The MX Toolbox defines how MicroStation data is converted to MX data.  Using the MX Toolbox, you set up the current model and feature for any new MicroStation elements which are created.  Because features are linked to specific levels in the model's default style set, the feature you select also defines the level on which the element is drawn.

The MX Toolbox

1. The Traffic Light Indicator

• Red Light - Cannot create MX string from MicroStation data
• Amber Light - Can manually create MX strings from MicroStation data (Autoconvert OFF)
• Green Light - Will automatically create MX strings from MicroStation data (Autoconvert ON)

The Traffic Light Indicators are only used when creating new elements.

2. The Display Current Model button will display the current model using the default style set.
3. The Remove Current Model will erase the current model from the drawing.
4. The Current Model field for defining the recipient model.
5. The Current Feature field for selecting a target feature.
6. The Convert Element button for manual conversion of MicroStation elements to MX strings.

To Create an MX string using MicroStation tools

1. Select the model to be current from the MX Toolbox.
2. Choose the type of feature you wish to create from the MX Toolbox.  Note that the level which corresponds to the feature becomes the active level.
3. Draw the element with MicroStation tools.  If Auto-convert is ON (the Traffic Light Indicator shows green), then the MX string is created automatically.  If Auto-convert is OFF (the Traffic Light Indicator shows amber), the element drawn remains a MicroStation element until you convert it manually with the Convert Element button.
4. Convert the element if necessary.

The Auto-convert does not apply to MicroStation elements that are already MX strings.  For example, when an element that is also a MX string is moved, the model file will automatically update.

To convert an existing MicroStation element to an MX string

1. Select the model to be current from the MX Toolbox.
2. Select the MicroStation element(s) that you wish to convert with MicroStation tools.
3. Select the feature of the string you wish to create from the Current Feature field on the MX Toolbox.  The element is moved to the level corresponding to the feature you select and an MX string is created.  

The Traffic Light Indicators should be grayed out.

To change the feature type of a string

1. Select the string(s) with MicroStation tools that you wish to convert.  The Current Model field displays the model containing the select string.
2. Choose the target feature from the Current Feature field on the MX Toolbox.  The string is moved to the level corresponding to the Current Feature.  If the level does not exist, it will be created automatically.

The model and feature fields of the MX Toolbox update to a selected string.  If the selection set contains strings from more than one model, then the whole MX Toolbox is grayed out.  You cannot change the model of an existing string using the MX Toolbox.

CAD/D Homepage | MicroStation v8 Documentation
MX Documentation  | NHDOT File Library