Introduction

Resymbolization is the process of changing characteristics of elements within a design file. When these changes are applied to printed output, the process is referred to as print resymbolization. MicroStation uses pen tables to control print resymbolization. Pen tables let you re-map any of the characteristics associated with design file elements for the printed output. Once specified, you can save them for future use. You can store multiple pen tables that can be applied to one or more design files. Using a pen table, you can specify many complex print resymbolization steps. Similarly, you can specify a single simple resymbolization step. In addition, the text string substitution feature lets you substitute specific strings of text with either a replacement text string or a string variable such as the date or time.

In summary, a pen table lets you:

• Selectively alter the printed appearance of elements.

• Determine the printing order of elements.

• Specify text string substitutions.