--- title: MicroStation Reviews meta_title: 'MicroStation Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 416 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how MicroStation works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.0 review_count: 416 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-01' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # MicroStation Reviews **Vendor:** Bentley Systems **Category:** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 416 ## About MicroStation MicroStation is a specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software solution tailored specifically for infrastructure design. It is designed to assist architects and engineers in transforming their creative visions into tangible projects, enabling them to present their designs effectively to clients and deliver high-quality results to the community. By providing a comprehensive suite of tools that are integrated into the platform, MicroStation allows users to work efficiently and flexibly, streamlining the design process without the need for additional add-ons. Targeted primarily at professionals in architecture and engineering, MicroStation serves a diverse range of industries, including transportation, utilities, and urban planning. Its capabilities cater to users who require robust design and documentation tools to handle complex infrastructure projects. As project demands grow in complexity and scale, MicroStation equips users with the necessary resources to manage these challenges effectively, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery of designs. One of the key features of MicroStation is its ability to facilitate the design, documentation, and visualization of infrastructure models in both 2D and 3D formats. This versatility allows users to create detailed and accurate representations of their projects, enhancing communication with stakeholders and clients. The software supports collaborative workflows, enabling seamless interaction among team members and external parties, which is essential for successful project execution. MicroStation also emphasizes risk minimization and automation acceleration. By providing advanced tools for modeling and analysis, users can identify potential issues early in the design process, reducing the likelihood of costly revisions later on. The software’s automation features streamline repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic aspects of their projects. This efficiency not only helps in meeting deadlines but also enhances the overall quality of the work produced. WHAT'S NEW IN MICROSTATION 2026: Python Assistant (tech Preview) - An AI assistant to create Python scripts more easily. Python scripting and automation are now accessible to a broader range of users. Bentley Copilot (Tech preview) - Accelerate help, learning, and onboarding with an AI-powered assistant. Instant guidance that bridges AutoCAD-to-MicroStation differences and turns questions into productivity gains. 3D Geospatial Context Dialog (Tech preview) - Access curated global datasets in MicroStation for immersive, real-world context for infrastructure designs. Provides efficient streaming and open-standard interoperability. Configurations Wizard - Guided workflows and best-practice templates enable fast, error-free configurations set up for consistent standards—accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Component Center 2.0 - Component management with a modern library offering deeper integration, smarter governance, and iTwin-ready workflows. Ensure consistency, compliance, and collaboration across projects. Updated Space Mouse integration - Experience smoother, faster 3D navigation—modern modes, SmartUI customization, and certified compatibility for complex models. ## MicroStation Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users enjoy the **ease of use** of MicroStation, facilitating efficient workflows on large projects with various tools. (44 reviews) - Users appreciate the **effective 3D modeling capabilities** of MicroStation, enhancing productivity and project management across various designs. (35 reviews) - Users value the **detailed engineering drawings** of MicroStation for their clarity, precision, and advanced CAD capabilities. (21 reviews) - Users value the **efficiency** of MicroStation for its robust performance and rapid project handling capabilities. (19 reviews) - Users appreciate the **effective drawing tools** in MicroStation for creating 3D models and editing architectural designs. (18 reviews) - Users value the **tool efficiency** of MicroStation, enabling powerful performance with precise control for complex projects. (18 reviews) - Users value the **superior rendering capabilities** of MicroStation, enabling quick and efficient architectural design and documentation. (17 reviews) - Compatibility (16 reviews) - 3D Visualization (15 reviews) - Collaboration (15 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users report a **steep learning curve** with MicroStation, finding its interface and workflow challenging and less intuitive. (13 reviews) - Users face a **steep learning curve** with MicroStation, often struggling with its complex interface and workflows, especially transitioning from AutoCAD. (13 reviews) - Users struggle with **difficult configuration** , as the setup demands advanced knowledge and can be unintuitive and complex. (10 reviews) - Users often experience **slow performance** with MicroStation, facing freezes and delays, especially with large files. (10 reviews) - Users experience frequent **software freezing** , leading to crashes and loss of unsaved work during critical tasks. (8 reviews) - Command Complexity (7 reviews) - Users find it **difficult for beginners** to grasp MicroStation's features, though support helps resolve queries quickly. (7 reviews) - Difficult Navigation (7 reviews) - Users criticize the **outdated interface** of MicroStation, finding it non-intuitive and difficult compared to modern CAD tools. (7 reviews) - Users find **3D modeling** in MicroStation less intuitive, with frequent link issues and unreliable graphics performance. (6 reviews) ## MicroStation Reviews ### 1. Great tool for CAD Modelling **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Elli W. | Talent Acquisition Lead, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 27, 2023 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** easy to use easy to integrate You can also integrate with other APIs **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** 1. It's good, but some things need to be simplified, like the documentation 2. Rest i dont find any cons **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have been finding very tough to to work on CAD tools but this one just is super helpful and useful to use ### 2. Software performance **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** BALAJI V. | Lead Piping Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 12, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Powerful tool can work on multiple DGN files without closing other files. Small file size **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Taking time to get workspace setup. If system hangs, Sometimes it's automatically closing the software without saving the work **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Good 3d capabilities, small file size and easy cad tool, and easy to create sketches to plan sets ### 3. Best CAD software with inbuilt collaboration. