In addition to viewing 3D models, you can use Bentley View as a free CAD viewer with capabilities to search for objects, measure distances and areas accurately, and print drawings to scale with full fidelity, on every desktop, for free. You can easily open DWG and open DXF designs with the same fidelity as the authoring software. MicroStation is not available for Mac but there are some alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The most popular Mac alternative is FreeCAD, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked 13 alternatives to MicroStation and seven of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a.
Written by: Rod Wing
One of the many changes in the MicroStation CONNECT Workspace is that the former Project setting has been replaced by WorkSet. This is more than just a simple name change as design files in MicroStation CONNECT edition are associated with a WorkSet.
There are different methods to migrate MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries) Projects to MicroStation CONNECT WorkSets. Whichever method is used, associating the design files to the new WorkSets will be part of the process.
This association can be done manually by setting the correct WorkSet in MicroStation then opening each and every design file that belongs to that WorkSet. As each design file is opened you will be presented with the following dialog.
Simply take the default option to add the design file to the active WorkSet and click Open.
This can get tedious and time consuming very quickly. Fortunately, there is a new MicroStation key-in to help automate this process:
FILE ASSOCIATEWORKSET
Microstation Connect Manual
Microstation Connect Mac App
This key-in command will associate the active design file with the active WorkSet.
Create a Batch Process command file using this key-in and the FILEDESIGN key-in
Once you’ve created this simple command file it can be used in Batch Process to automate the process of adding design files to your new WorkSets.
Microstation Connect Cost
Note: When the non-associated design files are opened using Batch Process the Alert dialog is not displayed.
Here at EnvisionCAD we were all excited when MicroStation CONNECT Edition was released. We had been testing the technology preview releases, but seeing the general release got the inner geeks in us into overdrive.
When you go to the SELECT Fulfillment Center to download MicroStation CONNECT your first indication that this is a significant upgrade is that the MicroStation version number has jumped from v08.09.11 to v10.0.0 . While the MicroStation V8 file format remains the same, a lot of other things definitely have not. Before you decide to take the plunge for yourself we’ve listed the top five things you need to know before installing MicroStation CONNECT Edition.
1. MicroStation CONNECT Edition is only available for 64-bit operating systems
- Windows 7 and above
2. Workspace configurations will have to be redone
- The Interface setting has been removed
- The USER configuration level remains, but users can no longer select between multiple User configurations
- The PROJECT configuration level has been replaced by WORKSET
- The SITE configuration level has been replaced by ORGANIZATION
- WORKSPACE and ROLE configuration levels have been added
3. Custom add-on macros and applications
- MicroStation BASIC macros will no longer function and have to be rewritten in another supported language
- MDL and Native code applications will have to be recompiled
- VBA applications will still function, but may require some modification
- Updates to the MicroStation-based vertical applications (GEOPAK, InRoads, Descartes, Map, etc.) will be required to function with MicroStation CONNECT
4. Task menus have been replaced with a Ribbon-style interface.
- Custom toolboxes and pull-down menus can be moved to display on the ribbon
- Positional keyboard mapping shortcuts have been replaced by a new pop-up menu
- AccuDraw shortcuts are integrated into Home position – no more worry about which dialog has focus
- Users will need training to become familiar with the new interface
5. Tag Elements are no more
- Tag Elements have been replaced by Item Types
- Tag Reports have been replaced with a new Report tool
Make no mistake, the upgrade to MicroStation CONNECT Edition will be a major undertaking for your organization.
You don’t have to tackle this alone. Whether it’s workspace configurations, custom add-on application development, custom menus, user training, or other assistance – WE CAN HELP! CONTACT US when you start planning your upgrade to make this as smooth a transition as possible.