Product:	MicroStation
	Version:	08.09.04.xx and above
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	UI Customization
	Subarea:	Tools

This is a brief introductory guide on how to create and configure a DGNLIB library file for customizing MicroStation's User Interface

Background

In MicroStation XM and newer versions, all of the interface customizations (such as custom toolbars and menus), are stored and handled using "dgnlib libraries". A "dgnlib library" is simply a .dgn file that stores specific resources (interface settings, levels, text styles, etc.) which are accessible, provided this has been correctly configured in the configuration, for all files.

Steps to Accomplish

In order to customize MicroStation's interface, you have to create a new .dgnlib file (=dgnlib library) and configure the variable "MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST" with the correct path

To create a dgnlib library:

1. File > New

2. Change file type to "All Files" and manually change the new file extension to .dgnlib

To configure the newly created dgnlib library, we can use the Configuration Variables dialog:

1. File > Settings > Configuration > Configuration Variables

2. Select "MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST" from the list of variables and then click "Edit…"

3. Change the Edit mode to "Append" and type the path to the new dgnlib in "New Value". Press OK > OK again > Yes to save changes

4. Restart MicroStation to apply these changes, and open the newly created *.dgnlib file

Now you should see the "User Tools" section in the "Customize" (File > Settings > Configuration > Customize) menu and should be able to make your changes to the interface.

 

Please note that by configuring the MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST variable from the Configuration Variables dialog, the change will only affect the currently active user within the Personal.ucf file.

If you want the .dgnlib to be configured for all users, the above variable needs to be manually defined in a configuration (.cfg) file such as Standards.cfg. This should be only done by the site administrator or by somebody who is familiar with MicroStation configurations.

For V8i versions - Please note that the WorkSpace default Interface folder path is configured in the MS_GUIDGNLIBLIST from factory, so every .dgnlib file saved in this folder (...\WorkSpace\Interfaces\MicroStation\default) will be automatically loaded at MicroStation startup, provided that the "Default" interface is selected in MicroStation Manager dialog.

See Also

Importing customization from M01 and STG files

Migrating Customizations to MS XM [TN]

Other language sources

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Original Author:

Marco Salino