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jitesh S. | UI Designer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 21, 2023 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I like inbuilt collaboration features that makes project management easier for you and your team. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Found Nothing to be disliked does the job very well. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Microstation can detect clashes snd design faults easily, saving cost and wastes. It is more difficult to do this with AutoCad. ### 4. Decent Renders **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** G M. | Interior Designer, Intern, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 17, 2023 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Easy to use and navigate. It also has powerful modeling capabilities. However, the render quality is only decent. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It is not widely used with other disciplines **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** It's a more cost-effective program then AutoCad ### 5. Great tool for 2D and 3D Modelling **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mitusha A. | Conversation AI Developer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 28, 2023 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** 1. easy to use 2. super cool palettes than in AutoCAD 3. Inbuilt collaboration made life super easy **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** 1. Proper documentation for the API integrations **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** 1. I was able to perform advanced modelling 2. Perform fluid dynamic analytics 3. Easy collaboration ### 6. Powerful Civil Engineering Design Platform. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Valarie G. | Ingeniero Civil, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 22, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** MicroStation features capabilities that I like most, and it offers easy customization of design tools. The collaboration among engineering project professionals is perfect. It is excellent for easy engineering document and data management. It is a flexible solution that allows smooth workflow management. The MicroStation scheduling tools are excellent. It is perfect for editing and drafting multiple construction drawings. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Highly functional Civil Engineering product, easy usability but without previous knowledge on similar platforms it can take time on training. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Creating Civil and Construction project process reports is faster. Engineering 3D production. Project documentation tool. Powerful and easy on scheduling. Drawing solution. ### 7. Reasonable CAD **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Microstation is definately different than AutoCAD. It has plenty of power, overall is pretty stable. One of the better things is that is customizable. One of the worst things is that it is highly customizable. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** As I previously said, there are almost too many things that can be customized in the software. Often times a user can get lost as one "toggle" isnt correct. This causes hickups and issues. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Microstation is a CAD platform, so it is solving the need for a CAD platform. It also helps to bridge the gap to other CAD related files and file types that are needed for Civil Engineering. ### 8. MicroStation Review **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dhanavayiravan R. | Computer Aided Design Technician, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** All the tools are straightforward and It will help to find which tools can be used fluently they are placed very well and we can find out very quickly. The software is also outstanding. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** We want a shortcut command like AutoCAD. We are using a lisp file in AutoCAD. We can add a shortcut command for this. We are expecting from Bentley Softwares. It should be beneficial and minimise our time. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** While Using 3D or reference files connected together while taking sections at a particular location is constructive. I enjoyed that moment. It is very wonderful and I am happy while working in MicroStation. ### 9. Microstation Connect Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Elizabeth P. | Associate, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I like the most about Microstation is the ability to navigate the commands on the ribbon. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The least thing I disliked about Microstation was the state's installation process. It took me several tries to get the state kit essential going on my system. I am still having problems installing it. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Microstation is solving our plans production problems efficiently, benefiting us with our company project submittals. ### 10. Civil CAD work ACE **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Easy keyboard macros enhance functionality and accelerate task action processes compared to toolbar buttons and mouse searching. Speed is their ultimate attribute. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Bentley necesita un mejor sistema en la nube. Projectwise es su principal software de acceso a servidores compartidos para el trabajo colaborativo, pero a veces se retrasa en momentos cruciales. Con actualizaciones a este software, habría poco que no gustara. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Flexibilidad con el uso de horarios de Excel a través de la herramienta integrada Axiom ha mejorado cómo se presentan nuestros horarios en las hojas de planes. Su facilidad para gestionar y actualizar información crítica dentro de un horario ha sido crucial. ### 11. Options for anything **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 25, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I like how easily MicroStation allows you to work with references. Allowing you to activate and make edits while easily separating all other reference files at the time. Cell libraries, ACCUDRAW, and MicroStation preferences make this program the top of its class. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The move to connect edition. the industry has kept with V8i still to this point for the most part, and V8i is no longer upgraded from Bentley. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** MicroStation allows us to set up the best CD packages ### 12. After updating to Connect-edition it is so slow that it is unusable nowadays. **Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Utilities | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Don't know. It is so unusable currently that I can't use it. And it's not about the lack of computing power. I have not come across another so laggy software before. I'm in physical pain when I have to use it. Most of the time, I can choose to use AutoCAD instead. