CAD/BIM Tips & Tricks
How To Easily (and Accurately) Convert DGN to DWG
21 August 2024
If you’ve ever disappointedly eyed a MicroStation® design file that was translated from AutoCAD®, inwardly groaned and thought to yourself, “Oh, for the love of Pete,” you know the pain of DWG to DGN conversions (or vice versa).
In the world of CAD, exchanging files between different software programs is a constant necessity. But for MicroStation users working with colleagues or clients who rely on AutoCAD, converting DGN files to DWG (or vice versa) can be a frustrating dance with inaccuracy. And it can result in hours spent fixing the files when there are a million other things you’d rather be doing — such as getting out of the office early enough to have dinner at home, instead of working late while attempting to digest the questionable takeout from the grease pit on the corner.
While both MicroStation and AutoCAD are powerhouses in the CAD industry, their file formats speak different languages.
While digestive issues could reasonably be added to the list of side effects caused by poorly executed translations, here’s a breakdown of the typical difficulties encountered during DGN to DWG translation. If they (or the indigestion) sound familiar, it’s time for change. Why not make your life easier, work more efficiently and improve your project accuracy at the same time?
The Difficulties of DGN to DWG Translation
While both MicroStation and AutoCAD are powerhouses in the CAD industry, their file formats (DGN and DWG) speak different languages. Here’s why a seemingly simple translation can quickly turn into a conversion challenge:
Need to convert a mountain of DGN or DWG files?
- Lost Data: The conversion process might not translate all elements perfectly, leading to missing information or inconsistencies in the DWG file. This can include lost text formatting, line styles or cell definitions.
- Inaccurate Geometry: Complex geometric elements within the DGN file might not translate accurately to DWG, causing errors in dimensions or object shapes within the converted file.
- Formatting Headaches: Line styles, text fonts and layer structures within the DGN file might not map directly to their DWG counterpart, requiring significant manual adjustments in the converted file.
The bottom line is that you need to manually fix inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the translated DWG file, which steals hours of valuable design time.
Translation Manager: Your Bridge Between DGN and DWG
If you want to speed up the translation process and make it a whole lot easier, it’s time to deploy Translation Manager™. This software offers a powerful and user-friendly solution for seamless and accurate DGN to DWG (and vice versa) conversions. Here’s how it can help you:
- Preserve Data Integrity: Translation Manager prioritizes maintaining the original data within your DGN (or DWG) file. It utilizes intelligent mapping to accurately translate elements, minimizing data loss during the conversion process.
- Accurate Geometry Translation: Complex curves, lines and other geometric elements are translated with precision, ensuring the DWG or DGN file retains the exact dimensions and shapes of your DGN or DWG design.
- Maintains Formatting: Translation Manager understands the nuances of both DGN and DWG formats. It intelligently maps line styles, text fonts and layer structures, minimizing the need for manual adjustments in the converted file.
- Batch Processing Power: Need to convert a mountain of DGN or DWG files? No problem! Translation Manager allows you to process entire folders of DGN or DWG files in one go, saving you hours of tedious individual conversions.
- Customization Options: Translation Manager allows you to define specific settings for your conversions, ensuring they meet your project’s specific requirements.
Benefits of Using Translation Manager: A Clear Advantage
Investing in Translation Manager translates (pun intended!) to several benefits for your workflow:
Experience a new level of accuracy and efficiency when translating your MicroStation files to AutoCAD (or vice versa).
- Increased Efficiency: Accurate and automated translations save you time and effort compared to error-prone manual conversions.
- Reduced Errors: Minimize the risk of data loss and inaccuracies in your DWG or DGN files, ensuring your designs are communicated clearly.
- Improved Project Collaboration: Seamless DGN to DWG conversions mean smoother collaboration with colleagues and clients who use AutoCAD.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your DGN or DWG files are translated accurately allows you to focus on your design work with confidence.
How Much Difference Does It Really Make?
Want to know how well Translation Manager works? It doesn’t matter whether you’re converting DGN to DWG or DWG to DGN. It works equally well either way. Here’s some feedback from one of our happy customers that’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
“I translate from MicroStation to AutoCAD for internal use within our company. I do the CAD conversions so that everyone can work with the files. Doing CAD translations manually took about 2 hours for each drawing. Using Axiom’s Translation Manager, it takes about 2 minutes or less — for the entire project.” — A.R., John P. Picone, Inc.
Ready to Conquer Your Conversions?
Don’t let conversion issues disrupt your design journey (or your digestion). Equip yourself with Translation Manager and experience a new level of accuracy and efficiency when translating your MicroStation files to AutoCAD (or vice versa).
Call a CAD/BIM Consultant at 727-442-7774 or visit AxiomInt.com to request a free demo or get any questions answered.
With Translation Manager tucked into your toolbelt, you can handle translations with ease and ensure your designs are understood by everyone. And with the time saved, you can get out of the office on time, head home for a decent meal and get a good night’s sleep, with no digestive issues. (Unless you overdid the ice cream — but we won’t tell!)
