How to Open a DGN File

DGN files are in a 2-D or 3-D drawing format proprietary to the Bentley MicroStation construction design software. Although you can definitely use MicroStation to open DGN files, it is a premium tool with a list price, as of publication date, of $6,290. Taking this into consideration, you might instead use Bentley View V8i, a free tool, if you just want to open DGN files and not create or edit them.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Open your favorite web browser and navigate to Bentley's official website. Click the "Free Downloads" menu item and select "Bentley View" from the resulting page. Click the green "Download" button, select your language and save the file anywhere on your hard drive.
   • 2
     Double-click the setup file to start the installation. Follow the simple on-screen instructions and finish the installation.

     • 3
       Double-click the Bentley View executable file to start the software. The main Bentley View window will appear.
     • 4
       Go to "File" and select "Open" to open a DGN file. Use the file browser to locate and highlight the file.
     • 5
       Click "OK" to open the DGN file in Bentley View. Wait for all resources to load and the contents of the file will load on your screen.