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** What I dislike the most about MicroStation is that I can't use it because of screen freezing and software not responding all the time. So maybe do something to fix that? **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Not helping to solve problems. Only creating them and more questions left unanswered. ### 13. best tool for everyone **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** ruben a. | Chief Operating Officer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I use Microstation for everyday tasks, reviewing projects, adding notes, and sending corrections quickly and easily. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Installing all the plugins seems to be heaviest than I hope **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Going from 2D and 3D drawings to 3D models from Contextcapture and starting working in it works well for me. ### 14. Great product **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Brian B. | Project Engineer and Floodplain Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Everything you need is packaged into one product. Grading and plan production is easy. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The software sometimes crashes. When it crashes, it sometimes requires a computer reboot. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Grading, drainage, and plan production are excellent. ### 15. Ram Review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ram Mohan C. | Senior Digital Engineer, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 14, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Its functionality. Especially creation of drawings views **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** technical support, some times takes too long to respond **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Mainly I use MicroStation for specific file conversions and As-Built drawing preparation as per the client's requirement ### 16. Support Department **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Manuel C. | Piping Designer / CAD Administrator, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 19, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I am a MicroStation user and a CAD Administrator with over 30 years of experience. I am test-driving the latest version of MicroStation, MicroStation Connect with the intent of helping the design department transition with the least amount of issues. I had a couple of questions that I knew my users would be missing, and I could not find them in the new version. I contacted the Bentley Support Department and presented my problem, and even though the agent was not familiar with the feature, it did not take him long to find the answer. I was greatly appreciative. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** I have been using the Bentley Support Department for decades and I cannot say that I have ever found anything that left me wanting. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** MicroStation does everything that we need it to do. As the CAD Administrator, I am always excited to see what new features Bentley has added to MicroStation. The changes always make our job easier. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** The company I work for is a global company. I support their CAD needs. We design refineries and maintain them. We have been using MicroStation to develop the drawings required. MicroStation has never fallen short. I have trained users that transition from another CAD product to MicroStation. While most people hate change, most users are dissatisfied until they realize that MicroStation can do everything that their previous product can do and more. ### 17. Ease of Use and power to control and manipulate **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dinesh C. | Transportation Engineering Intern, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** The AccuDraw and the rendition tools. The constraints and dynamic input is helpful often times. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** the Dark mode. and the ability to change the text size **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** nothing at the moment ### 18. Bentley - MicroStation Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Joan Prasanth J. | Senior CAD Technician, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 13, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** The file size is less. The user interface is good. Overall is good software. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The match pattern is not working correctly. Otherwise, it's fine. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Submissions are completed on time with minimal errors. ### 19. This is the easiest way to make drawings. Such a friendly user software! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** H. Oğulcan E. | Civil Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Its interface and wide range of tools of the software. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Starting of the software is a little bit slow. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can prepare all my project deliverables with MicroStation. ### 20. MicroStation 2D & 3D CAD Tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 19, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** There are some best features that I like listed down - Integration with varied file formats which helps in smoother workflow in the project between different participants & disciplines - The built-in standard checker - 3D modelling is good **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** - Difficult to handle large files - The user interface is not very user friendly - There is a separate save button for saving settings like display and view options. If you forget to press save and save settings, you'll have to redo your setup when you reopen the drawing. This is irritating! **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** MicroStation is well suited and good software for 2D and 3D CAD. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Ease in creating models of complex geometry because of the tools available. DWG files can be directly edited and the clipping functionality also allows users to manipulate a number of reference files. Tracking and rolling back changes made to a design, down to the level of its components, can be done easily. ### 21. lack of logical command line, just slows down work flow **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Lucas D. | Airport/Marine Engineering Technologist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 18, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** great survey file connectivity and automatic line type generation. