AutoCAD-AutoDeskMicrostation-Bentley

Convert files to mass AutoCAD / Microstation

It is common to find in the need to transform a large number of files in a massive way:

We received a project 45 dwg files in AutoCAD 20112 format. We know that these files can be read in AutoCAD 2010 and 2011 but if the computer where they are going to be viewed only has AutoCAD 2008, we need to convert them.

We pass 170 DGN files in v8 format and we need to pass them to dwg format so that they are processed by users of GIS programs that do not support this type of file.

We do not refer to a single file, which is usually done with Open / save as. For both cases, a solution is required and both AutoDesk and Bentley have it, albeit under different conditions:

With Bentley Systems

This functionality comes in any version of Microstation, It is executed from the top menu:

Utilities / Batch converter

Allows you to choose the destination path for the converted files. The fourth icon is used to add the files to be converted, it is interesting that not only can it be done to convert dgn files but also any of the supported formats: dgn v7, dgn v8, dwg, dxf, IGES (.igs), STEP ( .stp), .cgm, .x_t, .sat, .stl and even the conversion can be to any of these formats.

Autodesk true view

The task can then be saved for rerun at a later time. Quite practical, in the case of some processes that they occupy, it should be programmed so that each maintenance carried out on a map is exported to a web publication directory that occupies files in a specific extension. Of course, if you don't have Microstation, this process can be run with a trial version that lets you work for 15 minutes, enough time to carry out this type of process.

With AutoDesk.

In the case of AutoDesk, it has provided the free tool called True View. In this case I am using the version that has been released with AutoCAD 2012, When installing it, as for any version of AutoDesk 2012 it asks for an update of the .NET 4 Frame Work.

The functionalities are similar in several aspects to the Batch Converter of Microstation in terms of saving the Job list, Management of reference files and Purged of unnecessary data. This conversion is only at the level of dwg files, it allows to make transformations of the 5 different formats that this line has had from version 97: R14, 200, 2004, 2007 and 2010.

Autodesk true view

Conclusion

Both solutions solve the starting premises for users of the brands themselves. However there are significant differences:

In the case of Bentley, it has the advantage of being able to convert files to different formats, including widely used dwg, dgn and dxf. Of course, the version you convert it to seems to be based on a generic that can be read by any version of AutoCAD, including 200 and also GIS programs that recognize that version.

There is the disadvantage, that to be able to operate dwg files version 2010 it must be done with Microstation V8i, previous versions only recognize formats up to dwg 2007. The other disadvantage is that this routine requires to have a version of Microstation installed, although it can be a trial with option 15 minutes.

The case of AutoDesk, has the advantage of being able to convert to different dwg formats and also that it is a free tool.

The disadvantage that it cannot be done to other formats, not even to dxf. Also, this option is not included in AutoCAD, so programming routines within an application is more complex, which is easier with Microstation.

Golgi Alvarez

Writer, researcher, specialist in Land Management Models. He has participated in the conceptualization and implementation of models such as: National Property Administration System SINAP in Honduras, Management Model of Joint Municipalities in Honduras, Integrated Cadastre-Registry Management Model in Nicaragua, Territory Administration System SAT in Colombia . Editor of the Geofumadas knowledge blog since 2007 and creator of the AulaGEO Academy that includes more than 100 courses on GIS - CAD - BIM - Digital Twins topics.

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4 Comments

  1. Good afternoon, I need an answer to a big problem that came up today, I wanted to know if I can mass convert * IGS files or revit files to DWG / DXF files or SKP files from Sketchup directly. I need to convert about 16000 (yes, sixteen thousand) I really need an answer.
    Thank you

  2. I have a question, what option should I put in order to keep the relative location of the references?

  3. Update: AutoCAD 2012 brings a new functionality called dwg Connect, which allows you to convert files in a massive way.

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