What it is
MicroStation is Windows desktop infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. It is intended for engineers, architects and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. The software supports parametric constraints, reusable cells and automatic documentation generated from models, with built-in BIM capabilities that integrate with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail and ProjectWise. Geospatial workflows 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 and converts DGN to iModels. A Python API supports scripting, while Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot are listed as technology previews. The paid product has no free plan; its listed plan includes one license and two keys for training or services. A trial requires a request, eligibility review and approval. Offline mode and batch printing are listed.
Who it suits. It suits infrastructure engineers, architects and construction professionals needing desktop CAD with BIM, geospatial and common drawing-file support. Windows users can work offline.
Good
- Creates 2D drawings and 3D models
- Includes parametric constraints and reusable cells
- Supports DWG, DXF and IFC imports
- Provides built-in BIM integrations
- Offers offline desktop use
Watch for
- Windows platform only
- No free plan
- Trial requires eligibility review and approval
Verdict
MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD, BIM-ready modeling and geospatial data handling on a Windows desktop. Its file support and offline capability suit professional design workflows, while trial access requires Bentley approval.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| MicroStation | $2,656 a year | 12-month Virtuoso subscription |
From MicroStation's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026. Every plan
What the maker publishes
- Automation and AI
- MicroStation includes a Python API and technology previews of Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot for scripting, automation, help, and onboarding. source
- 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. source
- Company
- Bentley Systems launched on September 5, 1984, and its history page identifies Exton, Pennsylvania as its global headquarters. source
- Drafting and modeling
- It supports 2D and 3D workflows, parametric constraints, reusable cells, and automatic generation of documentation from models. source
- File formats
- It can import formats including DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN files, reference DWG files, and convert DGN files to iModels. source
- Founded
- 1984 source
- Free plan
- No source
- Geospatial
- It integrates vector and raster data, Esri ArcGIS REST services, Google Maps, imagery, point clouds, and reality meshes. source
- Headquarters
- Exton, Pennsylvania, United States source
- Platform requirements
- The product page lists Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or 2025 as supported operating systems. source
- Purpose
- MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. source
- 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. source
- Support
- Bentley points users to product documentation, community forums, technical articles, webinars, and support resources. source
- 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. source
- Users
- Bentley describes it as software for engineers, architects, and construction professionals working on infrastructure projects. source