KB Article:

ICS to PDF Rendition

MAS L1 Troubleshooting Guide for Performance Issues

with DGN Files Referencing DWG in a Hosted Server

 

Purpose

This guide provides users and support teams with a consolidated reference for identifying, troubleshooting, and optimizing PDF rendition performance issues in ProjectWise, especially when DGN files reference DWG (AutoCAD) files.

 

Audience and Responsibility

Audience                                   Responsibility

Users	Responsible for preparing files for rendition, applying the check list, optimization practices, and minimizing complexity in referenced drawings before submission.
MaS L1 Support	Responsible for validating user inputs, performing the basic troubleshooting steps and escalating to the Projectwise support for advanced troubleshooting
Projectwise Support	Responsible for advanced troubleshooting, environment-level fixes, orchestration framework configuration, and ICS performance analysis.

 

What is a Rendition

Rendition is the automated process of generating PDFs from design files (e.g., DWG, DGN) submitted in ProjectWise. This process happens in the background and does not alter your original file.

 

Problem Summary

Users report long processing times, hanging, or failed renditions when submitting DGN files that reference AutoCAD (DWG) files.

 

What Happens During Rendition?

1. A copy of the file and its references is created in a secure working folder.
2. A PDF is generated from this copy.
3. The original file remains unchanged.
   
   

Pre-Rendition Checklist for Users

Before submitting a drawing for rendition, ensure:

• Unused references are detached
• Unneeded annotation scales are removed
• DWG references are clipped and cleaned
• Viewports/layouts are minimized
• Drawing is saved with clipping applied
• File size is adequate or similar to previous successful versions

 

Rendition Optimization Tips for Users

These recommendations help streamline the PDF generation process in ICS, especially when working with complex DGN files referencing DWG files. Applying them reduces system load, avoids timeouts, and improves overall rendition success.

1. Use Saved Views in AutoCAD Before Referencing

• Create Named Views around the area of interest in AutoCAD.
• Attach only that view in MicroStation, not the full model space.

2. Apply Clipping Boundaries to DWG References

• Apply clip boundaries on DWG references to limit the display data

3. Avoid Referencing Large DWG Layout

• Layouts often include multiple viewports and rendering settings that add overhead.

4. Turn Off Unused Levels and Layers

• Hide irrelevant layers in DWG to reduce rendering load.

5. Minimize Complex Line Styles, Hatches, and Fills

• Use simple patterns where possible to lower file complexity.

6. Use Level Overrides Sparingly

• Too many overrides can cause slow redraw in MicroStation.

7. Clean DWG Files Before Referencing

• Run Purge and Audit in AutoCAD to reduce size and fix issues.

8. Avoid DWG to DGN Conversion Unless Necessary

• Conversion may inflate file size; instead, directly reference DWG.

9. Limit Use of Annotative Scales

• Stick to a single annotation scale when possible.

10. Reference Only What’s Needed

• Do not attach full drawings or excessive models. Focus only on required parts.

 

 

Common Reasons for Rendition Delays or Failures

1. External References (XREFs)

• • Referencing 3D models or multiple other drawings can make a file significantly larger and more complex.
  • 3D structural models often include embedded geometry and multiple views, which can slow down processing.

Tip: Consider detaching unnecessary references before submitting for rendition.

2. Annotation Scale

• • Using multiple annotation scales in a drawing can introduce extra metadata that affects performance.

3. Large File Sizes

• • Files larger than normal sizes may take longer to render or could cause timeouts.
  • Complex drawings with detailed models or multiple references often result in large file sizes.

Tip: If possible, reduce the file size by cleaning up unused layers, blocks, or references.

4. Third-Party Tools

• • If your DWG file wasn’t created using Autodesk software, some data (like scales or views) may be handled differently during processing, leading to delays or rendering inconsistencies.

 

 

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

1. Gather User Information

• • Datasource name
  • Full file path
  • Sample files and reproduction steps
  • Error messages, if any

2. Check Orchestration Framework (OF) Service

• • Log in to the iCS server.
  • Open Services and verify if Bentley Orchestration Framework Service is running.

3. Check OF Service Memory Usage

• • Open Task Manager → go to the Processes tab.
  • Locate Bentley.OrchestrationFramework.exe.
  • Check memory and CPU usage

Note: High memory usage may indicate the need for purging or a service restart.

4. Check the Files Size

• • Navigate to the file path or use ProjectWise Explorer.
  • Right-click on the file > Properties → confirm and document the file size.
  • Compare size with earlier working versions

5. Stop OF Service (Before Purging Jobs)

• • If the OF service is running, stop it before proceeding to job purging.

6. Terminate iPlot Processes

• • Open In Task Manager → Manually end any iPlot-related processes

7. Purge Queued Jobs

• • Open Computer Management.
  • Navigate to: Services and Applications → Message Queuing → Private Queues
  • Right-click each queue with messages → All Tasks → Purge

8. Clear Temporary Files

• • Go to: C:\Windows\Temp
  • Delete all contents in the folder.

9.  Restart OF Service

• • Start the Bentley Orchestration Framework service again.

10. Run a Test Rendition

• • Coordinate with the user to perform a test rendition.
  • Monitor the OF service during the test.

11. If the problem persists, escalate the case to the ProjectWise Support Team (GTSPWPlotting)

 

 

Additional Notes on File Size and Content Complexity

• One common issue contributing to large file sizes is the inclusion of unnecessary external references, especially when modifying existing files or adding multiple drawing references.
• Some file which is a 3D structural model, is significantly larger than 2D drawings due to:

• • Embedded geometry
  • Detailed components
  • Multiple active views or layers

• These attributes increase file complexity and can degrade performance during the rendition process.
• The use of AutoCAD’s annotation scale feature can also inflate file size by embedding multiple scale definitions.
• It is necessary to clean up the file to improve rendition performance. By removing unnecessary references or optimizing file content which can successfully reduce the file size.

Note: It’s important to understand that the iCS to PDF rendition process does not modify the source drawing. The file is simply copied to the ICS working directory where a PDF is generated in the background. Where no changes are made to the original file.