MicroStation vs TopSolid'Design
MicroStation
bentley.comTopSolid'Design
topsolid.comSide by side
| Figure | MicroStation | TopSolid'Design |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $221.33/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.1 (#27) | 8.5 (#12) |
| Company | Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters. | TOPSOLID is headquartered in Evry, France, and was founded in 1984. |
| File formats | It can import formats including DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, reference DWG files, and convert DGN files to iModels. | Reads Catia, Creo, NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, Solid Edge, Parasolid, STEP, IGES, DXF, DWG, FBX; point-cloud formats .xyz, .pts, .ply. |
| Founded | 1984 | 1984 |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Exton, Pennsylvania, United States | 7 Rue du Bois Sauvage, 91055 Évry, France |
| Purpose | MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. | TopSolid'Design is a 3D CAD solution for mechanical design. |
| Support | Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources. | TopSolid provides technical support, TopSolid'Learning, FAQs, a forum, and web help. |
| 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. | TopSolid offers a free 30-day trial of the full TopSolid version with tutorials; download availability may depend on geographic location. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
TopSolid'Design
TopSolid'Design has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.