Ratings and Reviews 593 Ratings
Ratings and Reviews 11 Ratings
What is MicroStation?
MicroStation is a high-performance CAD solution designed to boost organizational productivity and reduce infrastructure project risk. Engineering firms using MicroStation have reported a 30% reduction in Quality Assurance / Quality Control time thanks to its superior standards adherence and integrated collaboration tools. MicroStation accelerates project delivery by automating tasks in the creation of drawings, models, and visualizations directly from BIM data. Its seamless 2D/3D connection ensures that changes to a model are automatically reflected across all associated documentation, minimizing rework and human error. By supporting natively used formats like DWG without conversion, MicroStation eliminates the time-wasting manual re-entry of data. It is the strategic choice for organizations looking to transition from simple drafting to more efficient, data-driven workflows while maintaining a competitive edge in the infrastructure market.
What is AutoCAD?
Autodesk AutoCAD stands as the cornerstone of modern computer-aided design (CAD), providing professionals worldwide with the tools to create, visualize, and communicate with unmatched precision. For over four decades, it has defined the industry standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, empowering engineers, architects, and designers to turn ideas into reality. The latest AutoCAD 2026 release revolutionizes productivity through Autodesk AI, which automates design annotation, smart block placement, and markup translation—accelerating workflows from concept to documentation. Its cloud-connected environment, powered by Autodesk Docs, allows seamless collaboration and drawing management across distributed teams. Users benefit from seven specialized toolsets, tailored for industries like architecture, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, yielding an average 63% productivity gain. AutoCAD’s advanced customization capabilities, through AutoLISP scripting, APIs, and third-party integrations, give users complete control over their design environment. With AI-generated support, professionals can troubleshoot and optimize their designs directly within the workspace. The software’s flexibility extends to web and mobile platforms, enabling on-the-go access and real-time design review. From individual creators to enterprise-scale teams, AutoCAD remains essential for precision-driven projects and data-backed innovation. Backed by Autodesk’s ecosystem, it continues to push the boundaries of design intelligence and automation in the built world.
Integrations Supported
DWG TrueView
ProSteel
3Dfindit
Analyzer CAD
Apowersoft CAD Viewer
AutoMEP
Copernic Business Server Search
Ecobot
Lands Design
MagiCAD
API Availability
API Availability
Pricing Information
$1,208 per year
Pricing details:
MicroStation on SELECT
Starting Price: $1,208 per year
Best For: Organizations requiring flexible licensing and continuous support.
Key Features: This subscription includes license pooling, which allows users to share licenses across multiple computers. It provides access to software upgrades, technical support, and the ability to use "Term Licenses" to pay for additional software as needed without upfront perpetual costs.
MicroStation Virtuoso (Practitioner License)
Starting Price: $2,656 per year
Best For: Individual practitioners or teams that need both software and expert training.
Key Features: This 12-month named-user license is sold through Bentley’s Virtuosity eStore. It includes two "Virtuosity Keys" per license. These keys are credits that can be redeemed for expert services, such as 1-on-1 mentoring, customized training courses, and tailored on-demand learning to help users "hit the ground running."
MicroStation Enterprise 365
Starting Price: Custom Quote
Best For: Large organizations requiring comprehensive access to the Bentley portfolio.
Key Features: This program provides unlimited access to Bentley’s infrastructure applications. Licenses are typically managed on a "per-day" basis for named users or unique machines. It is designed to scale with the organization, offering global pricing and simplified administration for multidisciplinary teams.
MicroStation for Education
Starting Price: $0 for Students / $1,500 for Institutional Units
Best For: Students, educators, and academic institutions.
Key Features: Individual students and faculty members can generally access MicroStation for free through the Bentley Education portal. For university departments, an annual flat fee provides unlimited installations for use in labs and administrative units.
MicroStation on SELECT
Starting Price: $1,208 per year
Best For: Organizations requiring flexible licensing and continuous support.
