Covert dgn to dwg

[toberino]

Can anyone suggest the best way to convert dgn files to dwg. I only have access to autocad not micrstation. Is the only way through a converter program? Are there any good free ones? Is there a way to do it without a seperate program?

Thanks for the help

[ReMark]

Why convert? AutoCAD has the ability to "import" DGN files.

[toberino]

Right...right after I posted this I realized that I could do that.

[KyleQM]

Or simply do a file>save as and change the extension from .dgn to .dwg

[ReMark]

Kyle: Wouldn't changing the file type result in a "Drawing file is not valid" error message?

That's why AutoCAD Help instructs the CAD tech to utilize the IMPORT command.

[KyleQM]

Not at all. I've never had an error message. While the norm is to use the IMPORT command, it's a shortcut.

[ReMark]

Well it failed to work for me so tell me what I did wrong. The file was a Version 8 .DGN type.

[KyleQM]

I'm not sure. I'm stuck out of town with AutoCAD 2011. When I change the file extension in Microstation V8 to .dwg I save it right to my desktop and then open it with AutoCAD. The versions between the two programs have compatibilty issues. If it doesn't work, that's the reason.

[ReMark]

DGN_Import.jpg
By using IMPORT doesn't the CAD tech have more control over certain settings?

[BlackBox]

I've not always had luck with importing DGN, despite the 'collaborative' effort of Autodesk + Bentley.

For example, I recently started a project based on FDOT (i.e., Microstation) CAD files, and importing yielded an empty drawing, yet I open that same source DGN in Microstation and it's full of entities. I've started using Microstation to Batch convert all DGN-->DWG myself, and it turns out better. Not sure if someone on the other end monkeyed around with the files before sending them, or not (there's animosity between our Microstation and AutoCAD users unfortunately).