Guide to Using DWG and Other Formats
Guide to Using DWG and Other Formats
Guide to Using DWG and Other Formats

Models

A DGN file is composed of models. When you draw or place elements with MicroStation tools, the elements are added to the active model. A model can be either 2D or 3D, and is stored as a discrete object within the DGN file. There are two types of models: design or sheet.

Design models, which are similar to DWG models (model space), consist of design geometry and can be either 2D or 3D. A design model can also be used as a reference or placed as a cell. In MicroStation, you can create an unlimited number of design models in a DGN file. In contrast, the DWG file format allows only one model per file.

Sheet models, which are similar to DWG drawing layouts (paper space), are most commonly used composing finished and annotated drawings. MicroStation allows you to create an unlimited number of sheet models per DGN file. The DWG file format also allows unlimited drawing layouts.

Working with models that will be saved to DWG files

The DWG file format allows one model and unlimited drawing layouts. When you are working with models in a DGN file that you plan to save to a DWG file, the easiest way to ensure compatibility is to use only one design model with unlimited sheet models.

When you save a DGN model to a DWG file, the default design model is saved to model space in the DWG file, and the sheet models are saved to drawing layouts. The Save As DWG/DXF Options dialog box provides several options for saving non-default design models:

For more information, see Merging references when saving to a DWG file.

Working with models in DWG workmode

In DWG workmode, you can work with one design model and unlimited sheet models. The design model is saved to model space, and the sheet models are saved to drawing layouts (paper space).