From the course: Learning Bentley MicroStation V8i

File type basics - MicroStation Tutorial

From the course: Learning Bentley MicroStation V8i

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File type basics

- This chapter will cover the basic filetypes used in MicroStation, how to open and save files, and how to create a new drawing design file. I will also discuss some of the basic file settings defined in the design file that can affect your graphics. The first thing we will talk about are the basic file types. The MicroStation design file uses a .DGN format as an extension. Design files can have any extension, however it is recommended that you use the .DGN for consistency and standardization. MicroStation also uses Cell Library files. A Cell Library file uses a .CEL extension by default, but the format of this file is identical to that of a .DNG file. The .CEL extension is used to differentiate it from other file types. Another important file type for you to recognize is the DGN library file. A DGN library file uses the .DGNLIB extension. And as with others, it's the same format as a design file. The .DGNLIB extension, however, is required for use with workspace configurations. A design library file contains things such as standard styles for text, dimensions, line styles, levels, and other standardized properties and definitions. There are two types of a DGN file. Specifically, 2D and 3D. Both of these file types define a global origin which specifies a unique zero-zero location in the design plane or design cube. This global origin is located in the center of the 2D flat plane or the 3D cube by default. The 2D DGN file provides a flat, 2D drafting environment, similar to a sheet of paper. This environment has a limited design plane, or an edge of paper, where data can be input using X and Y coordinates only. The 3D DGN file provides a 3D cube drafting environment, similar to that found in AutoCad. The 3D environment consists of a limited design cube where data can be input using X, Y, and Z coordinates.

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