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** lack of command line to improve workflow **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** visualization of 2D construction drawings ### 22. Microstation Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 22, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** This software is user friendly , we can able to create 3d models **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Match hatch properties dones not working **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** clash dedication and no of files can be open . ### 23. Excellent **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jason C. | Assistant Professor, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 03, 2016 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Efficient & effective. I can generate complex forms I need in 3D in only a fraction of the time it takes with AutoCAD. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Microstation is not as much used by the industry as Revit. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Best product I have used **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architectural and structural. Efficient in producing any non-standardized form. ### 24. MicroStation is a Powerful CAD Platform while remaining intuitive and user friendly to use. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Todd H. | Principal Designer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 15, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Ease of use, intuitive, user-friendly, stable, substantial training library, communities/forums. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Higher purchasing cost, although minimal - a few quirks do exist. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Ease of use when importing exporting other CAD platforms. Increased productivity out of the box. ### 25. Microstation 2D design review **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Himanshu B. | Marketing Analyst, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 09, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I really like how through project explorer I was able to open big files which were saved across continent. I really loved the 2D design interface for cell design **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It gets a bit slow when you are multi tasking with many project files. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Please don't try to juggle with multiple files as it slows down the whole process **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I mainly used microstation for railway track layout plans and cross section design. And microstation really helps in collating different survey files through which we can be extra cautious of our design ### 26. Very Useful for Engineering Design **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Arron D. | Associate Planner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 06, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** It is powerful software, and it was easy to learn since I have a background in AutoCAD. It is beneficial in the designs that I do including roadway design. The new interface has made my workflow much faster. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** There is a bit of a learning curve, but I don't have any significant drawbacks to using the software. I think the product is good and it gets better after each update. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** It is a good product and in my industry it is heavily used. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** We typically use MicroStation for road, highway, traffic designs. It helps in standarizations for the the different project specifications to deliver to our clients. ### 27. The best software to modeling, design and create drawings projects of any size or complexity **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Miguel E. | Manufacturing Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 13, 2020 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** With this software I can easily model, create drawings, export DXF, create DGN files in no time, easy to use. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** To be honest, I do not have any complaints **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** If you want to be productive and efficient in any design or manufacturing environment this is the CAD software that you need **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can create complex designs and then create engineering drawings or share DXF files ### 28. User friendly Drawing Experience **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Manish K. | Senior Application Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 22, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** The selection of snap points is very easy. Printing and setting of printing preferences are smooth. 3-d modeling can be done easily too. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It's not widely used, therefore for general acceptance native files usually have to converted to Autocad, before sharing. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Sketching of as built equipments is quite easy, so it helps in creation of as built and new equipment sketches and drawings. ### 29. Microstation is Better than Autocad and Civil 3D **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 09, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** we can add custon parameters as per our need. It is very useful in Rail and Linear projects also if you are developing your model into 4D simulation in Bentley synchro it is very easy to do Automatching **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Interface is not that friendly. Customised settings need to done to fully utilise the shortcuts. And mouse buttons seems to be clingy at times in the interface. The pan options should have been avoided in the mouse right click. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Basically I am adding customised parameters as per logical mapping or Construction schedule Actovity Id so that has common parameters to link the moeel with Schedule: ### 30. Complete Solution for 2D Engineering Drawings and BIM Modelling **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vipin N. | BIM/Digital Delivery Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Microstation file sizes are comparatively small. It supports the drawings created using secondary softwares. Its design library is excellent. Microstation can be very useful in BIM documentation. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** There is nothing much to dislike but the graphics quality can be increased a bit. While doing the DGN to DWG conversion, the actual properties are being lost. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** I strongly recommend Microstation and other Bentley applications to engineering experts. It is great product to be included in creation of CAD and BIM services. