MicroStation 2D and 3D CAD for infrastructure
Precise drafting, 3D modelling, drawing production and geospatial design in one environment, working with DWG, IFC, GIS and point cloud data. Buy it from an authorized Bentley channel partner.
- 1environment for drafting, modelling and documentation
- 6capability areas, from AccuDraw to AI automation
- 10formats and data sources, from DWG and IFC to Esri
- 2026latest release, with new AI and geospatial tools
MicroStation 2026
The latest release adds AI assistance, better geospatial context and a refreshed interface, on top of the drafting and modelling tools teams already rely on.
In the 2026 release
- AI toolsPython Assistant and Bentley Copilot, both as technology previews
- GeospatialA 3D geospatial context dialog, a location search tool and coordinate system updates
- Set-upA Configurations Wizard and Component Center 2.0
- InterfaceA Windows 11-style interface and updated SpaceMouse integration
- DocumentationImprovements to sheet indexing, parametric cells, text editing, annotation scales and line styles
Six things MicroStation does for your projects
From the first line of a drawing to a model published as a digital twin.
Drafting and modelling
2D and 3DPrecise 2D drafting and 3D modelling in one environment.
- AccuDraw and AccuSnap for precise input
- Switch between 2D drafting and 3D modelling
- Solid, surface and mesh modelling
- Parametric constraints that keep design intent
- Shared cells and reusable components
- Dimensioning, annotation and measurement
Drawings and documentation
DeliverablesConstruction drawings and documents produced straight from the model.
- Drawings and sheets from 3D and BIM models
- 2D drawings update when the 3D model changes
- Automated drawing sheets and document sets
- CAD standards for levels, dimensions and annotation
- Design reports
Geospatial context
GISDesign in real-world context, with thousands of coordinate systems.
- Esri ArcGIS REST feature, map and image services
- Export CAD data to an Esri file geodatabase
- OGC Web Map Servers and real-time GPS
- Vector and raster data, maps and satellite imagery
- Cesium World Terrain and OSM Buildings
- Geospatial PDFs, created and referenced
Reality data
Existing conditionsPoint clouds and reality meshes as the base for new work.
- Process and reference large point clouds
- Reality meshes and 3D Tiles
- Laser scanning and other reality capture
- 3D models and 2D drawings from scan data
- Renovation and existing-condition projects
Interoperability
CollaborationWork with other disciplines' files without converting them.
- Import DWG, DXF and IFC into DGN
- Reference DWG files in DGN projects
- Exchange with AutoCAD and Revit
- Clash detection across project teams
- Convert DGN to iModels for iTwin collaboration
- Publish models to digital twins
Automation and AI
CustomisationAutomate repetitive work and extend MicroStation.
- MicroStation Python API
- Python Assistant to write, debug and explain scripts (preview)
- Bentley Copilot for in-product help (preview)
- Bentley MCP Server to connect AI agents
- VBA, VSTA and .NET APIs
Work with any file, without converting it
Bring in legacy data, other disciplines' models and live geospatial services, and keep working in DGN.
| Format or source | What you can do |
|---|---|
| DGN | MicroStation's native format |
| DWG | Reference directly, or import, with no conversion needed |
| DXF | Import into DGN |
| IFC | Import BIM models into DGN |
| SHP | Use GIS shapefiles natively |
| Esri ArcGIS REST | Feature, map and image services; export to file geodatabase |
| OGC WMS, Bing Maps, Google 2D Maps | Online maps and imagery as context |
| Point clouds and reality meshes | Including 3D Tiles from Reality Management |
| 2D, 3D and geospatial PDFs | |
| iModels | Convert DGN for iTwin collaboration and digital twins |
Moving from AutoCAD?
Reference DWG files directly in a DGN project, keep delivering DWG where clients need it, and use Bentley Copilot (preview) to translate AutoCAD terminology into MicroStation.
Geospatial context
Thousands of coordinate systems, with live maps, terrain and buildings around your design.
Every deliverable from one application
Drawings, documents, visualisations and models, produced from the same design data, so a change flows through to all of them.
What you can produce
Where teams use MicroStation
- Infrastructure design and planningRoads, highways, bridges, tunnels and transport systems, with alignment, terrain and drainage design.
