DGN File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Format Name MicroStation Design File
Extension .dgn
MIME Type application/vnd.dgn
Developed by Bentley Systems
First Released 1980s
Latest Version V8
File Type Binary
Primary Association CAD, Engineering, Architectural Design
Supports 2D / 3D? Both
Modelling Type Vector
Main Usage Design documentation and modelling in architecture, engineering, and construction
Layer Support Yes
Compression Not traditionally, but possible through external means
Unicode Support Yes
Multi-User Collaboration Supported through workspaces and reference file attachments
Custom Line Styles Yes
Embedded Raster Images Yes
Dimensioning and Annotations Supported
Geo-referencing Supported
Programming/Scripting Support Yes, through MDL (MicroStation Development Language)
Backward Compatibility With older versions, often requiring conversion