOCKED is an optional variable. Use it when you want to place the titleblock elements locked. When a title block is placed locked it can only be updated viathe Title Block Manager system. Valid values are 1 or yes both of which activatelocking.

Chapter 8 Optional Configuration Variables Page 35

TBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_TEXTWhen your title block cell contains enter data fields (EDFs), longer text will normally betruncated to the position of the last EDF. To allow placing any length of text regardless ofEDF length, create this variable, TBLOCK_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_TEXT, andgive it a value of 1 or yes.

TBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_EDFWhen your title block cell contains enter data fields (EDFs), longer text will normally betruncated to the position of the last EDF. Creating this configuration variable willautomatically create additional data fields to accommodate any length of text regardlessof EDF length. Give it a value of 1 or yes.

TBCLIENT_INIThis configuration variable allows the tbclient.ini settings file to be specified. It mustcontain a complete path and file name to the settings file. The tbadmin.ini cannot share adirectory with tbclient.ini.

TBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASEThis configuration variable has three settings that control the ability of Title Block Clientto update the database. Valid settings are 0,1 or 2. This variable is not created bythe installation program and defaults to 0 when not defined

Setting the configuration variable TBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASE to:

0Does not allow TBClient to update the database.

1Updates the database without user confirmation when user presses .

2Updates the database and asks for confirmation by displaying a message boxwith a and button when user presses .

Title Block Client

TBLOCK_PREDEFINED_VALUESThis configuration variable, after it is created, allows you to populate your title blocksusing a list of predefined values. First, you must create an INI file to store the FieldNames and values. Once you have created this .INI file create the configuration variableand point it to the location of the .INI file. Next, when you press the button andright click on your value inside your title block a dialog displays that allows you to definea new value or select from the list of your predefined values.

Format the .INI file using the following syntax:

[Field Name 1]Value1Value2Value3

The field name is case sensitive.

TBMGR_LINE_SPACINGCreate this variable to define the line spacing to be used when a single line text element isconverted to a multi-line text node. This configuration variable is not used when updatinga title block field that is already a text node.

Variable Setting DescriptionTBMGR_LINE_SPACING=10.0 Line spacing will be 10.0 master units.TBMGR_LINE_SPACING=0.5 Line spacing will be 0.5 master units.TBMGR_LINE_SPACING=4 Line spacing will be 4 master units.TBMGR_LINE_SPACING=25.3% Line spacing will be 25.3% of the text

elements height.TBMGR_LINE_SPACING=50% Line spacing will be 50% of the text

elements height.Undefined (default) Design files active line spacing is used.

Chapter 9 Frequently Asked Questions Page 37

Chapter 9 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place title block cells without using Title Block Client?Yes.

However, if you place the title block cell with the MicroStation Place Cell tool, fieldsset up to automatically display configuration variable contents will not be filled in untilyou run the Title Block Client Modify function or the Title Block AdministratorUpdate database from selected design files. function.

Can I add data to empty title block variable fields withoutusing Title Block Client?

If your title block contains EDFs you can update EDFs in title blocks with theMicroStation tools.

If your title block does not contain EDFs, you must use Title Block Client to enterinformation into the variable fields. This ensures that you retain database connectivity.

Can I modify title block variable fields without using TitleBlock Client?

Yes. You can modify variable fields using the MicroStation modify text tool or theupdate EDF tool. Modified text fields will retain database connectivity.

Can I have more than one title block in a design file?Yes, with these limitations:

Do not place two title block cells with the same cell name. They will conflict when doingthe database update.

Only one title block cell or instance of a tagset can be modified at a time. The programprompts you to select one title block cell or tagset to modify or you can select to modifyall title block information placed as simple text elements.

Title Block Client

The file path or file name in the title block is wrong.When the project manager creates title block cells, he can set up some fields toautomatically display file path and/or file name.

If these fields become incorrect due to making copies or saving files under new names,you can cause them to update automatically by running the Title Block Client modifyfunction.

The Title Block Administrator function that updates the database will also correct any ofthese fields automatically prior to updating the database.

For more information on these fields, see the Title Block Administrator Users Guide.

Chapter 10 Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You Want Page 39

Chapter 10 We ll Make (Almost) AnyEnhancements You Want

We welcome your suggestionsTitle Block Client is a very powerful program. Nonetheless, we realize that you, a skilledand creative MicroStation user, will think of ways in which it can be improved. We inviteyou to tell us your ideas.

For ten years weve listened to you, the skilled MicroStation professional, and haveimplemented the features youve requested. Every widely acclaimed product weve everdeveloped, including FileFixer, evolved in this manner.

Wed like to make Title Block Client perform every function you could ever imagine sucha product being able to do. We intend to make you such a satisfied Title Block Clientcustomer that you cant wait for the next user group meeting so you can tell your friendsand associates how much you like Title Block Client and how strongly you recommend it.

Your suggestions on how to improve Title Block Client are most welcome. You mayemail your suggestions to [email protected], or call us at 1-727-442-7774 and askfor Support.

Title Block Client

Chapter 11 New Features and Fixes

Version 8.7a 31 December 2008TBClient will now place a cell with tags and no Title Block Manager linkage.

Place cell not longer imports extraneous levels.

Fixed issue that caused TBClient to place extra text.

