# MicroStation Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is MicroStation the right Engineering CAD solution for you? Explore 176 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/192416/Booksy/reviews --- MicroStation 4.3 (176) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/192416/MicroStation/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated April 15th, 2026 # Reviews of MicroStation Ease of use 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews JR Julius R Senior Technical DesignerConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Pull down menus, ribbons and command palettes are easy to use and they are helpful in speeding up drafting works and coordination of drawings are not that difficult.“ November 13, 2024 NK Nina K DesignerDesign, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “When referencing AutoCAD files (what we need quite often) - sometimes it does not work, needs transfer AutoCAD files into Microstation“ January 5, 2024 Kevin S BIM ManagerMechanical or Industrial Engineering, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “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.“ January 27, 2025 Chris B Project EngineerCivil Engineering, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Lots of crashes, software can be slow, 3D renders are dated.“ May 9, 2023 JR Julius R Senior Technical DesignerConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I have used Microstation for 5 years and it has delivered what you expect from it when it comes to 2D drafting and documentation.“ November 13, 2024 GB Garrett B Director of OperationsPackaging and Containers, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It only works on Windows computers making it hard to deploy in a multi OS environment.“ November 4, 2022 Arturo S Associate DirectorCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “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.“ June 12, 2023 Ronnel S Student Architecture & Planning, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “Not able to see how to draw 360 degrees circle using micro database“ January 4, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 176 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Arshad R. Student Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "MicroStation" October 12, 2021 5.0 I primarily use MicroStation mostly for CAD and like it die to its powerful but yet lightweight processing engine. Pros MicroStation appeals to me in every way. Text styles, dimension styles, references, and line styles are among the software's most intriguing features, all of which may be easily altered. Highways can be built in a variety of ways, including with extensive building plans. It is the most trustworthy and high-quality software on the market. The best thing about this show is that it never lets you down. The platform is fairly stable and does not crash all that often. It's good that there aren't any enormous tags on the screen. The various view tabs are useful because moving between them is simple. On the internet, there are a plethora of videos to choose from. The extent to which xRefs can be customized is astounding. Cons The user interface is not very user-friendly or intuitive. Some tasks are simple to do yet need a bit more work in it. Internal programming is used for 3D mouse control, however it does not cover all of the features. Dealing with computer issues is exhausting. The vast majority of first-level IT response is based in Asia, and responses can take up to a day because of which smaller issues may take more than required time to get sorted. Review Source aA ahmed A. student Media Production Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "the software you must be having when working with DOT" October 18, 2021 5.0 a lifesaver for Road Projects Pros one of the best features that it has is Integration with State Departments' rules and regulations.It helps to reduce repetitive work and make it efficient for designers and engineers. Cons it is really expensive for asingle person projects and hard to train on Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Parametric Design ability, Quantity Survey, Earthwork calculations ease, Integrated State Laws parameters Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Engineer Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "3D AutoCAD" September 13, 2022 2.0 I was able to make some parts for cars that I needed Pros It was concise and professional and easy to use Cons It was costly and time-consuming and sometimes very frustrating Reason for choosing MicroStation No I have switched from one to another just to keep up to date Review Source Michael M. Owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great CAD product which has evolved into the strongest available" January 29, 2018 5.0 Ease of project creation and distribution. The ability to open DGN files that date back to the 90's as well as other formats. Pros MicroStation has great file sizes. Compared to competitors, MS file sizes are a fraction. The amount of control for many of the elements is beyond comparison! Text styles, dimension styles, references, and linestyles can be controlled and manipulated to the greatest extent. This allows for easy use of these objects. Printing in MS is the most reliable, and predictable, of any CAD product I have used. Some products will shift the print from one user to another, even if the same printer is used. MicroStation can/will overcome simple obstacles and yield the same results from printer to printer. Cons Some tools that exist in other CAD platforms need to be implemented in MS. The ability to select an element and trigger a tool that would then select similar objects based on type, level, color, etc. The Select by Attributes tool available is nice and highly functional, but requires too many clicks. Review Source Calvin "Kal" M. Project Development Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I have been using Microstation to design Highways and complete construction drawings since 1994." January 26, 2018 4.0 Microstation with GEOPAK is a COMPLETE Highway Design and Construction Plans Production Package. All needed tools are included from Survey Data Reduction to As-Build Plans Preparation. I would never switch from Microstation to AutoCAD! Pros The command set and menu has not changed dramatically in last 20 years. So as improved versions are released, there is never a completely new interface to learn. The existing drawing command still work in the new releases. New functionality is added on top of existing tools. Complete tools for design drawing standardization and detailed construction quantity takeoff are unique to Microstation with GEOPAK. The Autodesk Civil3D do not have the same capabilities for quantity measurement, takeoff, and tabulation. Cons The high cost of each design seat to use the software license. The competition has an LT version for less cost. But you get what you pay for. Microstation with GEOPAK is the MOST complete and advance highway design software available. Review Source Korina Shayne G. Warehouse manipulator Warehousing Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "MICROSTATION at EASE!" October 