- Home
- 3D CAD Software
- MicroStation
MicroStation
MicroStation · Exton, Pennsylvania, United States · founded 1984
What it is
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. It supports 2D and 3D workflows, parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic documentation generated from models. Built-in BIM capabilities connect BIM-ready models with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail, and ProjectWise. Geospatial work can combine vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes. MicroStation imports DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, references DWG files, and converts DGN files to iModels. A Python API supports scripting, while technology previews named Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot address automation, help, and onboarding. The paid Windows desktop software supports native DWG, DXF, PDF underlays, batch printing, and offline use. There is no free plan. The listed plan includes one license and two keys for training or services.
For and against
For
- Creates precise 2D drawings and 3D models
- Supports DWG, DXF, IFC, and DGN workflows
- Includes parametric constraints and reusable cells
- Offers BIM integrations with named Bentley products
- Works offline on Windows desktop
Against
- No free plan
- Trial requires eligibility review and approval
- Windows is the listed platform
The verdict
MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD, BIM-ready modeling, geospatial data, and automation in a Windows desktop application. Its paid model and approval-based trial are important considerations for teams evaluating access.
Who it suits
It suits engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects who need Windows desktop CAD, BIM, geospatial, and model-documentation workflows.
Plans and prices
MicroStation
1 license · 2 Keys for training or services
Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
On the record
- Automation and AI
- MicroStation includes a Python API and technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding.bentley.com · read 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.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Company
- Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Drafting and modeling
- It supports 2D and 3D workflows, parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic generation of documentation from models.bentley.com · read 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.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Geospatial
- It integrates vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025 as supported operating systems.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.bentley.com · read 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.trustportal.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 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.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Users
- Bentley describes it as software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects.bentley.com · read 11 Oct 2026
