OpenBuildings Designer – Set the default MicroStation mode for .DGN files
Background
The default mode for right-click opening of .DGN files can be set on OpenBuildings Designer through standard Windows file association processes. However, OpenBuildings Designer will always open in mode Designer complete because Windows makes the association with the .exe fileOpenBuildings Designer rather than with shortcuts containing discipline switches. If you are comfortable with changing the Windows registry database, the action of the file association can be changed. If you are not too helpful, ask your IT department to complete the operation for you.
Steps to follow
OpenBuildings Designer (CONNECT Edition)
There are two stages.
1. Define file association:
In Windows Explorer, right-click a file .DGN and, if not already associated with OpenBuildings Designer, select OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition in the list "Open with" (box in green). This step may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using, it is for example Windows 10. The behavior is similar in Windows 11:
This step will makeOpenBuildings Designer default application for files .DGN by opening in mode OpenBuildings Designer complete.
2. Change the effect of file association:
Run regedit.exe (press Win + R keys – Then enter the "regedit.exe" command):
Access the appropriate registry key.
The key to change will depend on the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows 10 it will be:
ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOTApplicationsOpenBuildingsDesigner.exeshellopencommand
Change this key to rmaking a double click on the word "(By Default)" in the column "Name".
The next screen opens. Insert switch before "%1" –wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation making sure that it is introduced AFTER the following quotes OpenBuildingsDesigner.exe !
In this way, OpenBuildings Designer will always start in mode MicroStation when .DGN will be clicked with the right mouse button in Windows Explorer.
To be complete:
- Switch -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation forces OpenBuildings Designer to start in mode MicroStation.
- Switch “%1” Opens the file that is selected.
This registry key controls the behavior of the command Windows Shell Open associated with OpenBuildings Designer and does not affect other shortcuts OpenBuildings Designer.
Previous versions
AECOSim Building Designer Edition CONNECT
For AECOSim Building Designer CONNECT Edition, follow the instructions below, but in HKEY ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAECOSim Building DesignerShellopencommand, replace the command chain with:
"C:Program FilesBentleyAECOSim CONNECT EditionAECOsimBuildingDesignerAECOSimBuildingDesigner.exe" -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation “%1”
AECOSim Building Designer V8i
The default mode for right-click opening of .DGN files can be set on AECOSim Building Designer (ABD) by standard Windows file association processes. However, ABD will always open in Full Building Designer mode as Windows is associating with the .exe d?ABD file rather than with shortcuts containing discipline switches. If you are satisfied with the registry change, the action of the file association can be changed.
There are two stages.
1. Define file association:
In Windows Explorer, right-click a .DGN file and if it is not already associated with ABD, select (green box), select ABD from the "Open With" list (orange box). This step may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using, it is Windows 8.1:
This step will make the default application for .DGN files open ABD in full building design mode.
2. Change the effect of file association:
Run regedit.exe
Access the appropriate registry key.
The key to change will depend on the version of Windows you are using.
Windows 7-8:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAECOSim Building DesignerShellop Control Record
Windows 10:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTApplicationsAECOSimBuildingDesigner.exeshellopencommand
In each case, change the existing value:
"C:Program Files (x86)Bentley...AECOSimBuildingDesigner.exe" "%1"
Adding the highlighted switch:
"C:Program Files (x86)Bentley...AECOSimBuildingDesigner.exe" –wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation “%1”
This step always starts ABD in MicroStation Building Designer mode when a .DGN is clicked with the right mouse button in Windows Explorer.
The -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation switch starts ABD in MicroStation Building Designer mode.
the switch "%1" opens the file that is selected and opened.
This registry key controls the behavior of the Windows Shell Open command associated with ABD and does not affect other ABD shortcuts.
Remarks:
a) you may wish to consult colleagues who are familiar with the Windows registry or request the assistance of your IT team before taking this step. Changing the registry can cause significant damage to Windows if you are unfamiliar with regedit. Don't change THAT THE CLE mentioned in this article!
b) you may need administrative authorizations to modify the registry, in which case you may request assistance from your IT team.