28, 2021 5.0 CADD production -when exporting it. The constancy and the effort to keep the platform relatively the same over many versions. Element selection, snap control all work properly. Pros The most impactful is the advancement and intelligence in draftings for any infrastructure professionals that projects to any scale and complexity. The flexibility can give each member of the team the right application to get their work done. Cons Higher purchasing cost, a little expensive ,few quirks do exist. A few tools to be updated and adding a publish type tool for publishing several drawings at a time. Review Source James W. Software Engineer Used the software for: 2+ years ### "MicroStation is no doubt the best software working for the development of 3D models. " July 18, 2018 5.0 Pros The file sizes in MicroStation is great. One can easily control the dimension styles, references, text styles and line styles.It is very stable.For daily production it is the main platform.Integrating with the advancement of new technologies, the future of MicroStation software is very bright. MicroStation software allows us to open and covert AutoCad files. Cons The price of MicroStation license is very high but I know it is absolutely because of its quality. So there are no specific cons but there should be some different line styles and font styles.There should be some improvements in word editor. Whatever any thing is, this software no doubt improves our modelling skills. Review Source Craig G. Roadway Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use with lots of other capabilities " January 23, 2018 4.0 The easy creation of a 3D model has helped convey design aspects to non-engineers and the public. Pros They have a lot of support videos of community forums that have been really helpful on resolving issues or finding best practices for each particular use. The file format makes opening and switching between files much quicker than autocad. Cons No complaints about microstation itself but they have been making a lot of improvements and changes to their 3D package. It's been a difficult to keep up with the all the changes as an original geopak user. Once I got used to the new tools it an helped my efficiency working on projects. Review Source Natalia B. Software Engineer Used the software for: 2+ years ### "This software is really a blessing in my work, and it has made my work every time easier for me." July 13, 2018 5.0 Pros Easy to use with the friendly users. It's multiple screens helps the user to copy items and  find stuff on the screen. MicroStation is the best software which allows us to open and convert Autocad files. Dialogue box and reference manager are the great features that this software has. So I would say this is versatile with many functionality. Cons If i talk about the cost license of MicroStation is a little high but i also know that is because of its quality.There are no complaints about itself even they are improving and bringing some innovations about 3D packages . Review Source Barb H. Drafting Technician Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I have been working with MicroStation for over 8 years now. I really like the program." January 23, 2018 4.0 Pros Easy to use help is easy to use and get the help you need the features it has are exactly what I need to complete my day to day activities Easy to search for features snapping is great functions to what I need Able to bring in almost any format that I have access to Cons Not able to export to Excel Not able to export to ArcMap sometimes it drops tags, I have had it delete every tag in a project, and have it unrecoverable. Some other glitches like, changing something, saving it. Then later going back and having it not save it at all. Review Source TC Tara C. Researcher's Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent CAD software platform for 2D & 3D design and drafting" February 2, 2023 5.0 Businesses use MicroStation to reduce costs, speed up processes, and increase productivity. Benefits include faster delivery of design and construction drawings, better document management, improved accuracy, augmented collaboration capabilities, increased ability to visualize projects through 3D modeling, and improved project performance. Pros The most impactful features of MicroStation include its powerful 3D modeling capabilities, its versatile customization options, its advanced rendering features, and its easy-to-navigate user interface.MicroStation is easy to use once you become familiar with its features and interface. Additionally, MicroStation includes helpful documentation and tutorials to help users get comfortable with the software. Integration with existing business processes is generally straightforward with MicroStation. The software allows users to open and interact with 3rd party solutions. Cons Features that may be missing or could be improved in MicroStation include, Improved 3D visualization and manipulation capabilities, Improved collaboration tools, such as dedicated chatrooms, Improved support for scripting and custom application development, Additional customization options for user interfaces, The ability to natively read and export industry-standard file formats. Certain aspects of the product can be challenging to use, primarily due to the complexity of the software. There is a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with powerful CAD software. Integration with existing business processes can depend on how the organization is structured and how much of a hardware/software foundation is in place. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Project Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Standard Practice for Design" May 9, 2023 4.0 Pros The software has taken huge strides with Connect Edition, integrating design software into one working space Cons Lots of crashes, software can be slow, 3D renders are dated. Review Source CM Chad M. Principal Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Too Expensive" January 24, 2023 5.0 Love the software. The support is great. The license management is way to cumbersome and complicated. Way, way too expensive for a small company Pros Ease to use. Work with it for over 20 years. Support has always been helpful. Cons Way too expensive for a small company. It is a shame becasue I do like the software. Review Source AP Andrew P. project Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microstation review" April 12, 2021 4.0 Again I believe MicroStation is the best software out there for Highway design that I have used. I have tied AutoCad but have not been impressed. Pros I am in the Highway design industry which is where MicroStation excels when accompanied with GeoPak. I have been using MicroStation/GeoPak for 23+ years now and it has always been easy to use. Lately there has been some growing pains as it transitions to a new format call OpenRoads Designer Connect edition. Cons Lately, as mentioned above, Microstation has been transitioning over to OpenRoads Designer Connect edition which is been difficult at times to work with. Although the format has changed they have been pretty good at trying to set it up similarly to what we are used to. Still there are issues though some may be caused with Ohio DOT trying to setup functionality as well. it has been a struggle as of late but from past experience i believe the bugs will all be worked out. