Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
DGN-IFC Viewer
Open DGN and IFC files
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affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Modern, easy-to-use CAD viewer
Cost-effective CAD converter for all formats
The 3D-Tool Viewer opens DGN and IFC files without any additional CAD software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter converts DGN and IFC models to a wide range of formats such as STEP, JT, Parasolid X_T, IGES, VDA, SAT, STL, OBJ, 3DS, and PLY.
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Stable, precise CAD data processing.
Windows support
Compatible with current Windows versions.
What are DGN files?
DGN files are a native CAD file format used mainly by Bentley Systems' MicroStation software, but they are also supported by other applications. They store 2D and 3D design data for architecture, construction, and infrastructure projects and can contain vector graphics, raster images, and other metadata.
What are IFC - files?
IFC files (Industry Foundation Classes) are an open, neutral file format for exchanging Building Information Modeling (BIM) data in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. They contain both 3D geometry and non-geometric data such as properties, quantities, and spatial relationships. This allows architects and engineers to collaborate on a project even when they use different software.
DGN and IFC versions
- The DGN file format exists in two main versions: the original Intergraph DGN (V7), a binary format from the late 1980s, and the updated Bentley V8 DGN, introduced in 2000. The V8 version uses a more modern OLE2 format and offers new functions such as digital rights management and design history. Newer versions of MicroStation, such as the CONNECT Edition, continue to use the V8 DGN file format.(05/2026)
- The IFC file format (Industry Foundation Classes) has evolved significantly since its introduction. Important versions include the foundational IFC 1.0, the IFC2x3 milestone (2005), the current ISO-certified IFC4 (2013), and its latest update, IFC4.3 (2024).(05/2026)
DGN and IFC characteristics
The DGN format is compatible with the AutoCAD DWG format, allowing you to open and edit DWG files in MicroStation and import DGN files into AutoCAD. However, data loss or limitations may occur, especially with advanced DGN features or older DWG versions.
IFC files can contain Building Information Modeling (BIM) data in various formats. The most widely used and supported format is the STEP Physical Format (SPF or IFC-SPF). This is the most compact of the supported formats and can also be read as text. IFC-SPF is based on the ISO standard for the plain-text representation of EXPRESS data models, ISO 10303-21.
How do you open DGN and IFC files?
You can open DGN files using their native software, MicroStation, or with other compatible programs like Bentley View, AutoCAD with plugins, or web-based viewers like Autodesk A360.
Due to the open and neutral architecture of the IFC format, it is supported by a whole range of software such as AutoCAD, FreeCAD, BlenderBIM and other BIM-Viewers.
The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens DGN and IFC files and offers many measurement and analysis tools in addition to simple operation. 3D-Tool can be tested free of charge for 14 days.
How do you convert DGN and IFC files?
The most common conversion is probably between DGN and IFC files, as well as between DGN/IFC and AutoCAD DWG files. A number of different converters and import interfaces are available for this, taking into account the special nature of BIM data.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts DGN and IFC models and models from many other CAD systems reliably into the standard 3D exchange formats STEP, IGES, SAT, and Parasolid X_T. However, the prerequisite is that the models contain so-called BREP data, i.e., exact CAD data. 3D visualization data (MESH) can only be converted to visualization formats such as 3D PDF, 3D HTML, or 3MF.
Test the DGN and IFC viewer and converter for free
3D-Tool is a CAD Viewer with many 3D CAD interfaces, including DGN and IFC, as well as professional measurement functions, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.
- Open, dimension, annotate, and publish DGN and IFC files for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D-PDF
- Open DGN and IFC files and save them as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ
- Convert DGN and IFC data (BREP) to STEP, IGES, SAT, X_T, and JT
- Convert DGN and IFC models to 3D product visualizations such as 3D-HTML, FBX, Collada, 3MF, and glTF
Free, no-obligation 14-day trial with all features, the DGN/IFC interfaces, and the 3D-NativeCAD Converter. The trial key activates all 3D interfaces, such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, STEP, and SAT.
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