CAD File Formats | DGN File

The DGN file extension refers to the CAD file format. DESIGN is a file format CAD supported by Bentley Systems program MicroStation and belonging to Intergrapha Interactive Design Graphics System (IGDS) CAD programs.

There are two versions of the design format:

• Until 2000, all files in the DGN format were based on the specification Intergraph Standard File Formats (ISFF) published in late 1980 by Intergraph. This version is called V7 DGN, or Intergraph file DGN.

• In 2000, Bentley Systems created an updated version of the format, which includes the capabilities of the older version, but has a different internal data structure than ISFF-based DGN. This version is called the V8 DGN file .

Although the Bentley format is not as widely used as Autodesk's DWG, it is used in many large projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, power plants, shipbuilding.

In 2008, Autodesk and Bentley signed an agreement to mutually exchange software libraries, including the Autodesk RealDWG file, to improve the readability of DWG and DGN file formats in mixed environments with higher fidelity. In addition, the two companies will support interoperability between AEC applications by supporting the mutual use of available application programming interfaces (APIs).

Bentley System, as a member of the Open Design Alliance, has made the dgn format specification available to integrate support through Teigh/ODA libraries. The goal of this effort is to preserve and spread support for the design format in design applications.

How to Open DGN Files in ActCAD

1. Run any ActCAD application
2. From the menu, select File > Open
3. Search for files in dgn file format that you want to open
4. Select files with DESIGN extension
5. You can view, edit and save the results of your work in a design file
6. You can choose any other CAD file format supported by ActCAD e.g. DXF, DWG, DWT, DWS, DWF, STEP, STL, IGES, DSF to save your work!!