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Geospatial Specialist Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "3d mapping" November 9, 2021 5.0 Pros MicroStation is the best product out there for 3d mapping. It works very well with several important add ons. Cons A couple of manipulation tools seem a little flaky in 3d. Review Source SK Steve K. Marketing Airlines/Aviation Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best 2d and 3D autocad SOFTWARE" December 23, 2022 5.0 I would recommend this software Pros Generally, it's an incredible program for experts and not such a huge amount for novices since it gives elements and functionalities which is awesome. Cons There are no prompts that make sense of what you are fouling up, rather the program simply crashes, passing on the client to think about how he needs to make the program work. Review Source SC Sam C. Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Still can't understand why Bentley forced Connect from V8i" November 23, 2021 5.0 Used to love it with V8i. Not sure yet when it comes to Connect version Pros This is one of our primary accu drawing tool for years. Functions cover almost all needs for civil plan drawings Cons As a long-time user, the recent, forced change from V8i to Connect version presented significant changes to the interface - the menu of the tools is completely re-organized. Many of the habits established over years of work are forced to change. With all these negative impacts, the functions don't seem to improve. So what's the point? There are also bugs such as printing transparency and live reference that prevent users from easy workout like in the discarded V8i version. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Pavement Analysis and Design Engineer Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I thought I was an AutoCAD devotee until I met MicroStation" July 3, 2018 5.0 Pros Excellent array of civil tools, great for structures, best training available through Bentley Learn, compatible with all Bentley programs, easy to create everything from sketches to plan sets Cons Harder to use than other CAD software I've used (but so, so very worth it), requires seed files for best results, can be expensive to implement for small firms. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer National Account Manager Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Easy to use and incredibly functional. It has led to significant increased in productivity. " June 5, 2018 5.0 Pros MicroStation has many advanced parametric modeling features we just haven't found anywhere else. Our professionals are presented with lots of data and are easy able to model them. Our workflow has strengthened and our quality of work has increased. Cons Any time we bring on new applications, we consider the impact it has on our current workflow. But once we began using MicroStation fully, it became clear that the integration between many specific programs would not be an issue. Review Source JW James W. Drafting Technician Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Fantastic Software" October 21, 2019 5.0 I personally started out on AutoCAD by Autodesk for my drafting experience and I switched to MicroStation when I started working for National Grid and I have had nothing but great things to say about MicroStation. This software is much more user friendly. Pros The most beneficial tool in MicroStation is the ease of finding support. Questions are easily answered by typing in what you want help on, there are plenty of quick keys and YouTube videos to assist you. Also the MicroStation support team is always willing to help with quick response time Cons I do not have any bad things to say about Bentley or MicroStation. I have never had a problem Review Source CM Collin M. Civil Engineer - EIT Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "My preference in highway design software" October 21, 2019 4.0 I used this software in my undergraduate classwork, and I enjoyed the learning process, even if the bentley learning studio is a little difficult to navigate. Pros I appreciate the tools available in InRoads Suite, for use with surfaces and geometry alignments when creating models or roadway elements. I currently use Microstation V8i as my current version, and it satisfies my companies needs for roadway highway design. Cons I have found some small bugs that will cause either an abrupt crash or a 'slow' crash that is more recoverable. I have heard that the CONNECT Edition is much less stable than the V8i version of Microstation, and for that reason our company has avoided switching to CONNECT for future projects, until bugs have been worked out. Review Source JD Jovan D. Digital Engineering Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microstation is the best CAD platform" October 21, 2019 5.0 Large scale infrastructure projects where some disciplines use AutoCAD & others use Microstation, the speed and advanced functionality (such as dealing with reference files) becomes clearly evident. Pros Speed and interoperability. Microstation supports many different file types and provides additional software for a wide range of engineering design disciplines. Cons Administration can seem confusing as there are so many different options. Reason for choosing MicroStation Microstation is faster (even when opening purely dwg projects), and supports greater interoperability. Review Source GB Garrett B. Director of Operations Packaging and Containers Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good option for 3d CAD" November 4, 2022 4.0 Pros Microstation is a great program for 3D CAD. The program is quick to get a hang of and has alot of features including rendering. Cons It only works on Windows computers making it hard to deploy in a multi OS environment. Review Source BL Brian L. President Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I have several copies of usta and it is very versatile." January 23, 2018 5.0 The use in a civil and structural design firm is invaluable for the daily design of projects. Pros The ability to interact with autocad and other cad systems directly. The system can interconnect with other programs that are available for highway design, structural design, drainage, etc. Cons As with any cad system, there is a learning curve. With each new version that comes out, they rearrange the location of the tools and they must be relearned. Review Source TP Tyler P. Sr Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for Civil Engineering" December 7, 2020 5.0 very positive Pros Microstation is a great CAD platform for civil engineering. When used with design software I much prefer microstation to autocad. I feel it fits civil engineering much better from everything from file structure to button assignments. Cons One con would be how button keyins change when design software is loaded. This can be worked around by changing your task but it seems there could be a better way Review Source Similar Products Featured