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use MicroStation for developing Infrastructure, Rail, Road as well as utility Drawings. It is beneficial in Geographic studies and GIS plans. ### 31. a Central all-in-one flexible BIM detailing software **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Abdelrahman A. | BIM Coordinator, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 18, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** During my experience working on Microstation, which is btw the base engine for other Bentley suits as openRoads and openBuildings. It amazes me how accudraw feature makes my design workflow super fast compared to other tools. Microstation is a full BIM detailing software allow you to go as a starter CAD drafting tool, to many other complex features as parametric modeling, tagging elements for schedules and cost reports, creative 3D design tool using annotations, rendering, animations and cells library. DGN files designed by Microstation can be used as reference files for other DGN design files. It's interoperability with Autodesk files is immersive as well. Those who worked with Microstation for long times know that all your work can be done under one software regarding BIM design for buildings and infrastructure. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The only thing I dislike about Microstation when I first started to use it, was the difficulty of learning it. back in time, it didn't have a lot of educational materials, and most of the time, I had to use the try and error method to discover the amazing features Microstation hides. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Those who think about making a step toward Microstation, I recommend you contact their support and ask for educational material to make an easy transition from other vendors to Microstation **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am using Microstation for creating cell libraries used in both 3D design files for openBuildings, and 2D as-built drawings. Also, I have been using Microstation for Arch and Mech disciplines. Further work of catalogue items (families) created by Microstation which I used frequently as a BIM coordinator for quantification methods ### 32. Good for reviewing 3d data **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Challa B. | Design Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 29, 2022 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** It's good to check 3d models and 2 d models **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Graphics issue we can not see some of the elements looks missing **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Rail drainage including ditches ponds, filter drains and carrier pipe ### 33. We had great experience with this software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2017 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** The software is easy to use. It is transition form 2D drawings to 3D drawings. Construction packages can also be issued. The software has many functions and it is easy to integrate with other tools. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Some features of software could be made easier to use. Need more training. The cost is also high. Licensing issues must be resolved and licensing must be made easier. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Yes, Strongly recommended **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are solving the design problems with Microstation. The design can be done efficiently with this software and it saves time. Other benefits are Efficiency, cost savings, data management. The layouts can be easily updated and data can be saved. ### 34. 16 years experience MicroStation User **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ron R. | Senior CADD Technician, Civil Engineering, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2017 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I have always really liked the way Bentley has kept the look and feel basically the same for many years and versions. To me this is powerful and sustainable. It's pretty incredible that the performance of MicroStation has been consistent and high for many versions. Generally it's consistency and simplicity makes it a powerful platform for design and drawing production. I also believe that "Trust Licensing" is one of the greatest ideas in technology today. It's simple and incredibly easy to manage. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Just a few tools could be updated such as some of the dimension tools (being able to add a gap in a dimension line or leader that crossed another line), adding a publish type tool for publishing several drawings at a time, etc. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** The more you use it the better you will like it. It's simplicity makes it powerful. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** CADD production - creating construction drawings for projects. Meeting state DOT standards. The Workspaces created by state DOT's makes this very easy. Also, as mentioned above, the constancy and the effort to keep the platform relatively the same over many versions, while still providing the tools we need, helps us focus on design and production and not as much on the technology. ### 35. Flexible Designing tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mahmoud o. | Mechanical Engineer, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 19, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** It is fast with processing the drawings given by CAD format, you can easily transfer any Dwg to DGN format using this program which is very convenient. Also, you can use it to create complex features as you go through modelling **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It can't open all files format, in addition to have a difficulty while learning all the tricks in this program **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Designing 3D files and 2D drawings. In addition, converting DWG format to DGN which mainly requested by the client. ### 36. Microstation Is user friendly **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 30, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** It's all better, when we make both 3d model and 2d we can easily learn all tools very short period. its very quick learn software for beginners **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** some times the software has been automatically closed and the last working 3d model or 2d drawings is not saved and some other formats files imported that time the file has loading it will take too much of time. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** add-on tools can use easily like tricad, ductwork and building utility tools ### 37. Working in Microstation from more than 2.5 years. Completed various automotives Greenfield Layouts. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 04, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** You can see overall plant in 3D. And you can also take virtual walk through manufacturing lines. Installation with foundation plan is really superb (very accurate) **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** New component library is not updating regularly (need to update according to customer). To export the layout in catia or in JT it requires really a large server. Only Daimler working environment is having proper Library. