--- description: Review of MicroStation Software: system overview, features, price and cost information. Get free demos and compare to similar programs. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png title: MicroStation | Reviews, Pricing & Demos - SoftwareAdvice AU --- Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [3D Architecture Software](/directory/4314/3d-architecture/software) > [MicroStation](/software/200737/microstation) # MicroStation Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/200737/microstation Page: 1 / 8\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/200737/microstation?page=2) > MicroStation is an architectural CAD solution designed to help businesses in the construction, petroleum, mining and other sectors create, modify and visualize 2D and 3D designs. Administrators can create annotations, paper plots, 3D physical models and PDFs on a unified interface. The platform lets designers add 3D reality meshes, geospatial information and point clouds to create construction models. MicroStation allows creators to use built-in templates and include dimensions, symbols, lines and texts in drawings based on project-specific standards. Additionally, teams can analyze various properties of the object including slope and aspect angle to visualize designs in a centralized dashboard. MicroStation enables operators to select time-based animations, produce realistic movies and preview lifelike visualizations in real-time. Pricing is based on monthly subscriptions and support is extended via FAQs and online portal. > > Verdict: Rated **4.3/5** by 176 users. Top-rated for **Likelihood to recommend**. ----- ## Quick Stats & Ratings | Metric | Rating | Detail | | **Overall** | **4.3/5** | 176 Reviews | | Ease of Use | 4.0/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Customer Support | 4.0/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Value for Money | 4.1/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Features | 4.2/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Recommendation percentage | 80% | (8/10 Likelihood to recommend) | ## About the vendor - **Company**: Bentley Systems - **Location**: Exton, US - **Founded**: 1980 ## Commercial Context - **Starting Price**: USD 2,284.00 - **Pricing model**: Other (Free Trial) - **Pricing Details**: Quarterly term licensing is available, as is perpetual licensing. - **Target Audience**: Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000, 5,001–10,000, 10,000+ - **Deployment & Platforms**: Windows (Desktop) - **Supported Languages**: Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish - **Available Countries**: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize and 207 more ## Features - 2D Drawing - 3D Design & Modeling - 3D Imaging - 3D Modeling - Activity Dashboard - Animation - Annotations - Automatic Formatting - BIM Modeling - Bill of Materials Management - CAD Tools - Civil - Collaboration Tools - Comparison View - Compliance Management - Component Library - Content Library - Data Import/Export - Data Visualization - Design Analysis ## Support Options - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat ## Category - [3D Architecture Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/directory/4314/3d-architecture/software) ## Related Categories - [3D Architecture Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/directory/4314/3d-architecture/software) - [Engineering CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/directory/4321/engineering-cad/software) - [3D CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/directory/4384/3d-cad/software) - [Architectural CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/directory/4707/architectural-cad/software) ## Alternatives 1. 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For example, civil engineers can leverage MicroStation's road design tools to create accurate alignments, profiles, and cross-sections, optimising road infrastructure planning. While the software may have a learning curve, users often find it intuitive and easy to use once they become familiar with its interface. Integration with existing business processes is made easier due to MicroStation's compatibility with various file formats, facilitating seamless collaboration and data exchange. > > **Cons**: MicroStation, like any software, has areas that users find challenging or would like to see improved. Some users have encountered a learning curve when initially navigating the interface, but many find it intuitive and user-friendly once they become familiar with it. While MicroStation offers a wide range of features, some users have expressed a desire for additional advanced functionalities and enhancements to tools like rendering and parametric modelling. Integrating MicroStation with existing business processes can sometimes be complex, especially when dealing with intricate workflows or specific software requirements. However, with proper planning and support, effective integration can be achieved. It's important to note that these challenges are not universal, and MicroStation continues to evolve with updates and support, addressing user concerns and enhancing the overall user experience. > > MicroStation, a powerful CAD software, provides effective solutions to design and modelling challenges in architecture, engineering, and construction. With its versatile suite of tools, users can streamline infrastructure planning, create accurate designs for roads and bridges, and efficiently annotate drawings. The software's interoperability facilitates seamless data exchange and collaboration. Parametric modelling enables quick design modifications while preserving intent, increasing productivity. MicroStation's visualisation tools offer realistic representations for effective communication and decision-making. These benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced