Alibre Design vs MicroStation
Alibre Design
alibre.com
MicroStation
bentley.comSide by side
| Figure | Alibre Design | MicroStation |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $999/mo | $221.33/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Engineering Design Software | 8.9 (#1) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.8 (#5) | 8.1 (#27) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.6 (#6) | 8.0 (#16) |
| Founded | 1997 | 1984 |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Richardson, Texas, United States | Exton, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Purpose | Alibre Design is a mechanical 3D CAD and 2D documentation suite for businesses, startups, and institutions. | MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. |
| Trial | Alibre offers a 30-day free trial of Alibre Design Expert. | A trial requires a request form, eligibility review by a Bentley representative, and approval for guided access; the page does not state its duration. |
Plans
Alibre Design
- Design Pro$999 a month
- Design Expert$1,999 a month
- Alibre Design Pro$999, paid once
- Alibre Design Expert$1,999, paid once
In their own words
Alibre Design
Alibre Design has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
MicroStation
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.