MicroStation and Land F/X

Although Land F/X is exclusively a plugin (add-on) for AutoCAD, many of our clients work with consultants who either provide or require MicroStation DGN files. AutoCAD includes the native ability to import and export DGN files. Most of our users who complete work on projects that require MicroStation have reported no issues either importing or exporting.

Of note, of course, is the recent AutoCAD bug regarding DGN linetypes. We have provided a fix for this issue, along with other potential problems related to drawing corruption, by developing our Nuke tool. In the past, we have also provided custom scripts to process Land F/X files. These scripts have allowed our users to match any requirements built into the process of exporting to a DGN file.

For more information on dealing with issues caused by DGN linetypes, please visit the following documentation sections:

• Cleaning Files With the Nuke Tool
• The Nuke Tool and DGN Linetypes
• Manual Drawing Cleanup (You can complete these steps if you are uncomfortable using the Nuke tool.)

Importing DGN Files

You can import a DGN file into CAD in one of two ways:

• Type DGNIMPORT in the Command line. This will to convert the DGN file to a DWG file.
• Type XREF in the Command line to turn the DGN into an underlay within the current drawing. The DGN will remain in its original file format but be attached to your drawing as an Xref.

For more information, see the official Autodesk solution for Importing DGN MicroStation Files.

Autodesk Recommendations for DGN Files

Autodesk offers a few specific recommendations to follow when creating drawings using MicroStation. Following these recommendations will streamline the transition between MicroStation and CAD.

• Each design model should be its own separate DGN file.
• Design models should not reference sheet models.
• If possible, do not include custom objects and MicroStation-unique items in your drawings – or use them as little as possible.
• When including patterns, try to keep them relatively simple.
• Use TrueType fonts instead of SHX fonts.
• When selecting a style for dimensions and text, do not select "none." Instead, select one of the available styles.
• Keep DimStyles (dimension styles) as simple as possible.
• Try to complete the bulk of your work in either DWG or DGN. Avoid transitioning back and forth.
• When you go to import or reference a DGN file in a DWG file, match the units you have set in the DWG in both master units and sub-units. 

For more requirements and recommendations from Autodesk pertaining to DGN files, see the Autodesk article About Importing MicroStation DGN Files.