TBClient dialog is now re-sizeable

TBClient will no edit tag set names longer than 16 characters.

Fixed issue that caused tags placed in a cell to be placed at origin point of design file.

Version 8.7a 15 February 2008Added support for text nodes in title blocks.

Added the ability to sort display of title block fields when modifying title blocks.

Fixed some minor bugs.

Version 8.6f 28 September 2007Added the ability to update the Title Block Manager database using Title Block Client.The new configuration variable that controls this isTBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASE.

Made the dialog box for modifying title block field values easier to use. This includesremoving the button.

Several changes were made to improve the clarity of the documentation.

Version 8.6e 20 July 2007Made the button the default in the Title Block List dialog.

The button in the Title Block List dialog now asks for confirmation whenclicked.

Chapter 11 New Features and Fixes Page 41

Version 8.6d 27 April 2007Added the ability to view a list of all the title blocks in the active file. This is a newbutton.

Version 8.6c 23 March 2007After saving a new INI file with Save As..., Title Block Client now remembers the last-saved INI file.

If a user deletes a cell while entering values for it, no longer causes an infiniteloop.

Version 8.6a 26 January 2007Now MicroStation XM users can use Title Block Clients functionality to modify their title block values instantly.

Standardized the Settings File dialog box that displays if you close Title Block Clientwithout saving any changed settings.

Version 8.5b 20 July 2006This version of Title Block Client allows users to automatically increment title block cellnames while they are being placed inside a model.

The TBLOCK_PREDEFINED_VALUES variable was created allowing Title BlockClient users to pre-define values for each of their title block fields.

Version 8.5a 23 February 2006This version of Title Block Client allows users to double click on the title block cell namethey wish to place inside a design file. Previously, users had to click the buttonafter highlighting the cell name they wished to place.

Version 8.4a 4 November 2005This version of Title Block Client has the ability to instantly modify field values ofindividual title block fields (including tags) by holding down the key whileclicking the right mouse button. This feature will enable users to quickly modify TitleBlock Manager title block field values easily.

When modifying a title block, all field names utilizing enter data fields will now retaintheir justification.

Title Block Client

Version 8.3a 26 August 2005This version of Title Block Client is compatible with Title Block Administrator 8.3a.

Version 8.2a 24 June 2005This version of Title Block Client is compatible with Title Block Administrator 8.2a.

Version 8.1a 3 March 2005This version of Title Block Client is compatible with Title Block Administrator 8.1a.

Version 8.0b 25 September 2004This version of Title Block Client corresponds to Title Block Administrator 8.0b.

Version 8.0a 29 July 2004First release of Title Block Client for V8.

This release includes all of the features of Title Block Client 1.3a as well as added V8specific functionality.

This version has been certified for all MicroStation 08.00.04.01, 08.01.02.15 and08.05.00.57

IntroductionTitle BlocksThe Title Block Client

InstallationBefore You InstallTypical Installation from CDCongratulations

UninstallingUninstalling Axiom products

Quick StartTitle blocksWhen should I use Title Block Client?Quick Start ObjectivesPrerequisitesDemonstration VersionTutorial #1 Place a title block into a design file using TTutorial #2 Modify title block information

The BasicsDefinitionsTitle blocksTitle Block Manager databaseTitle block cells

What does Title Block Client do?Title block templates exist in cell libraries.The Title Block Client interfaceTitle Block Client as a dialog boxTitle Block Client as a toolbarThe Settings menuChange SettingsGeneralOn startup:

Increment cell names during placement.Sort Field NamesLoad SettingsSave SettingsSave Settings As(Restore Factory DefaultsSettings file:

Title Block Client FunctionsPlace a title block.Title Block Client as a dialog boxTitle Block Client as a toolbarStep 1. Select the title block cell.Step 2. Place the title block cell into the design file.Step 3. Enter title block field values

Modify Title Block Values in the active file.Step 1. Load Title Block Client and select Modify title bloStep 2. Enter new values of title block fields.

Modify title block values with Updating the Title Block Manager DatabaseList all title blocks in the active file

More on Cell LibrariesTitle block cellsSample Cell library

Optional Configuration VariablesConfiguration variablesTBMGR_CELL_LIBTBMGR_DATABASETBLOCK_TYPETBLOCK_LOCKEDTBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_TEXTTBMGR_EDF_ALLOW_EXTENDED_EDFTBCLIENT_INI

TBCLIENT_UPDATE_DATABASETBLOCK_PREDEFINED_VALUESTBMGR_LINE_SPACING

Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I place title block cells without using Title Block ClieCan I add data to empty title block variable fields without Can I modify title block variable fields without using TitleCan I have more than one title block in a design file?The file path or file name in the title block is wrong.

Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You WantWe welcome your suggestions

New Features and FixesVersion 8.7a 31 December 2008Version 8.7a 15 February 2008Version 8.6f 28 September 2007Version 8.6e 20 July 2007Version 8.6d 27 April 2007Version 8.6c 23 March 2007Version 8.6a 26 January 2007Version 8.5b 20 July 2006Version 8.5a 23 February 2006Version 8.4a 4 November 2005Version 8.3a 26 August 2005Version 8.2a 24 June 2005Version 8.1a 3 March 2005Version 8.0b 25 September 2004Version 8.0a 29 July 2004

tbclientv8

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