Cell libraries are commonly stored in DGN libraries (.dgnlib). Any DGN library can be attached as a cell library, and any DGN library can be opened as a DGN file. Each model in a DGN file becomes a separate cell.

When you create a cell library, a blank default model is created. This blank model displays when you first open the cell library as a DGN file. You can change to different models with the Models dialog.

Like normal models, cells are also identified by their names. So, you cannot have a shared cell and an attached cell library model of the same name in your active file. If such a situation arises, the shared cell model is looked up first and placed as a cell. If you want to use the cell model from the attached cell library, consider changing its model name prior to attaching or, delete the shared cell definition in your active file if you no longer need it.

The following topics describe procedures for creating and attaching a cell library, browsing cells, and publishing a cell library on the Internet.