Imports DGN design files (created by Microstation from Bentley Systems) as entities.
Accessing the Command
Keyboard: dgnimport
Menu: File | Import, and then select DGN format
: DgnImport
Displays the Import dialog box:
-
Choose a DGN file.
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Click Open. BricsCAD converts the Microstation elements into BricsCAD entities using the settings described below.
Command Options
Option | Description |
File name | Chose a DGN file from the dialog box |
Open | Opens the selected DGN file in the current drawing as entities, such as lines and blocks |
Cancel | Cancels the operation |
Microstation Jargon
Microstation has its own vocabulary:
Microstation Term |
BricsCAD Equivalent Term |
Element | Entity or object |
Shape, complex shape | Polyline |
Text node | Empty text field to be filled in later |
Design model | Model space |
Active model | Current view of the model |
Sheet model | Paper space |
Cell | Block |
Level | Layer |
Resource files | Support files, such as fonts and line types |
Line style | Linetype |
If an element (entity) is filled, then BricsCAD makes a hatch of it.
DGN Settings
Settings determine how this command converts design files to DWG format. In the Settings dialog box, search for "DgnImp":
Setting |
Description |
DgnImp2dClosedBSplineCurveImportMode |
Determines how to convert closed 2D b-splines:
|
DgnImp2dEllipseImportMode2D |
Determines how to convert ellipses:
|
DgnImp2dShapeImportMode |
Determines how to convert 2D shapes and 2D complex shapes:
Microstation uses the words “shape” and “complex shape” for polyline elements. |
DgnImp3dClosedBSplineCurveImportMode |
Determines how to convert closed 3D b-spline curves:
|
DgnImp3dEllipseImportMode |
Determines how to convert 3D ellipses:
|
DgnImp3dObjectImportMode |
Determines how to convert 3D elements:
Microstation uses the word "element" for entities or objects. |
DgnImp3dShapeImportMode |
Determines how to convert 3D shapes and 3D complex shapes:
A Microstation "shape" and "complex shape" is like a polyline in BricsCAD. |
DgnImpBreakDimensionAssociation |
Determines if dimensions loose their associativity upon import:
|
DgnImpConvertDgnColorIndicesToTrueColors |
Determines how Microstation colors are mapped to BricsCAD colors:
Microstation assigns color numbers to colors that are different from BricsCAD:
|
DgnImpConvertEmptyDataFieldsToSpaces |
Determines how empty field values are handled:
|
DgnImpEraseUnusedResources |
Determines how to import unreferenced elements, such as text styles and linetypes:
|
DgnImpExplodeTextNodes |
Determines how to handle text nodes (empty text fields):
Microstation uses text nodes as empty fields that are used to reserve space for text that will be added later, and so the length of the text is not yet known.
|
DgnImpImportActiveModelToModelSpace |
Determines how active spaces are handled:
Microstation uses the phrase “design model” for model space, and “active model” for the current view of a model.
|
DgnImpImportInvisibleElements |
Determines how invisible elements (entities) are handled:
|
DgnImpImportPaperSpaceModels |
Determines how to import sheet models (paper space):
Microstation uses the phrase “sheet model” for paper space.
|
DgnImpImportViewIndex |
Determines DGN view settings:
Microstation uses the word “level” for layers; a "mask" hides content in areas or levels/layers.
|
DgnImpRecomputeDimensionsAfterImport |
Determines how to handle dimensions:
|
DgnImpSymbolResourceFiles |
Specifies the paths to folders holding DGN and RSC files
Microstation uses RSC resource files to store fonts, line styles, and so on.
|
DgnImpXRefImportMode |
Determines how to import reference attachments:
Microstation uses the word “cell” for blocks.
|
Related Commands
Import - imports files in a variety of file formats.