What software opens DGN files?

These reviewed tools explicitly list DGN in fileFormats[]. Compare who opens, edits, or exports the format, how much support is documented, and whether the catalog tags the tool as free or paid.

22 Reviewed tools
1 Free or free-viewer options
4 Full-support listings

Direct answer

Need the same slice inside the full catalog grid? Open the DGN filter on the landscape map.

Comparison table

Tool Price signal Direction Support Score Verdict
AutoCAD
Autodesk's full 2D and 3D CAD application and the long-standing industry default for construction drawings and details.
 Paid / subscription Opens + exports Partial 4.8/5 worth-it
AutoCAD LT
The lower-cost, 2D-only edition of AutoCAD aimed at drafting and documentation without 3D modeling.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 4.4/5 worth-it
Archicad
A full desktop BIM authoring platform from Graphisoft built specifically for architects to model buildings and produce coordinated drawings and documentation.
 Paid / subscription Opens + exports Partial 4.2/5 worth-it
BricsCAD
A DWG-native CAD platform (Lite/Pro/BIM/Mechanical/Ultimate editions) positioned as a cost-effective AutoCAD alternative with both subscription and perpetual options.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 4.2/5 worth-it
Vectorworks Architect
A combined CAD-and-BIM design platform from Vectorworks (Nemetschek Group) aimed at architects who want flexible modeling plus documentation in one tool.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 4.0/5 worth-it
Autodesk Revit LT
Autodesk's stripped-down, single-user version of Revit for 3D architectural BIM modeling and documentation without the multidisciplinary and worksharing features of full Revit.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 3.8/5 solid
DraftSight
Dassault Systemes' AutoCAD-like 2D CAD tool for creating and editing DWG files at a lower price than AutoCAD.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 3.8/5 solid
Synchro (Bentley)
4D BIM construction scheduling platform (SYNCHRO 4D + Perform) that links Primavera or MSP activities to 3D model objects for digital construction delivery.
 Paid / contact sales Listed Unknown 3.8/5 solid
ZWCAD
ZWSOFT's DWG-compatible 2D/3D CAD application marketed as a faster, cheaper AutoCAD alternative.
 Paid / one-time Listed Unknown 3.8/5 solid
Allplan Architecture
A professional BIM authoring platform from Allplan (Nemetschek Group) for architectural modeling, detailing, and construction documentation.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 3.4/5 solid
Allplan Civil (Bridge)
Parametric BIM platform for advanced infrastructure design to build workflows -- extends Allplan Ultimate with integrated bridge structural analysis (AASHTO LRFD and Eurocode with national annexes), code-based reinforcement design and checking, parametric road/alignment modeling, 4D construction sequencing, and prestressing tendon modeling; supports all relevant file interfaces (IFC, BCF, LandXML, DWG, DGN, RVT, 3DM) plus Python API and Visual Scripting for automated workflows; part of the Nemetschek Group, with transparent published subscription pricing on the Allplan e-store.
 Paid / subscription Opens + exports Full 3.4/5 solid
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk's flagship multidiscipline BIM authoring platform for architecture, structural, and MEP design, documentation, and multi-user worksharing -- distinct from the single-user, feature-limited Revit LT.
 Paid / subscription Opens + exports Partial 3.4/5 solid
Autodesk Navisworks Manage
Multidiscipline model aggregation and coordination tool that combines Revit, AutoCAD, IFC, and 60+ other formats to run Clash Detective clash detection and TimeLiner 4D construction sequencing.
 Free viewer Opens Partial 3.0/5 solid
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer
Multidiscipline BIM authoring platform built on the MicroStation CAD engine for architectural, structural, and MEP design, with built-in energy analysis and GenerativeComponents parametric modeling -- Bentley's direct Revit competitor.
 Paid / subscription Native Full 3.0/5 solid
Tekla Structures
Constructible structural BIM software from Trimble for steel, concrete, precast, and timber detailing -- produces fabrication-ready shop drawings, rebar detailing, and CNC/DSTV output directly from the 3D model.
 Paid / quote-only Opens + exports Partial 3.0/5 solid
Tekla Tedds
Structural calculation automation tool that generates compliant, auditable calculation sheets for beam, column, connection, and foundation design across multiple international codes.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 3.0/5 solid
Bentley OpenBridge Designer
