What it does
MicroStation is Bentley's Windows CAD application for infrastructure drawings and 3D models. It combines reusable components with model-based documentation and DGN/DWG exchange. Commercial access is subscription-based; a guided trial requires a request and approval.
Use shared cells for repeated components and generate drawings or sheets from a 3D model. MicroStation reads, writes and references DWG files alongside its DGN workflow. Deliverables include paper plots, reports and 2D or 3D PDFs.
For a concrete solid-modelling example, Bentley's Legacy Solids guide for version 10.02.00.39 builds a curved part with internal holes. In the Modeling workflow, Extrude Along follows a selected path and outer profile. Keeping the path set to Show lets the inner profiles follow the same path; Subtract Solids removes those inner shapes. An alternative groups holes into the profile before extrusion. This is a version-specific procedure.
The current 12-month Virtuoso subscription starts at US$2,656 and includes one software licence plus two Keys. Keys pay for training or services; they are not additional seats. A trial starts with a request form, followed by a representative's eligibility review and approval.
MicroStation 2026 supports Windows 11 and listed Windows Server releases. LumenRT is not certified on those server installations. Its Python Assistant, Bentley Copilot and 3D Geospatial Context dialog are labelled Technology Previews. The standard licence treats evaluation software as testing access, separate from licensed production use.
Strengths
- Reusable components and generated drawings connect modelling with documentation.
- DWG read, write and reference support complements native DGN work.
- The subscription includes credits for training or services.
Watch out for
- Current desktop support is for Windows.
- Trial access requires a representative's review and approval.
- The named AI assistants and new geospatial dialog are preview features.
Best for
- Infrastructure teams producing coordinated models and drawing sheets
- CAD teams working across DGN and DWG projects
Sources
- MicroStation CAD for Infrastructure Design (Oct 28, 2026)
- MicroStation CAD for Infrastructure Design | FAQs (Oct 28, 2026)
- Free Trial for MicroStation (Oct 28, 2026)
- How to Produce a Curved Solid Using Profile with Irregular Hole Elements (Oct 28, 2026)
- End User License Agreement for Bentley Software (Oct 28, 2026)
- Operating Systems Supported by MicroStation Versions (Oct 28, 2026)
- MicroStation 2023, 2024, 2025 System Requirements (Oct 28, 2026)