Tips to open DGN file

Can't open the DGN file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DGN files as well as a list of programs that support DGN files.

DGN file extension

File Name MicroStation Design Format
File Developer Bentley Systems
File Category CAD Files

The DGN file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DGN files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DGN file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DGN file?

A .DGN file is a CAD family file. It contains a technical project (drawing). It is based on the Intergraph Standard File Format (ISFF) or V8 DGN. It is customary to store architectural designs in these files. The format is believed to be related to Bentley Systems MicroStation software, however, it can be opened and modified by most CAD family applications. Some software requires that the file be converted to its native format before opening it. This is done automatically.

How to open DGN file?

An often recurring problem with MicroStation Design Format is that DGN is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file DGN to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DGN file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install TurboCAD

The first step is to check if the computer has the TurboCAD program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name TurboCAD in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support DGN files.

Step 2. Create association of TurboCAD with DGN files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the DGN file still does not use the TurboCAD program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the DGN file with the TurboCAD application.

Step 3. Update TurboCAD to the latest version

If, despite the association of the TurboCAD program with the MicroStation Design Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the IMSI/Design, LLC. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DGN file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DGN file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our DGN file. Sometimes virus-infected DGN files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DGN files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DGN file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Bentley Systems, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DGN files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move DGN to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the DGN file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DGN file again. However, some background programs may block the DGN file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.