Q. "The file extension .DGN is not associated. Add the application to be associated in"... message appears while using AutoPIPE Vessel, why?

The following message appears while using AutoPIPE Vessel:

"The file extension .DGN is not associated. Add the application to be associated in "Preference..." "Default" "CAD software Viewer"

Why and how to avoid this from appearing?

Answer: 

AutoPIPE Vessel is able to export a model to a cad file: DGN, DWG, etc.. After exporting the file the AutoPIPE Vessel will automatically open the 3rd party CAD application and loads the file. However, as the message indicates, if there is no 3rd party application configured in AutoPIPE Vessel preferences this message will appear to advise the user why the model was not automatically opened.

Solution:

1. Open AutoPIPE Vessel's Preferences and configure a 3rd party CAD application (ex. Microstation, OPIM, AutoCAD, Briscad, etc..) as mentioned in the message. Save the preference, restart AutoPIPE Vessel, and the next time a CAD drawing is exported it will automatically open the specified application and automatically load the model.

or. 

2. Select OK on the dialog, manually open a 3rd party CAD application of your choice and then manually open the exported drawing file.