SmarTools FAQs

What versions of MicroStation are supported by SmarTools?
SmarTools is available for MicroStation SE, J, V8, PowerDraft and PowerDraft 8.

What cell libraries are supplied with SmarTools?
No cell libraries are supplied. SmarTools works with any MicroStation cell library so you continue to use the cells that have been developed for your particular environment and with which you are familiar.

The movie mentions no changes to our cell libraries. Does this mean we can add cells etc and the program will work with them?
Yes. SmarTools works on any existing cells within a design file and will work with your existing cell librariess. No changes are required to your existing Cell Libraries.

The demo didn't show P&ID cells being manipulated. Does SmarTools work on data fields and tag sets created in the cell?
Yes.The Cell Place/Slide commands in SmarTools allow for three EnterData fields per cell and will automatically fill these. Data 1 if present on the dialog box will be placed in the first EnterData field in the cell 2 into the second and 3 into the third. If any EnterData fields on the dialog box are not selected then no data will be placed the matching field within the cell.

Note:
When you select a cell for placement the dialog box will reflect the number of EnterData fields within the cell.
When a cell is moved, SmarTools will automatically move the data fields and any tags that are attached to the cell.
When a cell is deleted then any datafields or tags are automatically deleted.

Can SmarTools work with existing schematics and P&ID's that don't have intuitive manipulation of cells?
Yes. SmarTools works on any design files that use cells and need to have cells or text placed on the linework with intelligent clipping, ie, schematics be it P&ID or Electrical or PFD's. With the smart logic used by SmarTools all existing cells become intuitive and have intelligent clipping characteristics.

Can SmarTools be called with a cell name, ie start it from a Menu and that cell is in the cursor ready to go?
Yes. You may start the SmarTools command PlaceCell by either setting the active Cell and starting the command OR running the command "SmarTools Place cellname" We have customers using Cell have customers using Cell Selector, Enforcer and Barmenu to control SmarTools.

Can SmarTools cut multiple lines without having to select the line first?
Yes. If the break option is selected then when the cell is placed over a line the line will be cut to the fit the cell. If the break multiple option is selected then when the cell is placed and the cell overlaps multiple lines then all overlapping lines will be cut to the fit the cell.

Can SmarTools override the symbology of a cell?
Yes. If the Force Settings option is selected then you may override the Level and/or Colour and/or Weight and/or the Style. In Place/Slide Cell tool you may choose either Active settings or to match the Line elements settings. In Place/Slide Text you may select to match the Line elements settings.

Can SmarTools move associated text when sliding a Cell?
Yes. If the move Associated button is on then any text or other cells with the same Graphic group as the cell that is being moved will also be repositioned.

Will the revision tool allow me to fill in an EnterData field within my revision cell?
Yes. If the option is on for the placement of revision text then if a revision cell is being placed and that cell contains an Enter Data field then the enter data field will be used for the revision text. If the cell does not have an EnterData field then the active settings are used for the text and the text is placed at the origin point of the cell. If no revision cell is placed then the revision text will be attached to your cursor, awaiting placement.

Can I use the SmarTools revision tool to create a "Hold Cloud"?
Yes. SmarTools has an option to control the direction of the arcs for the cloud. The available options are clockwise or Counter clockwise. This option is used to draw a Hold Cloud.

Can the SmarTools Edit EnterData command be used to edit text within a cell?
Yes. If the option EDOnly is not on then you may edit normal text within a cell.

Can the SmarTools Edit EnterData command be used to override the size of an EnterData Field within a cell?
Yes. Two options on the Dialog box allow you to either Override the size of the EnterData field or to reduce the size of the EnterData field within a cell.

Is it true that SmarTools pays for itself within four months?
Conservative figures from existing users show that for each seat of SmarTools that an organisation implements, they will save between $2,000 and $4,000 per year.