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** As in Microstation we see the plant in 3D, all the equipments in 3D. So as a process engineer, to finalize the facilities and Installation is also accurate. Because of foundation plan in Microstation there is zero error in Installation of all equipments. ### 38. All your CAD needs **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Victoria G. | Traffic Services Project Manager, Civil Engineering, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 27, 2018 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** This software is used in the transportation industry. So it’s a must if that’s where you work. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** The interface is definitely old-school when you compare to AutoCAD. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** This software is only useful in transportation industry. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Drafting plans in the transportation industry. I.e. roads ### 39. Essential tool for BIM of large projects. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dilip S. | Assistant Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 29, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Microstation works smoothly for large projects in Autocad lags.Timeless DGN which is moatly required by client for flawless drawing. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It has a disadvantage that it can be used for microsoft windows but we use microaoft so that is not a problem for us. So check configuration first when you buy. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are doing large projects that is road construction and data centers using this software. ### 40. Microstation Review **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Justin V. | Electrical Designer/BIM Manager/Coordinator, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 24, 2020 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Microstation is a good CAD software. I first learned it in 2009 at a company that designed electrical substations for National Grid in Massachusetts. It worked well for doing electrical schematics and wiring diagrams as I was assigned to do. Years later, I used it in a little bit of civil design but, that was minimal. I did the work in Civil 3D and converted the .dwg (a AutoCAD Civil 3D file) to a .dgn ( a Microstation file) because the client wanted it in Microstation. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** I'm not crazy about Microstation. I'm more of an AutoCAD person. Microstation always seemed very dated to me. The functions and interface of it to me looked like AutoCAD did back on R12 (1996 or so). Even in my gap of usage between jobs of Microstation it seemed like it didn't make any progress in the simplicity of it's functions. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I with Microstation doing electrical substation design and some civil design work. ### 41. Pros and Functions of MicroStation **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Zulfiyya R. | Digital Marketing-Manager, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 27, 2020 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** A drawing in Microstation can be finished much faster and with less mouse clicks and keystrokes. Microstation has both 2D files and 3D files. 2D files only have storage space for x and y coordinates. Microstation opens all versions of Microstation and Autocad files so you can take care of all data and serve all customers. You are not limited to a specific version. It is recommended that you have a Select as you can get the latest updates. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** What Microstation lacks, and the only cons is that it supports all other Autodesk applications AutoCAD has, such as Inventor, Civil3d Max, and Maya. All in all for me Microstation is a smooth, powerful, easy app. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Thanks to its central, modular design, MicroStation allows drawing / displaying / detailing, 3D modeling, rendering and even animations (yes, really difficult animations) all of which. Microstation file can reference itself. You can add a reference file as a reference within itself, and the reference will be updated each time you re-create it. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** It does not require resources like Microstation Autocad and does not require heavy hardware for 2D drafting. Even 3D modeling can be easily done in less expensive systems. Only creation needs more power, but can be spread and deployed across a machine network. So you have options. You can create detailed drawings in MicroStation. MicroStation has drawing tools. ### 42. Modelling and Drawing preparation made Easier **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 12, 2020 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** 1. Easy to use and learn the software 2. Best support from the Bentley Support team 3. Less costly as compared with AutoDesk counterparts 4. Inter workability between different software such as Civil3D, OpenRoads Etc. 5. Working online using ProjectWise **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** 1. The file can be heavier sometimes 2. Exporting to dwg files may not work as expected (Sometimes) 3. While referencing dwg file with Pipes and Structures, pipes may go missing in the dgn file. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Once you learn to use it, then you will love this software. A very supportive Bentley Support team will surely help you **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** 1. Viewing and Modelling Pipes and Chambers 2. Clash detection 3. Drawing preparation ### 43. Excellent **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 12, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Excellent for Highway & infrastructure projects. Very user friendly. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** MicroStation is expensive software to have for a single person to design infrastructure project **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Nothing **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Comparing to other CAD software very easy to use reference files ### 44. User-friendly environment and easy shortcut **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 30, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Number shortcut and Multiple windows option **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Conversation of dgn files to DWG format has not good enough **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Great for work **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** Drafting intelligence ### 45. User friendly **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Oil & Energy | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 17, 2021 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Most helpful thing are Shortcuts commands. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** Very less use of mouse clicks for shortcuts commands **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am trying to configuring the microstation commands appropriately ### 46. Good Program for Engineers **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 13, 2020 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** Easy interface to learn. Lots of information online to help you through the program. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** At times it can be slow and crash if using in different model spaces. