DGN files in AutoCAD

Hello all:

I am wondering if anyone could help me, I have been sent a base plan which I need to add my drawings too, however the base plan was created in Microstation and is a DGN file. I am wondering if there is a way to open it in Auto CAD, I have autocad 2009 as well as civil 3d 2009. i have searched the net as well as other forums and no one has given anyone like a step by step on how to do it, they throw around suggestions regarding autocad 2002 being able to open it, but then they say no that doent work, can someone tell me if this is possible to do, or if the person saving the microstation work can save it in a way for me to open it in my AutoCAD.

Thanks so much!

I use import in the command line. Im sure theres other ways.

Only recently I produced a step-by-step guide how to 'work' with DGN files in AutoCAD.

To summarise:

1. Enter IMPORT at the command line. Ensure that Micro Station DGN (*.dgn) is selected from the drop down list of ‘Files of type’.Select the .dgn file you wish to convert.

2. In the box that appears:

Ensure ‘Model’ is selected from the ‘design model from the DGN file’

Ensure ‘Translate references to DWG xrefs’ is selected.

Ensure ‘Master units’ is selected.

Ensure ‘Explode text nodes to text elements’ is selected.

Select OK.

3. This will open a new drawing. In the new drawing, click Format ØPoint Style.

Ensure the . (top left hand box) is selected. Click OK.

4. Save / print / view, as you would normally.

Thanks very much that step by step worked wonderfully! i will defaintly keep that on hand for the future!

Thanks again!

Hi,

I have got to do the same here but I cannot see .dgn?

All I see is WMF, ACIS and 3D Studio?

I am running CAD 2007.

Please help!!

Regards,

Daz,

As far as I know the feature was added in 2008. It's not available on my copy of Vanilla 07.

I wonder if any of the readers or other software will convert for free. Or maybe some other users would be willing to convert the file for you if all circumstance is permissible.

Hi All,

I am running Topobase 2009 now.

I am trying to import a DGN File but for some reason I get 'The mapping setup file or file location is read only'.

I cannot open the file. Has anyone encountered this?

Can anyone offer a solution at all?

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Daz.

Hey Daz,

I am experiencing the similar issue of, "The Mapping Setup file or file location is marked read-only."

Did you get a solution for the same?

Try directing the file to a read-write folder via the DGNMAPPINGPATH variable.