Key Features: This subscription includes license pooling, which allows users to share licenses across multiple computers. It provides access to software upgrades, technical support, and the ability to use "Term Licenses" to pay for additional software as needed without upfront perpetual costs.
MicroStation Virtuoso (Practitioner License)
Starting Price: $2,656 per year
Best For: Individual practitioners or teams that need both software and expert training.
Key Features: This 12-month named-user license is sold through Bentley’s Virtuosity eStore. It includes two "Virtuosity Keys" per license. These keys are credits that can be redeemed for expert services, such as 1-on-1 mentoring, customized training courses, and tailored on-demand learning to help users "hit the ground running."
MicroStation Enterprise 365
Starting Price: Custom Quote
Best For: Large organizations requiring comprehensive access to the Bentley portfolio.
Key Features: This program provides unlimited access to Bentley’s infrastructure applications. Licenses are typically managed on a "per-day" basis for named users or unique machines. It is designed to scale with the organization, offering global pricing and simplified administration for multidisciplinary teams.
MicroStation for Education
Starting Price: $0 for Students / $1,500 for Institutional Units
Best For: Students, educators, and academic institutions.
Key Features: Individual students and faculty members can generally access MicroStation for free through the Bentley Education portal. For university departments, an annual flat fee provides unlimited installations for use in labs and administrative units.
Free Trial Offered?
Pricing Information
$1,268 per user per year
Free Trial Offered?
Supported Platforms
Windows
Supported Platforms
Windows
Mac
Customer Service / Support
24 Hour Support
Web-Based Support
Customer Service / Support
Standard Support
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Webinars
Online Training
On-Site Training
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Webinars
Company Facts
Organization Name
Bentley Systems
Date Founded
1984
Company Location
United States
Company Website
www.bentley.com/
Company Facts
Organization Name
Autodesk
Date Founded
1982
Company Location
United States
Company Website
www.autodesk.com
Categories and Features
3D Architecture
2D Drawing
Animation
BIM Modeling
Component Library
Data Import / Export
Landscape Design
Virtual Tour
3D Modeling
2D Drawing
Animation
Annotations
Bill of Materials
Character Modeling
Collaboration Tools
Component Library
Data Import / Export
For Architects
For Manufacturers
Reference Management
Simulation
Architectural CAD
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Architectural Symbol Library
Automatic Formatting
Comparison View
Design Templates
Drafting
Architecture
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
BIM Modeling
Bills of material
Building Information Modeling
Contact Management
Document Management
Drafting
Manufacturing Design Data
Presentation Tools
Visualization / Presentation
CAD
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Civil
Collaboration
Database Connectivity
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical
Hole Making
Mechanical
Presentation Tools
Spiral Output
Structural Engineering
User Defined Cycles
Civil Engineering
Not specified
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
CAD/CAM Compatibility
Import / Export Files
Integrated 3D Modeling
Construction Design
Not specified
Engineering
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Collaboration
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Presentation Tools
Structural Engineering
Public Works
Compliance Management
Document Management
Fixed Asset Management
Structural Engineering
Not specified
Categories and Features
3D Architecture
2D Drawing
Component Library
Data Import / Export
3D Modeling
2D Drawing
Collaboration Tools
Component Library
For Architects
For Manufacturers
AI CAD
Not specified
Architectural CAD
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Architecture
Bills of material
Building Information Modeling
Contact Management
Presentation Tools
Quotes/Proposals
CAD
2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Collaboration
Electrical
Civil Engineering
Not specified
Construction Design
Not specified
Electrical Design
CAD Tools
Collaboration
Document Generation
Electrical Parts Catalog
PLC Tools
Reusable Designs
Symbol Library
Floor Plan
Not specified
Industrial Design
Not specified
Interior Design
Not specified
Irrigation Design
Not specified
Land Survey
Not specified
Mechanical Engineering
Not specified
Product Design
Not specified
Site Plan
Not specified
Surface Modeling
Not specified