MicroStation-based bridge design and analysis application for concrete and steel bridge modeling, analysis, design, and load-rating -- integrates terrain, roadway geometry, access ramps, and related infrastructure assets, with support for AASHTO LRFD/LFD/LRFR and international bridge design codes.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 2.8/5 situational
Bentley OpenRail Designer
MicroStation-based rail network design application for conceptual and detailed railway corridor design -- yard/station layout, track geometry, turnout/switch placement, overhead line electrification, signaling, and tunnel design, serving light rail, metro, heavy rail, high-speed rail, and MAGLEV projects across international standards.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 2.8/5 situational
Bentley OpenRoads Designer
MicroStation-based civil design application for detailed road, highway, and rail corridor design -- survey, drainage, subsurface utilities, and construction staking documentation -- Bentley's Civil 3D alternative for DOT and infrastructure-heavy practices.
 Paid / subscription Listed Unknown 2.8/5 situational
MagiCAD
MEP BIM design software for Revit, AutoCAD, and BricsCAD with automated calculations, product databases, and integrated system simulation -- includes piping, ventilation, electrical, sprinkler, and schematics modules.
 Paid / quote-only Listed Unknown 2.6/5 situational
Bentley OpenFlows Sewer
Comprehensive sanitary, stormwater, and combined sewer system modeling and analysis software -- part of Bentley's OpenFlows portfolio, offering 1D/2D hydraulic simulation with multiple solver options (GVF-Convex, dynamic wave), scenario management, SCADA integration, and ArcGIS/MicroStation/AutoCAD interoperability for sewer collection system planning, design, and overflow remediation at utilities and engineering consultancies.
 Paid / tiered subscription (Virtuoso) Opens Full 2.4/5 situational
Bentley WaterGEMS
Water distribution system modeling and simulation software for hydraulic analysis, water quality modeling, fire flow analysis, energy management, and pipe network calibration -- part of Bentley's OpenFlows portfolio, serving municipal water utilities and engineering consultants.
 Paid / quote-only Opens Full 2.2/5 situational
AutoCAD
Autodesk's full 2D and 3D CAD application and the long-standing industry default for construction drawings and details.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Opens + exports
Support
Partial
Score
4.8/5
Verdict
worth-it
AutoCAD LT
The lower-cost, 2D-only edition of AutoCAD aimed at drafting and documentation without 3D modeling.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
4.4/5
Verdict
worth-it
Archicad
A full desktop BIM authoring platform from Graphisoft built specifically for architects to model buildings and produce coordinated drawings and documentation.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Opens + exports
Support
Partial
Score
4.2/5
Verdict
worth-it
BricsCAD
A DWG-native CAD platform (Lite/Pro/BIM/Mechanical/Ultimate editions) positioned as a cost-effective AutoCAD alternative with both subscription and perpetual options.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
4.2/5
Verdict
worth-it
Vectorworks Architect
A combined CAD-and-BIM design platform from Vectorworks (Nemetschek Group) aimed at architects who want flexible modeling plus documentation in one tool.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
4.0/5
Verdict
worth-it
Autodesk Revit LT
Autodesk's stripped-down, single-user version of Revit for 3D architectural BIM modeling and documentation without the multidisciplinary and worksharing features of full Revit.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.8/5
Verdict
solid
DraftSight
Dassault Systemes' AutoCAD-like 2D CAD tool for creating and editing DWG files at a lower price than AutoCAD.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.8/5
Verdict
solid
Synchro (Bentley)
4D BIM construction scheduling platform (SYNCHRO 4D + Perform) that links Primavera or MSP activities to 3D model objects for digital construction delivery.
Price
Paid / contact sales
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.8/5
Verdict
solid
ZWCAD
ZWSOFT's DWG-compatible 2D/3D CAD application marketed as a faster, cheaper AutoCAD alternative.
Price
Paid / one-time
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.8/5
Verdict
solid
Allplan Architecture
A professional BIM authoring platform from Allplan (Nemetschek Group) for architectural modeling, detailing, and construction documentation.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.4/5
Verdict
solid
Allplan Civil (Bridge)
Parametric BIM platform for advanced infrastructure design to build workflows -- extends Allplan Ultimate with integrated bridge structural analysis (AASHTO LRFD and Eurocode with national annexes), code-based reinforcement design and checking, parametric road/alignment modeling, 4D construction sequencing, and prestressing tendon modeling; supports all relevant file interfaces (IFC, BCF, LandXML, DWG, DGN, RVT, 3DM) plus Python API and Visual Scripting for automated workflows; part of the Nemetschek Group, with transparent published subscription pricing on the Allplan e-store.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Opens + exports
