Prepare a DGN for an Import-DGN Basic Technology Translation

Units

Import-DGN (Basic) does not attempt to interpret the unit settings automatically. It is worth checking the settings in MicroStation to understand what Import-DGN (Basic) units setting is appropriate.

Large Cells

Some dgn files are structured with a highly nested cell structure, with very few top-level elements. Import-DGN uses the top-level elements to help structure the model in the Design macro, so if a large model is composed of a very few cells with complex contents, it is best to use the MicroStation Drop Element tool (using the drop complex option) to drop these until the top-level elements are no more complex than the user wants to put into a single subequipment or substructure element in Design.

Shared Cells

Import-DGN (Basic) cannot translate shared cells, in MicroStation use the Drop Element tool to drop all Shared Cells to Geometry. (In the case where shared cells are nested, this may need to be done more than once).

Smart Solids

Import-DGN (Basic) cannot translate MicroStation Smart Solids, the MicroStation Drop Element tool can be used to drop all Solids to Surfaces.

Feature Solids

Import-DGN (Basic) cannot translate some MicroStation Feature Solids. The MicroStation Solid Utilities: Convert to Solid tool can be used to convert these to Smart Solids, and follow the instructions above.

File Format

If using MicroStation V8 or newer, use Save As on the file menu to save in "MicroStation V7 DGN files" format.

Input/Output Files

Use the Import-DGN window to choose the input and output files.

Input File(s)

• Add one or more files to the DGN File(s) list by clicking Browse

• Remove files from the list by selecting them, and then click Remove

• Click Clear to remove all files from the list.

Output File

• Click Browse to select a macro or model file for output

• If the required folder displays, type a file name directly, but it must not be the same as the message file, if any

• If the Overwrite checkbox is selected, the output file can be overwritten without warning.

Output Messages

Choose a file for the output messages, in the same way as selecting the output file.

Note:
The Output Messages field is optional