Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

MicroStation

bentley.com

From $221.33/mo Free trial Windows
Visit bentley.com
Spec score 8.1 #27 of 79 in 3D CAD Software

What it is

MicroStation is paid Windows desktop CAD software for precise 2D drawings and 3D infrastructure models. It targets engineers, architects, and construction professionals, combining CAD with built-in BIM capabilities. Workflows include parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic documentation from models. BIM-ready models integrate 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 Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot are listed as technology previews. The product supports Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025, and offline use is listed. There is no free plan; a trial requires a request, eligibility review, and approval.

Spec sheet

Purpose
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Free plan
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · bentley.com
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · trustportal.bentley.com
Support
Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Headquarters
Exton, Pennsylvania, United StatesRead 23 Sep 2026 · bentley.com
Founded
1984Read 23 Sep 2026 · bentley.com
Company
Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Automation and AI
MicroStation includes a Python API and technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
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.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Drafting and modeling
It supports 2D and 3D workflows, parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic generation of documentation from models.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
File formats
It can import formats including DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, reference DWG files, and convert DGN files to iModels.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Geospatial
It integrates vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Platform requirements
The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025 as supported operating systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com
Users
Bentley describes it as software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects.Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com

Plans and prices

MicroStation $2,656 a year 12-month Virtuoso subscription 1 license · 2 Keys for training or services Read 11 Oct 2026 · bentley.com

Every MicroStation plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports precise 2D and 3D infrastructure modeling
  • Includes parametric constraints and reusable cells
  • Imports DWG, DXF, and IFC
  • Provides Python API automation
  • Works offline on supported Windows systems

Limits

  • No free plan is listed
  • Windows is the only listed platform
  • Trial access requires eligibility approval

Who it suits

It suits infrastructure design teams working in Windows desktop CAD and BIM workflows. Its file-format, geospatial, automation, and offline capabilities are relevant to engineers, architects, and construction professionals.

Verdict

MicroStation specifies a broad infrastructure CAD and BIM workflow, including file exchange, geospatial data, automation, and offline desktop work. Buyers should confirm trial eligibility and pricing directly.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to MicroStationAll alternatives →