Freedom251 › Engineering Design Software

MicroStation

Name: MicroStation
Price: 2656 USD
Author: MicroStation

Free trial Windows

What MicroStation is

MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating 2D drawings and 3D models. It is designed for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. The software supports parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic documentation generation from models, alongside built-in BIM capabilities. Its BIM-ready models integrate with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail, and ProjectWise. Geospatial workflows can bring together vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes. MicroStation imports formats including DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, can reference DWG files, and converts DGN files to iModels. A Python API is included, with technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding. It is paid software for Windows, with no free plan. Supported operating systems listed are Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025.

Who it suits

MicroStation suits engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure designs. It may also suit teams that need CAD, BIM, geospatial data, and model-based documentation in Windows workflows.

What it does well

Supports 2D and 3D design workflows.
Imports DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files.
Includes built-in BIM capabilities and integrations.
Offers a Python API.
Works offline.

What to know first

No free plan is listed.
Available platform is Windows.
Trial requires request, review, and approval.

Limits

There is no free plan.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
MicroStation	12-month Virtuoso subscription · 1 license · 2 Keys for training or services	$2,656 a year

As bentley.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the MicroStation product website.
Use a supported Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022 or 2025 system.
Choose the paid MicroStation plan, which includes one license and two keys for training or services.
Submit a trial request form if seeking trial access.
Complete the eligibility review and obtain approval for guided access.

Verdict

MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD workflows with BIM, geospatial data, and several file-format options. Its paid Windows access and guided trial process are important factors to weigh before requesting a trial.

Questions

What does MicroStation do?

It is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models, with built-in BIM capabilities.

Is MicroStation free?

No. It is paid and has no free plan.

What platforms does it support?

It is a Windows desktop product. The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025.

Can I try MicroStation before buying?

A trial is available by request. It requires a form, eligibility review by a Bentley representative, and approval for guided access.

What file formats can MicroStation use?

It imports DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, can reference DWG files, and converts DGN files to iModels.

Who makes MicroStation, and where is the maker based?

The listed maker is MicroStation, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, United States.

Facts from MicroStation's own pages

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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Company: Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters. · bentley.com, 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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Founded: 1984 · bentley.com, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan: No · bentley.com, 21 Sept 2026
Geospatial: It integrates vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes. · bentley.com, 11 Oct 2026
Headquarters: Exton, Pennsylvania, United States · bentley.com, 23 Sept 2026
Platform requirements: The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025 as supported operating systems. · bentley.com, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose: MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. · bentley.com, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Support: Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources. · bentley.com, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Users: Bentley describes it as software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. · bentley.com, 11 Oct 2026