Software Development Resources
Developers who want to embed or extend functionality in MicroStation and Bentley products can easily do so with available APIs and SDKs.
You can access a recent MicroStation SDK by clicking on the "Download Now!" button below. (Free registration required, which entitles you to tips, tricks, feature clips, giveaways, promotions, and other FREE Bentley technology.)
Bentley application platforms provide developers (as well as users) with extension capabilities—from easy customization to tight integration with other Windows applications. Developers who want to embed or extend functionality in Bentley products can easily do so with available development tools, which include:
- MicroStation and MicroStation-based product Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs): These provide seamless integration of professional-quality applications with MicroStation and Bentley products. This is the recommended way to read and write Bentley DGN files and i-models with full fidelity. Applications can be developed to provide consistent functionality and capabilities across the products and product lines on which they run. MicroStation and Bentley application platform APIs can be used to develop simple utilities, customized commands, or sophisticated commercial products for specific solutions. Bentley developers use the same APIs to incorporate modular functionality into Bentley products.
- MicroStation can host and interface with a variety of programs and applications written in C++, C#, and Visual Basic. Documentation for programming with MicroStation is included with the MicroStation SDK.
- MicroStation includes the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications engine. The MicroStationDGN object library is a powerful development platform to build upon, access, and integrate within your solutions. Information on MicroStation VBA is included with the documentation that is delivered with the product—see SELECTservices Online.
Other sources of technical information for developers include:
Many more resources and options are available for commercial and in-house development through the Bentley Technology Partner Program.