DGN File Extension
MicroStation Design Format
- File Type dgn
- Developer Bentley Systems
- Popularity
- Application MicroStation
- Category CAD, CAM and CAE Files
What is a DGN file?
Files with the DGN extension are specifically tied to MicroStation Design Format, a CAD, CAM and CAE Files type, and there are 148 files in this category.
Bentley, the developer of the MicroStation Design Format (DGN), has released file format and 9 programs designed to handle them.
DGN files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows. There are 10 programs available to open a DGN file, including popular tools like MicroStation, ArcGIS and Intergraph Process, Power & Marine.
Programs that support DGN files
How to open a DGN file?
If you are having trouble opening a DGN file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
MicroStation, ArcGIS and Intergraph Process, Power & Marine are among the most widely used programs for handling DGN files. To set up the newest version of MicroStation on your device, simply go to the official Bentley website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign MicroStation as the default app for DGN files.
Set MicroStation as the default DGN program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired DGN file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to MicroStation. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change default programs in Windows
- To get started, right-click your DGN file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- In the pop-up window, select the MicroStation application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening DGN files.
How to edit a DGN file?
To modify DGN files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit cad, cam and cae files. Online DGN editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for MicroStation Design Format.
Best DGN editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended DGN editors.
| DGN Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MicroStation | Bentley | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (46 reviews) |
| Intergraph Process, Power & Marine | Intergraph | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| ArcGIS | Esri | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
Convert files to and from DGN
If you struggle with a DGN file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as DXF, DWG, JPEG, IGS, STEP or other similar file types.
It is important to understand that converting a DGN file might limit certain functions, but this conversion is usually reversible.
Convert DGN to other file formats
Converting Files to DGN Format
Solve problems with DGN files
If you encounter issues with DGN files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the steps to repair a damaged DGN file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged DGN file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged cad, cam and cae files.
How can I determine if my DGN file is damaged?
The signs of corrupted DGN cad, cam and cae files can manifest as:
- Trying to work with the archive in MicroStation or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the DGN file;
- The file shows slow performance when edited in MicroStation;
What are the reasons behind MicroStation crash?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of MicroStation crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Bentley products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.