Support
Full
Score
3.4/5
Verdict
solid
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk's flagship multidiscipline BIM authoring platform for architecture, structural, and MEP design, documentation, and multi-user worksharing -- distinct from the single-user, feature-limited Revit LT.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Opens + exports
Support
Partial
Score
3.4/5
Verdict
solid
Autodesk Navisworks Manage
Multidiscipline model aggregation and coordination tool that combines Revit, AutoCAD, IFC, and 60+ other formats to run Clash Detective clash detection and TimeLiner 4D construction sequencing.
Price
Free viewer
Direction
Opens
Support
Partial
Score
3.0/5
Verdict
solid
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer
Multidiscipline BIM authoring platform built on the MicroStation CAD engine for architectural, structural, and MEP design, with built-in energy analysis and GenerativeComponents parametric modeling -- Bentley's direct Revit competitor.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Native
Support
Full
Score
3.0/5
Verdict
solid
Tekla Structures
Constructible structural BIM software from Trimble for steel, concrete, precast, and timber detailing -- produces fabrication-ready shop drawings, rebar detailing, and CNC/DSTV output directly from the 3D model.
Price
Paid / quote-only
Direction
Opens + exports
Support
Partial
Score
3.0/5
Verdict
solid
Tekla Tedds
Structural calculation automation tool that generates compliant, auditable calculation sheets for beam, column, connection, and foundation design across multiple international codes.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
3.0/5
Verdict
solid
Bentley OpenBridge Designer
MicroStation-based bridge design and analysis application for concrete and steel bridge modeling, analysis, design, and load-rating -- integrates terrain, roadway geometry, access ramps, and related infrastructure assets, with support for AASHTO LRFD/LFD/LRFR and international bridge design codes.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
2.8/5
Verdict
situational
Bentley OpenRail Designer
MicroStation-based rail network design application for conceptual and detailed railway corridor design -- yard/station layout, track geometry, turnout/switch placement, overhead line electrification, signaling, and tunnel design, serving light rail, metro, heavy rail, high-speed rail, and MAGLEV projects across international standards.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
2.8/5
Verdict
situational
Bentley OpenRoads Designer
MicroStation-based civil design application for detailed road, highway, and rail corridor design -- survey, drainage, subsurface utilities, and construction staking documentation -- Bentley's Civil 3D alternative for DOT and infrastructure-heavy practices.
Price
Paid / subscription
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
2.8/5
Verdict
situational
MagiCAD
MEP BIM design software for Revit, AutoCAD, and BricsCAD with automated calculations, product databases, and integrated system simulation -- includes piping, ventilation, electrical, sprinkler, and schematics modules.
Price
Paid / quote-only
Direction
Listed
Support
Unknown
Score
2.6/5
Verdict
situational
Bentley OpenFlows Sewer
Comprehensive sanitary, stormwater, and combined sewer system modeling and analysis software -- part of Bentley's OpenFlows portfolio, offering 1D/2D hydraulic simulation with multiple solver options (GVF-Convex, dynamic wave), scenario management, SCADA integration, and ArcGIS/MicroStation/AutoCAD interoperability for sewer collection system planning, design, and overflow remediation at utilities and engineering consultancies.
Price
Paid / tiered subscription (Virtuoso)
Direction
Opens
Support
Full
Score
2.4/5
Verdict
situational
Bentley WaterGEMS
Water distribution system modeling and simulation software for hydraulic analysis, water quality modeling, fire flow analysis, energy management, and pipe network calibration -- part of Bentley's OpenFlows portfolio, serving municipal water utilities and engineering consultants.
Price
Paid / quote-only
Direction
Opens
Support
Full
Score
2.2/5
Verdict
situational

How to open a DGN file

  1. Start with a tool above that lists DGN in its reviewed file-format coverage.
  2. If you only need to inspect the file, filter first for free plans, free viewers, or view-only support.
  3. If you need to change the file and send it back out, favor tools marked Native or Opens + exports.
  4. If support is Partial or Unknown, open the tool review before assuming a clean round-trip.

For broader category context, compare the same format against the rest of the AEC catalog on the landscape map.