it depends on what you need - one option would be to look into the appearances, there are some that are "holey" (these usually require realview to be on)
ive been over this problem for months. the best thing ive found is to draw a picture of grating and save it as a block and put that block on flat plate. using the block is a smaller size than using a fullsize picture of grating with the appearence tools
I do my grating on the assembly level. I have a section of 3' x 3' bar grating (since it is sold in 3' widths) that I use as a starting point. From there I will either pattern that part or use it as a base for a new one. Then any excess can be trimed at the assembly level.
yes, solid plate with a pic of the grate on it.