MicroStation
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.
What MicroStation is
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. It is intended for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. Its CAD tools support parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic documentation generation from models, alongside built-in BIM capabilities. BIM-ready models can integrate with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail, and ProjectWise. MicroStation brings together vector and raster data, mapping services, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes for geospatial work. It can import DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, reference DWG files, and convert DGN files to iModels. The software includes a Python API and technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding. It is a paid Windows desktop product with no free plan. The listed plan includes one license and two keys for training or services.
Good
- Supports 2D and 3D workflows
- Includes parametric constraints and reusable cells
- Imports DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN
- Works offline
- Includes a Python API
Watch out
- No free plan
- Windows is the listed platform
- Trial requires review and approval
Who it suits
MicroStation suits engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure designs. It is relevant to teams needing 2D and 3D CAD with built-in BIM, geospatial data, and support for drawing-file formats such as DWG and DXF.
Verdict
MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD with BIM, geospatial, and file-conversion capabilities. It is a paid Windows product, and trial access requires a request and approval rather than an immediately specified duration.
Plans and prices
From MicroStation's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| MicroStation | $2,656 a year | 1 license · 2 Keys for training or services · 12-month Virtuoso subscription |
The facts
Each one read from MicroStation's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation and AI
- MicroStation includes a Python API and technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding.checked 11 Oct 2026
- CAD and BIM
- MicroStation is primarily CAD software with built-in BIM capabilities, and its BIM-ready models integrate with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail, and ProjectWise.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Drafting and modeling
- It supports 2D and 3D workflows, parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic generation of documentation from models.checked 11 Oct 2026
- File formats
- It can import formats including DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, reference DWG files, and convert DGN files to iModels.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Geospatial
- It integrates vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- Bentley’s Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type II, SOC 3, FedRAMP Class C, GovRAMP, and TX-RAMP badges; it says desktop applications are implemented on-premise and subscribers are responsible for project-data security controls.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Users
- Bentley describes it as software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects.checked 11 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1984checked 23 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Exton, Pennsylvania, United Stateschecked 23 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Nochecked 21 Sep 2026
- Trial
- A trial requires a request form, eligibility review by a Bentley representative, and approval for guided access; the page does not state its duration.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform requirements
- The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025 as supported operating systems.checked 11 Oct 2026
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