accuracy, improved collaboration, and immersive visualisation, make MicroStation a valuable asset in achieving successful project outcomes. ----- ### "MicroStation, good but could use some programing improvements" — 4.0/5 > **Verified Reviewer** | *27 January 2025* | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Recommendation rating: 7.0/10 > > **Pros**: I would say the biggest thing I like about MicroStation is how its final prints look, they come out looking crisp and precise that I have had trouble duplicating in other programs. The fact that it constantly autosaves is great. I also like the way it handles levels and the way seed files work. There are some great things about MicroStation. > > **Cons**: I least like things like some commands in MicroStation seems more like programing than just hitting a button that should do what you want it to do. Alot of the sequence of things seems backwards in MicroStation as well. > > After working with MicroStation for many years for client required projects, I have become efficient at using the platform, although there are many things I would change in the software to make it flow much easier. Some processes take too many steps that could be programed into one button. Overall, I can generate a great set of 2D documents. ----- ### "v8i - An archaic drafting software" — 3.0/5 > **Audrey** | *17 December 2021* | Civil Engineering | Recommendation rating: 5.0/10 > > **Pros**: The geographic projects settings are very useful in comparison to competitor software. Microstation v8i has a feature that lets you project coordinate systems. This is extremely useful when dealing with different client coordinate systems. > > **Cons**: The layout and commands of this software are very old fashioned and not intuitive at all. Commands consist of number and letter, although there is an option for allowing key-ins. Remembering the corresponding numbers and letters for commands can be challenging when in a rush and working at fast pace. If you can't remember the commands, then you can use the toolbars. By end of one hour, your right hand and shoulder using the mouse has undergone an intense workout. Your fingers will become very powerful. Using key-ins instead requires long commands. There is a separate save button for saving settings like display and view options. If you forget to press save AND save settings, you'll have to redo your setup when you reopen the drawing. Obvious settings are hidden. Simple commands like the selection tools are random letters like yuihjkl;. If you then try to work with Microstation Connect edition, commands are completely different. This is not a beginner friendly software. There is a lack of training resources and it's only learnable if someone holds your hand and walks you through. > > MicroStation is one of the most frustrating drafting softwares I have had to work with. If you plan on implementing it and have many new users, be sure to provide adequate training and budget for time wasted on the steep learning curve. ----- ### "Functionality and User frieindly" — 5.0/5 > **Verified Reviewer** | *21 October 2019* | Recreational Facilities & Services | Recommendation rating: 9.0/10 > > **Pros**: what i like most about microstation it have alot of operations can be done through microstation drawing, 3d modeling, making charts and work sheets. without haaving to close and open another appliation. also i can visualize my work, hide, display or clip my design without deleting or removing any item. also microstation dynamic reference makes it easy to update all my drawings and sheets (3D\&2D) with only updating design model. most of all it is Auto-save CAD application. and i can record each change i do on me my design and recall this changes. > > **Cons**: workspace, worksets configurations and design file settings needs to be more easy to understand > > visualizing and modeling point cloud data and reality meshes. microstation have separete module for each and lots or fundtion that can extract data. also reads several formats of point cloud which means i dont have to use another application and allow point cloud classifications with alot of features and specs ----- ### "Must have software if you work with DOT" — 5.0/5 > **Aditya** | *25 April 2021* | Civil Engineering | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10 > > **Pros**: Integration of MicroStation with State Departments' rules and regulations is one of the best features that it has. I have been using MicroStation for Road design for different state DOTs. MicroStation provides you the ability for Parametric modeling of infrastructure projects. It helps to reduce repetitive work and make it efficient for designers and engineers. Microstation has helped me to design and deliver projects according to DOT's requirements. > > **Cons**: MicroStation is expensive software to have for a single person to design infrastructure projects. It is difficult to get training in the software as you can get it only if you are going to use it for state projects. The ability to understand and make it work the way you want is very limited. > > MicroStation has been a lifesaver for me for Road Projects. I had used AutoCAD for Raod Design and it was very tedious work. MicroStation is easy with Complex Road Alignment, Vertical and Horizontal alignment, cross-section development, Profile Design, and quantity survey. Your single model design can all of it. It reduces the use of other software and programs. ----- Page: 1 / 8\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/200737/microstation?page=2) ## Links - [View on SoftwareAdvice](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/200737/microstation) ## This page is available in the following languages | Locale | URL | | de | | | en | | | en-AU | | | en-GB | | | en-IE | | | en-NZ | | | fr | | ----- ## Structured Data