X-References Lost in Conversion from AutoCAD to Microstation

We received a Microstation drawing from a client, and we converted the file to AutoCAD format. The Microstation drawing has several x-references.

After completing our drafting work in AutoCAD, we converted the file back to Microstation format. In the conversion back to Microstation, the x-references no longer appear. In other words, when we open the drawing back up in Microstation, we have no x-references.

I asked this question in the AutoCAD forum, but I was told to come and ask the question again here since we weren't able to figure out a solution.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. 


Is there a way to include x-references in the conversion? Thank you.5488.Microstation File.dgn

  • If you did all your conversions thru microstation there is a setting to include references under options.. this iwhy  I think most acaders bind or merge the ref files so they will convert to dgn is done in acad for conversion... I don't use acad enough to give you the acad answer your looking for apart from bind the refs... some companies I deal with have a single install of microstation just for doing conversions in both directions...

    Lorys

    Started msnt work 1990 - Retired  Nov 2022 ( oh boy am I old )

    But was long time user V8iss10 (8.11.09.919) dabbler CE  update 16 (10.16.00.80) 

    MicroStation user since 1990 Melbourne Australia.
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  • How are you converting the file to AutoCad DWG format? Is this also being performed in AutoCad, like what you have suggested is how you convert back to DGN format? This forum would support anything that would be performed within MicroStation but if it is specific to AutoCad then it would be better handled by their support group. Back and forth conversions between file format is probably not a good way to work. Have you thought about using MicroStation to exclusively modify the DGN files?

    Regards
    Andrew Bell
    Technical Support
    Bentley Systems

  • Thank you, I hadn't thought of binding. That is a work around. 

  • Thank you, Andrew. 

    We just have a high volume of drawings, and we're simply more proficient in AutoCAD. That said per your response, working in Microstation seems to be the prudent approach. Would be too much of a headache to go back and forth, and the drawings would be compromised. We'll simply work in Microstation. 

    I appreciate your input. 

  • That's understandable. I believe if you use Microstation to open the finished DWG files, convert (saveas) to DGN, you will be able to get the proper referencing. Bentley, being #2, tries a bit harder when it comes to this sort of thing. Potential problems will rear their ugly head with all but the most simple file work.

    Connect r17 10.17.2.61 self-employed-Unpaid Beta tester for Bentley