A DGN TextField is a special kind of text in MicroStation that does not just store fixed characters; instead, it can display values that are derived from the design file, its models, or its elements, and update automatically when the underlying data changes. From a management perspective, TextFields are a key mechanism for keeping “live” project information visible, accurate, and consistent across drawings and documentation.

1. What is a TextField?

A TextField is …

• Data-driven text: The displayed value is linked to a source (file, model, element), not manually typed and frozen.

• Dynamic: When the source data changes (e.g. model name, sheet number, element property, report result), MicroStation updates the TextField to reflect the new value.

• Embedded in normal text: TextFields can be part of a text node, note, title block, table cell, or dimension, mixed with regular typed text.

• This makes TextFields ideal for title blocks, sheet borders, annotation, schedules, and any place where information must remain synchronized with the design.

2. TextFields and DGN File Information

TextFields can display information about the DGN file itself, such as …

• File name and path

• Design file properties (e.g. project name, description, revision, author)

• Custom file properties defined by the organization

• Management implications …

  • Standardization: Corporate or project standards can require that all sheets display file-level metadata (e.g. project ID, revision, checked by) via TextFields, ensuring consistency.

  • Reduced manual editing: When file properties are updated (e.g. revision changes from B to C), MicroStation updates automatically all TextFields referencing those properties, reducing errors and rework.

  • Traceability: File-level metadata shown via TextFields helps with audit trails and document control, especially in regulated environments.

3. TextFields and Model Information

Within a DGN file, TextFields can reference model-level information, such as:

• Model name and description

• Sheet number, sheet name, and drawing number

• Scale, annotation scale, and other model properties

• Typical uses:

  • Sheet borders and title blocks: Automatically display sheet number, sheet name, and scale from the active model.

  • Model identification<: Show DGN model name or description in views, legends, or key plans.

• Management benefits:

  • Central control: Change the sheet number or description once at the model level; all TextFields referencing those properties update, keeping all sheets aligned.

  • Reduced risk of mismatch: Avoids the common problem where the title block text does not match the actual model or sheet properties.

4. TextFields and Element Information

TextFields can be linked to element properties, allowing text to display attributes of specific elements in the design. Examples include …

• Element ID, level, color, line style, or other basic properties

• Geometry (length, area, perimeter, coordinates)

• Business data or item types attached to elements (e.g. equipment ID, pipe size, door number)

• Typical uses:

  • Automatic labels: Labels that show element length, area, or other properties without manual calculation.

  • Data-driven annotation: Text that displays item type properties (e.g. Valve Tag: V-101) directly from the DGN element’s attached data.

  • Change resilience: If the DGN element changes (e.g. a line is lengthened, a room area changes, or an item type value is updated), the TextField is updated to reflect the new value.

• Management benefits:

  • Accuracy: Reduces manual calculation and transcription errors in dimensions, areas, and tags.

  • Consistency with model data: Ensures that what is printed or exported matches the actual model properties and business data.

5. TextFields, Reports, and TextTables

TextFields integrate closely with Reports and TextTables, enabling data-driven documentation.

5.1 Reports

A Report in MicroStation is a definition that extracts and aggregates data from elements, models, or files (e.g. quantities, item type data, schedules).

TextFields can …

• Reference report results (e.g. total length of a certain type of pipe, total area of a floor, count of doors).

• Display summaries or key values from a report in a text element or title block.

• Management implications:

  1. Automated quantities and summaries: Key project metrics (e.g. total area, total number of fixtures) can be displayed as TextFields and updated when the model changes.

  2. Single source of truth: Reports define the logic; TextFields simply display the results, ensuring consistency across drawings and documents.

5.2 TextTables

A TextTable is a table element in a DGN model that can display data, including data from Reports. TextFields are used inside TextTables to:

• Populate table cells with live data from reports or element properties.

• Create schedules, bills of materials, and legends that update when the underlying data changes.

• Management benefits …

  • Dynamic schedules: Door schedules, equipment lists, or material take-offs can be generated as TextTables with TextFields, reducing manual spreadsheet work.

  • Reduced duplication<: No need to maintain separate external lists; the table in the drawing is directly linked to the model data.

6. Formatting Capabilities of TextFields

Although TextFields are data-driven, they still support rich formatting so that the displayed information meets project and corporate standards.

Key formatting aspects …

1. Text style and appearance

   • Font, height, width, color, weight, and style are controlled by text styles or text element properties.

   • TextFields can be mixed with normal text in the same element, allowing labels like Area = [TextField] m².

2. Numeric and unit formatting

   • Control of decimal places, rounding, and unit display (e.g. meters vs. millimeters, feet-inches).

   • Options for prefixes/suffixes (e.g. Ø 100 mm, Area: 25.0 m²).

   • Consistent formatting across all TextFields referencing similar data types.

   • Date and time formatting

     • When displaying dates or times (e.g. plot date, revision date), TextFields can use specific formats (e.g. DD/MM/YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD).

   • String formatting and case

     • Control over capitalization (upper, lower, title case) for text-based properties like model names or item type strings.

   • Localization and Standards

     • Formatting can be aligned with regional or project standards (e.g. decimal separators, unit notation), supporting multi-region projects.

3. Management implications …

   • Brand and standard compliance: TextFields can be formatted to match corporate templates and CAD standards, ensuring a consistent look across all deliverables.

   • Clarity and legibility: Proper formatting makes automatically generated data understandable and presentation-ready without manual editing.

   • Change control: Formatting rules can be centralized in text styles and report definitions, so changes to standards propagate automatically.

7. Governance and Best-Practice Considerations

From a management standpoint, effective use of TextFields involves …

• Standard templates: Define title blocks, borders, and tables that use TextFields for all variable information (file, model, element, and report data).

• Centralized properties: Encourage use of file properties, model properties, and item types so that TextFields have reliable data sources.

• Report definitions: Maintain a library of standard reports (e.g. quantity take-off, schedules) that feed TextTables and TextFields.

• Update procedures: Establish workflows to update TextFields (e.g. before plotting or issuing) to ensure all displayed values are current.

• Training and documentation: Ensure users understand that they should not overwrite TextFields with static text, but instead adjust the underlying data.

8. Summary

• A DGN TextField is a core mechanism for connecting design data to visible text in MicroStation:

• It can display file-level, model-level, and element-level information.

• It integrates with Reports and TextTables to produce dynamic schedules, summaries, and documentation.

• It offers robust formatting capabilities so that data-driven text still meets presentation and standards requirements.

• Used properly, TextFields reduce manual editing, improve accuracy, and ensure that what is shown on drawings and reports is always aligned with the actual design data.

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Programming TextFields

Of the MicroStation APIs, the following languages support TextFields …

• C++
• Python
• C#