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** It's a great tool to use if you need to provide clients with plan sets. Easy to learn. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use MicroStation for all of our projects when putting together plan sets for our clients. Makes the end product consistent. ### 47. I work with Micros to place orders within my employment. It is a great system but could use some upd **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Crystal T. | Food Server, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 26, 2018 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** It is touch screen and has an easy setup to follow, easy to learn. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** It is a little outdated but it still does what is needed for our business to maintain sales. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Get an newer version if possible **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** It allows several people to utilize it together and it allows for expedient service for our customers ### 48. Microstation - best software by bentley **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Basha A. | Piping designer, Oil & Energy, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 22, 2019 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** I have always liked Bentley's way of keeping the look and sound for many years and models essentially the same. That's strong and sustainable for me. It's pretty amazing that for many models, Microstation software output was consistent and strong. Consistency and simplicity generally make it an effective medium for the development of drawing. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** it is very expensive to obtain a license for this program but it is very speed. I like where Microstation is headed with connect edition. Simplyfing it and making it user friendly. Panels are aligned more like where other software's are headed. User set up and interface are huge improvement. Interface migration and customization are improved. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** yes i would recommend this software. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** I find very useful and is ease of customizing your own commands with keyboards and functions keys, let's admit it, everyone wants a little something special for their own while still can work together a whole. The ability to rotate the view with a single button -function key, or keyboard, blows my mind absolutely. allthough it is very simple to use. ### 49. MicroStation review **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Gary B. | Sr Civil Designer, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 30, 2019 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** The use of this program pays the bills, lol. It's a computer aided drafting program and while it is not my favorite, DOT using it exclusively requires one to be proficitent in its features to work in transportation. It's a tool and while there may be better or more modern tools out there, it is possible to use the program for your tasks. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** As I said above, it is possible to to use the program as a drafting and design software. The problem is if the user gets stuck on a step. There is not a lot of clear documentation on performing tasks. And even if you do find a tutorial, it may not be exactly for your version which makes the instructions very difficult to follow since the program has changed. The program isn't intuitively laid out and just seems a mess at times. But the good thing is that if you become good at using the program, you will be very valuable. Just do not lament to much when you see your colleagues using better software to do more amzing designs. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** Roll up your sleeves and listen carefully to any instructions given regarding its use. Take the best notes you ever have and do not leave a single step out because if you do, you may be stuck for awhile if you can't figure out what's next. The program won't help you, that's for sure! **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** The program is complex. One good thing that comes from being used by the DOT is that each state has designed their own workspaces. Once implemented, the workspaces make things farly easy to ensure quality standards. ### 50. MicroStation is a great program for many design projects. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Albert Y. | Civil Engineer , Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 15, 2019 **What do you like best about MicroStation?** MicroStation is easy to use and is a great program to use for drafting as it has a great workstation layout and customization. My favorite feature about the program is that with each input, it is automatically saved to the drive so there is no need to continuously save your project with the fear that you will lose your work. **What do you dislike about MicroStation?** There are few things I dislike about the program. However, it is very expensive to obtain a license for this program. **Recommendations to others considering MicroStation:** One recommendation I would make to MicroStation would be to make it less expensive to have access to MicroStation for people who would like to work from home. **What problems is MicroStation solving and how is that benefiting you?** MicroStation allows me to easily make many design drafts. ## MicroStation Discussions - [Microstation](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33530-microstation) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [View MicroStation pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews?page=4&qs=pros-and-cons§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-01+08%3A03%3A29+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=53641154-fb38-4df1-ba32-4ae7e3af1e73&secure%5Btoken%5D=d5c77022e09d3c2cfc53e853084904df56305a68303005c5fd8109c83979b883&format=llm_user) ## MicroStation Integrations - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - [Bentley View](https://www.g2.com/products/bentley-view/reviews) - [Bluebeam](https://www.g2.com/products/bluebeam/reviews) - [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) - [Microsoft Excel](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews) - [ProjectWise](https://www.g2.com/products/projectwise/reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) ## MicroStation Features **Plan** - Documentation - Sequence - Annotate - Collaborate **Design** - Drawing - Modeling - Visualize - Rendering **Design** - 3D Modeling - 3D Rendering - Drawing - Editing **Edit** - File Import - Push/Pull - Views - Grips **Construction** - Fabrication - Reinforcement - Clash Detection - Grading - Earthwork **Collaboration** - Annotate - Documentation - Data Extract **Engineering** - Hydraulic engineering - Hydrologic engineering - Transportation engineering - Structural engineering ## Top MicroStation Alternatives - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (1,835 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (1,297 reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (628 reviews)