OpenBuildings Designer - Make MicroStation Mode default for .DGN files

	Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer (and AECOsim Building Designer)
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition and V8i
	Environment:	N/A
	Area:	General
	Subarea:	N/A

Background

The default mode for right-click opening of .DGN files can be set to OpenBuildings Designer by the standard Windows file association processes. However OpenBuildings Designer will always open in full Designer mode as Windows is making the association with OpenBuildings Designer's .exe file rather than the shortcuts containing the discipline switches. If you are happy with registry modification the action of the file association can be modified.

Steps to follow

OpenBuildings Designer

There are two steps.

1. Set the File Association:

In Windows Explorer, right-click on a .DGN file and if it not already associated with OpenBuildings Designer pick OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition from the 'Open With' list (outlined in green). This step can vary depending which version of Windows you are running, this is Windows 10:

This step will make OpenBuildings Designer the default application for .DGN files opening it in full OpenBuildings Designer mode.

2. Modify the effect of the File Association:

Run regedit.exe

Navigate to the appropriate registry key.

The key to be modified will depend on which version of Windows you are running.

For Windows 10 it will be:

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\OpenBuildingsDesigner.exe\shell\open\command

Modify this key as shown below:

From:

"C:\Program Files\Bentley\OpenBuildings CONNECT Edition\OpenBuildingsDesigner\OpenBuildingsDesigner.exe" "%1"

To:

"C:\Program Files\Bentley\OpenBuildings CONNECT Edition\OpenBuildingsDesigner\OpenBuildingsDesigner.exe" -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation "%1"

This step will always start OpenBuildings Designer in MicroStation Building Designer mode when a .DGN is right-clicked in Windows Explorer.

The -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation switch starts OpenBuildings Designer in MicroStation Building Designer mode.
the "%1" switch opens the file that is selected and opened.

This registry key controls the behaviour of the Windows Shell Open command associated with OpenBuildings Designer and does not affect other OpenBuildings Designer shortcuts.

Previous versions

AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition

For AECOsim Building Designer CONNECT Edition follow the instructions below but in HKEY Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AECOsim Building Designer\Shell\open\command replace the command string with:

"C:\Program Files\Bentley\AECOsim CONNECT Edition\AECOsimBuildingDesigner\AECOsimBuildingDesigner.exe" -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation "%1"

AECOsim Building Designer V8i

The default mode for right-click opening of .DGN files can be set to AECOsim Building Designer (ABD) by the standard Windows file association processes. However ABD will always open in full Building Designer mode as Windows is making the association with ABD's .exe file rather than the shortcuts containing the discipline switches. If you are happy with registry modification the action of the file association can be modified.

There are two steps.

1. Set the File Association:

In Windows Explorer, right-click on a .DGN file and if it not already associated with ABD pick (outlined in green) pick ABD from the 'Open With' list (outlined in orange). This step can vary depending which version of Windows you are running, this is Windows 8.1:

This step will make ABD the default application for .DGN files opening ABD in full Building Designer mode.

2. Modify the effect of the File Association:

Run regedit.exe

Navigate to the appropriate registry key.

The key to be modified will depend on which version of Windows you are running.

Windows 7-8:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AECOsim Building Designer\Shell\open\command registry

Windows 10:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\AECOsimBuildingDesigner.exe\shell\open\command

In each case modify the existing value:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\...\AECOsimBuildingDesigner.exe" "%1"

By adding the highlighted switch:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\...\AECOsimBuildingDesigner.exe" -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation "%1"

This step will always start ABD in MicroStation Building Designer mode when a .DGN is right-clicked in Windows Explorer.

The -wsBB_DISCIPLINE=MicroStation switch starts ABD in MicroStation Building Designer mode.
the "%1" switch opens the file that is selected and opened.

This registry key controls the behaviour of the Windows Shell Open command associated with ABD and does not affect other ABD shortcuts.

Notes:

a) you may wish to consult colleagues who are familiar with the Windows Registry or seek support from your IT team before taking this step. Modification of the registry has the potential to do major damage to Windows if you are unfamiliar with regedit.

b) you may need administrative permissions to modify the registry, in which case seek support from your IT team.