Trusted CAD for infrastructure projects
MicroStation is Bentley’s CAD software for designing, modeling, and delivering infrastructure projects in 2D and 3D. It combines power, flexibility, automation, and 3D geospatial context in one application, so engineers, architects, and construction professionals can create precise drawings and models and produce consistent deliverables. Aufiero Informática distributes MicroStation across Latin America.
With MicroStation, you can:
- Draft and model anything, at any scale, with geospatial context
- Use legacy data and native formats such as DWG, SHP, and point clouds without conversions
- Design, communicate, and deliver infrastructure projects in a single platform
Switching from generic CAD? Read MicroStation vs. Generic CAD: Why Infrastructure Teams Are Making the Switch, or contact us to talk with our team.
Communicate and deliver projects
Create and automate deliverables in one application. Produce drawings, models, and documents from BIM data, and speed up repetitive work with Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot (Technology Preview).
Design in geospatial context
Integrate existing conditions into your designs to create accurate 3D models, using imagery, point clouds, reality meshes, and geospatial data to improve decision-making.
Work with any format
Use legacy data and native formats such as DWG, SHP, and point clouds with no conversions or translations required.
Start Your No-Risk, 14-Day Free Trial of MicroStation Today
Technical Capabilities
Smart drawing and powerful modeling
- AccuDraw and AccuSnap for precise design with less error and rework
- Shared cells and reusable components that minimize repetitive tasks
- A 3D design environment for accuracy, collaboration, and efficiency, with seamless switching between 2D drafting and 3D modeling
- Automatic documentation generated from models, including construction drawings from 3D and BIM models, with 2D drawings that update when the 3D model changes
- Parametric constraints to modify designs without losing design intent
Design in context
- 3D Geospatial Context dialog with Cesium World Terrain, Cesium OSM Buildings, and Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles (Technology Preview)
- 3D models from the Reality Management service using 3D Tiles, plus Google 2D Maps
- Vector and raster data overlay, and direct Esri ArcGIS REST services integration (feature, map, and image services)
- GIS data import from Esri and CAD export to Esri file geodatabase
- MicroStation Python API with geospatial capabilities for task automation
- Efficient processing of large point clouds and reality meshes
AI automation and assistance
- Python support to automate tasks and customize MicroStation
- Python Assistant (Technology Preview): generates and completes code from plain-English descriptions and helps debug and explain it, built for CAD managers, power users, and tool creators
- Bentley Copilot (Technology Preview): answers questions in natural language, gives step-by-step guidance and best practices, translates terminology for users moving from other CAD software such as AutoCAD, and can securely reference your organization’s standards
Interoperability and collaboration
- Import DWG, DXF, and IFC into DGN
- File referencing to bring external formats into DGN projects as context
- Clash detection to find design conflicts across project teams
- File conversion from DGN to iModels for iTwin collaboration, and digital twin publishing for model review and lifecycle management
What's new in MicroStation 2026
- Python Assistant (Technology Preview), upgraded with the latest AI models for more reliable code and more accurate automations
- Bentley Copilot (Technology Preview), embedded in MicroStation with contextual, plain-language guidance and terminology translation from other CAD software
- 3D Geospatial Context dialog (Technology Preview) for large 3D Tiles datasets, and a Google-powered Search Location tool to find project areas by address
- Improved Geographic Coordinate System dialog with a validation map, a larger coordinate systems dictionary, and new vertical datums
- Configurations Wizard: guided setup that replaces complex script-based workflows
- Component Center 2.0: cloud-based library with deeper iTwin integration and a modern UI
- Windows 11 Light Theme UI refresh and updated SpaceMouse integration
- DGNSI-based sheet indexing, nested parametric cells, and visibility states
- Text editor bullet points and Undo/Redo, plus multi-annotation scales that preserve AutoCAD annotation scaling when opening DWG files
- Redesigned custom line style editor with fewer definition steps
System Requirements
- Processor, Graphics, and Display
Intel or AMD processor, 2.5 GHz minimum
1024 MB of video RAM minimum
1920 x 1080 pixels minimum screen resolution
- Operating System
Windows 11 (including 25H2)
Windows Server 2022 and Windows Server 2025
LumenRT is not certified on Windows Server 2022 or 2025.
- Memory
8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
- Disk Space
25 GB minimum free disk space; 25 to 42 GB depending on additional installations
Success Stories
- Portland Bureau of Transportation: cut a task from eight hours to ten seconds by using MicroStation’s geospatial context to integrate GIS background files.
- Pad Project: reduced on-board modifications by 50% when designing the complex interior of a custom yacht.
- JMC2: completed the historic Torrance street design 20% ahead of schedule.
Related reading: MicroStation – the CAD of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MicroStation used for?
MicroStation is used by engineers, architects, and construction professionals to create precise 2D drawings and 3D models for infrastructure projects. It covers drafting and designing 2D/3D geometry at any scale, enforcing CAD standards, incorporating data of different ages and formats, and producing consistent deliverables such as plots, reports, PDFs, and iModels.
Is MicroStation CAD or BIM?
MicroStation is primarily CAD software with built-in BIM capabilities. It is a full-featured 2D/3D design and drafting tool, and it also serves as the modeling environment underlying Bentley’s BIM suite, creating BIM-ready models that integrate with OpenBuildings Designer, OpenRoads, OpenRail, ProjectWise, and other Bentley applications.
Is MicroStation an AutoCAD alternative?
Yes. MicroStation offers infrastructure-focused CAD capabilities, strong performance with large files and federated models, advanced geospatial and point-cloud integration, and DWG interoperability, which suits teams working on roads, rail, bridges, utilities, campuses, and complex industrial assets.
What is new in MicroStation 2026?
MicroStation 2026 upgrades Python Assistant and Bentley Copilot (both Technology Preview), adds a 3D Geospatial Context dialog and a Search Location tool, a Configurations Wizard, Component Center 2.0, a Windows 11 Light Theme interface, and improvements to sheet indexing, parametric cells, and the text editor.
How is MicroStation licensed?
MicroStation is licensed through a 12-month Virtuoso subscription that includes 1 license and 2 Keys for expert services and training. Enterprise and other licensing options are available, and students and educators get free access through Bentley Education.
Where can I buy MicroStation in Latin America?
Aufiero Informática is the Bentley distributor in Latin America. You can buy online or contact our team for a quote and local support.
About Aufiero Informática
Aufiero Informática has been a Bentley distributor in Latin America since 2003. Explore our Bentley software page to see the full product range, licensing, training, and local technical support.