- Mapping and GISDetailed maps and geospatial data, imported from and exported to GIS platforms, in 3D.
- Utilities and communicationsElectrical, communication and other utility networks, with drawings for construction and maintenance.
- Plant design and operations3D models of equipment, piping and systems in industrial and process facilities.
- Visualisation and presentationRenderings, walkthroughs and fly-throughs to explain designs to clients and stakeholders.
MAXSURF exchanges vessel models in MicroStation DGN, and STAAD.Pro covers structural analysis. We supply all three.
About MAXSURFFrom your first licence to a trained team
- 1
Tell us how you'll use it
Your discipline, the files you work with, and how many people need MicroStation.
- 2
We recommend the licensing
One subscription, several, or an enterprise option.
- 3
Quote or buy online
We send a quote, or you order through our store and we call to confirm.
- 4
Licence delivered
Your MicroStation licence is delivered and your team can start.
- 5
Train your team
Ask us about MicroStation training for your engineers and designers.
Licensing
- SubscriptionMicroStation is sold by Bentley as a 12-month subscription, with one licence.
- Larger teamsEnterprise and other licensing options are available for organisations.
- Students and educatorsFree access to Bentley software for academic use, through Bentley Education.
Training from Aryatech
We offer MicroStation training for engineers, designers and organisations, alongside our courses in SACS, MOSES, STAAD.Pro and MAXSURF.
A Bentley partner that also trains and engineers
We supply MicroStation with the rest of Bentley's engineering software across India and the Middle East, and we train the teams who use it.
- AuthorizedBentley channel partner for MicroStation in India and the Middle East
- Trainingwe offer MicroStation training alongside SACS, MOSES, STAAD.Pro and MAXSURF
- Connected toolsMAXSURF exchanges models in MicroStation DGN, and we supply both
- Engineersan engineering consultancy that uses Bentley software on live projects
What buyers ask us about MicroStation
What is MicroStation used for?
Engineers, architects and construction professionals use MicroStation for 2D drawings and 3D infrastructure models: drafting, standards, deliverables, rendering and collaboration through the DGN format.
Is MicroStation a CAD or a BIM platform?
It is primarily a CAD tool with built-in BIM capabilities, and it is also the modelling environment underneath Bentley's wider BIM software.
What is new in MicroStation 2026?
AI tools (Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot, as previews), geospatial improvements including a 3D context dialog and location search, a Configurations Wizard, Component Center 2.0, a Windows 11-style interface, and improvements to sheet indexing, parametric cells, text, annotation scales and line styles.
Can MicroStation open AutoCAD DWG files?
Yes. You can reference DWG files directly in a DGN project, or import DWG, DXF and IFC files into DGN, without converting legacy data.
Is MicroStation an alternative to AutoCAD?
For infrastructure work, yes. It handles large multi-discipline projects, integrates geospatial data and stays compatible with DWG deliverables. Bentley Copilot also helps by translating AutoCAD terminology.
Does MicroStation work with GIS data?
Yes. It connects directly to Esri ArcGIS REST services, imports GIS data, exports CAD data to an Esri file geodatabase, and supports thousands of coordinate systems.
Can MicroStation use point clouds?
Yes. It processes and references large point clouds and reality meshes, so you can model and draw from laser-scan data of existing conditions.
Can MicroStation be automated?
Yes. Through the MicroStation Python API, with Python Assistant to help write scripts, and through VBA, VSTA and .NET APIs.
Which industries use MicroStation?
Infrastructure and transportation, energy and utilities, government and institutional campuses, and architecture, engineering and manufacturing, including shipbuilding.
How is MicroStation licensed?
Bentley sells MicroStation as a 12-month subscription with one licence. Enterprise and other options are available, and students and educators can get free academic access.
Do you offer MicroStation training?
Yes. Contact us about MicroStation training for your team, alongside our SACS, MOSES, STAAD.Pro and MAXSURF courses.
Which other Bentley software do you supply?
MAXSURF, for example, exchanges vessel models with MicroStation in DGN. We supply MicroStation alongside MAXSURF, STAAD.Pro and the rest of Bentley's engineering software.
Need MicroStation for your team?
Tell us how you will use it and how many people need it. We will come back with the right licensing and a quote.