Using Multi-lines

A multi-line element consists of up to 16 independently-defined lines and optional end caps and joints. Changing a multi-line style will update all elements in the file that use the selected multi-line style.

Multi-lines

• The active multi-line definition specifies the form of multi-lines placed with the Place Multi-line tool. The component lines can be varying distances apart. Each component line can have its own level, color, line style, and line weight.

• You can easily “clean up” intersections in multi-lines and modify individual multi-line components using the tools in the Multi-line Joints tool box.

• You can associate multi-lines to other elements (see Associating multi-lines).

General Procedure — To define a multi-line

1. From the Element menu, choose Multi-line Styles.
   The Multi-line Styles dialog box opens.
   The controls show the settings that constitute the active multi-line definition. The defined multi-line (if there is one) is shown graphically at the bottom of the dialog box.


2. Add any desired component lines to the multi-line definition. See To add a line to a multi-line definition.


3. (Optional) Adjust each new component line's offset. See To adjust a component line's offset.


4. (Optional) Give the component lines any desired attributes (class, level, color, line weight, and line style) to override the active element attributes when the multi-line is placed. See To give a component line attributes that override the active element attributes.


5. (Optional) Add any desired color fill to the areas between component lines. See To add color fill to a multi-line definition.


6. (Optional) Delete any unwanted lines from the multi-line definition. See To delete a component line from a multi-line definition.


7. (Optional) Define a start cap for the multi-line. See To define a start cap for a multi-line.


8. (Optional) Define an end cap for the multi-line. See To define an end cap for a multi-line.


9. (Optional) Adjust the settings for joints (a line optionally displayed at vertices in the multi-line). See To define multi-line joints.


10. (Optional) Save the new multi-line definition. See Settings Files.

To add a new profile to a multi-line definition

1. From the Profile menu, choose Insert.
   A new line displays in the Multi-line Styles lines list box. It has an offset value of 0.0 and no attribute override settings.

To copy a profile of a multi-line definition

1. From the Profiles tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, select the desired line in the list box.


2. From the Profile menu, choose Copy.
   A copy of the selected line displays in the Multi-line Styles lines list box.

To delete a profile from a multi-line definition

1. From the Profiles tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, select the desired line in the list box.


2. From the Profile menu, choose Delete.
   The selected profile is deleted.

To adjust a component line's offset

1. From the Profiles tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, select the desired line in the list box.


2. Key in a positive or negative offset value (in working units) in the Offset field and save.

To give a component line attributes that override the active element attributes

1. From the End Caps and Joints tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, choose a component.


2. To give the selected line attributes of class, level, color, line weight, and line style (to override the active element attributes), click on the desired controls, adjust the settings and save.

To add color fill to a multi-line definition

1. In the Multi-line Styles dialog box, turn on Fill Color and save.


2. From the adjacent color palette, choose the desired fill color.

To delete a component line from a multi-line definition

1. From the Profiles tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, select the desired line in the list box.


2. From the dialog box's Profile menu, choose Delete and save.

To define a start cap for a multi-line

1. From the End Caps and Joints tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, choose the Start Cap row.


2. Turn on one, two, or all of the start cap types:
   Line — a straight line across the end of the multi-line.
   Outer Arc — a single arc bridging the two outermost lines.
   Inner Arcs — arcs between each component line and the component line between the remaining outermost lines.


3. To give the start cap attributes of class, level, color, line weight, and line style (to override the active element attributes), adjust the settings and save.

To define an end cap for a multi-line

1. From the End Caps and Joints tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, choose the End Cap row.


2. Turn on one, two, or all of the end cap types:
   Line — a straight line across the end of the multi-line.
   Outer Arc — a single arc bridging the two outermost lines.
   Inner Arcs — arcs between each component line and the component line between the remaining outermost lines.


3. To give the end cap attributes of class, level, color, line weight, and line style (to override the active element attributes), turn on the desired controls, adjust the settings and save.

To define multi-line joints

1. From the End Caps and Joints tab in the Multi-line Styles dialog box, choose the Joints row.


2. To give the joints attributes of class, level, color, line weight, and line style (to override the active element attributes), turn on the desired controls, adjust the settings and save.

Dropping multi-lines

You can “drop” a multi-line. That is, break it up into component lines, line strings, and so on. This can be done to let you manipulate the multi-line's components individually.

To drop all multi-lines in the fence contents, key in FENCE DROP MLINE.

To “drop” a multi-line

1. In the Drop tool box, select the Drop Multi-line tool.


2. Identify the multi-line.


3. Accept the drop.

Alternative Method — To “drop” a multi-line

1. Select the multi-line.


2. In the Drop tool box, select the Drop Multi-line tool.

You also can use the Drop Element tool, with Multi-lines turned on, to drop a multi-line back to its component elements.