Printing Guide
Printing Guide
Printing Guide

Pen tables

Pen tables are ASCII text files that are created automatically when you use the Pen Table dialog boxes to create or modify pen tables. They contain instructions for resymbolizing the printed output of design files. The instructions are contained in sections within the pen table.

For each pen table section, there are element evaluation criteria and a set of output actions. During creation of printed output, the pen table tests for the presence of specific types of elements and related element characteristics. If such elements are detected, the pen table will modify, enhance or eliminate these elements or their characteristics depending on the intended output. Criteria tested for include:

Evaluation of elements is based on the criteria that you specify. Any combination of these parameters can be evaluated. Many (such as level) can have multiple values and ranges of values.
To create a Pen Table
  1. From the Print dialog box´s PenTable menu, choose New.
    The Create Pen Table File dialog box opens.
    Pen tables are stored in the directory defined by the MS_PENTABLE configuration variable (typically MicroStation´s "Workspaces/system/tables/pen/" directory).

  2. In the Files field, key in the pen table filename.
    Only the filename need be entered. By default, the extension “.tbl” is added.

  3. Click OK.
    The     Modify Pen Table dialog box opens. The new pen table is loaded and pen table processing is activated.
    When you create a pen table, MicroStation automatically inserts a single section called NEW. This section provides the minimum structure required in the pen table. You can either rename this section or insert a new one and delete NEW.

To load a previously existing pen table
  1. From the Print dialog box´s PenTable menu, choose Attach.
    The Select Pen Table File dialog box opens.

  2. In the Files list box, select the pen table.

  3. Click OK.
    Focus returns to the Print dialog box. The pen table is loaded and pen table processing is activated.

  4. (Optional) To modify (or review the contents of) the loaded pen table, choose Edit from the Pen Table menu.
    The Modify Pen Table dialog box opens.