Getting Started with Microstation

Open an existing MicroStation design file

Create a new MicroStation design file

Interface introduction

How to get help

Starting MicroStation

1. Start > All Programs > Bentley >MicroStation V8i (Select Series 2)

2. Double click the icon on the desktop as Bentley MicroStation V8i

Microstation manager will pop up-

The MicroStation Manager is your file management interface to MicroStation.

By default, a MicroStation design file has an extension of .dgn. “Design file” is a generic

term used to describe all MicroStation files, regardless of their use - design, drafting, etc. In addition to MicroStation V8i DGN files, you can also open previous version MicroStation files and AutoCAD files (.dwg or .dxf). This is designated under List Files of Type drop down.

Use the MicroStation Manager icons to move within folders, create a new folder, change the default MicroStation Manager look, create a new file, compress a file, and see past directory history.

 In workspace category, MicroStation has a flexibility to work on a project specific interface setting; one must use select user name, project and specified interfaced setting.

Seed files:

A seed file is MicroStation’s term for a template. When you hit File/New, MicroStation

makes a copy of your selected seed file and you give it a new name. The seed file can be used to standardize all new drawings that you create. That is because every new file that you create will have the same global origin, colour table, cell library attachments, working nits, views, etc. as those that are in the seed file.

A seed file is usually set by the client in their build / standards. The amount of information in  seed file is totally up to the client. It may contain it could contain drawing borders, font styles,line styles, right up to a full design