MicroStation vs. SolidFace Comparison


MicroStation Bentley Systems	SolidFace SolidFace Technology	+	+
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About MicroStation is the trusted CAD software purpose-built for the design, modeling, and management of global infrastructure projects. Known for its extreme scalability, MicroStation empowers engineering professionals to deliver precise 2D and 3D deliverables for projects of any size or complexity. A key differentiator is its industry-leading interoperability; users can integrate a massive variety of data types, including DWG, IFC, and SHP, without the need for risky data conversions or translations. By providing a single environment for various project elements, it ensures secure and effective deliverables across the entire project lifecycle. Whether you are an engineer, architect, or GIS professional, MicroStation provides the flexibility and power needed to turn a vision into a sustainable reality while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity.		About Built-in version control and simple management tools solve the costly need for a separate PDM system. Your team and you always on the latest design data. Every modification made by every user is captured and recorded and can be reversed at any time, providing unlimited undo/redo and a documented audit trail. Branching and merging enable many product ideas to be developed in parallel. The parameterization capability is one of the most significant advantages of SolidFace, and it is present in all design steps. 3D Motion simulation is no different; the simulation is updated simultaneously with the movement. Another important capability is the simulation of 2D mechanisms, which can be performed either in 2D drawing or in 3D sketch module. Directly available through SolidFace's software interface, this new online part library features over 100 million part numbers from hundreds of leading component manufacturers and distributors and thousands of ISO, ANSI, DIN, NF, GB, ASME, and more.
Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Cloud On-Premises iPhone iPad Android Chromebook		Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Cloud On-Premises iPhone iPad Android Chromebook
Audience Architects, engineers, construction professionals, CAD managers, BIM managers, project managers, drafters, documenters, visualization experts. Anyone who uses CAD to design, build and operate infrastructure assets, marine/naval, or industrial/plant drafting.		Audience Anyone interested in free 3D CAD software
Support Phone Support 24/7 Live Support Online		Support Phone Support 24/7 Live Support Online
API Offers API		API Offers API
Screenshots and Videos View more images or videos		Screenshots and Videos View more images or videos
Pricing $1,208 per year Pricing details: MicroStation on SELECT Starting Price: $1,208 per year Best For: Organizations requiring flexible licensing and continuous support. Key Features: This subscription includes license pooling, which allows users to share licenses across multiple computers. It provides access to software upgrades, technical support, and the ability to use "Term Licenses" to pay for additional software as needed without upfront perpetual costs. MicroStation Virtuoso (Practitioner License) Starting Price: $2,656 per year Best For: Individual practitioners or teams that need both software and expert training. Key Features: This 12-month named-user license is sold through Bentley’s Virtuosity eStore. It includes two "Virtuosity Keys" per license. These keys are credits that can be redeemed for expert services, such as 1-on-1 mentoring, customized training courses, and tailored on-demand learning to help users "hit the ground running." MicroStation Enterprise 365 Starting Price: Custom Quote Best For: Large organizations requiring comprehensive access to the Bentley portfolio. Key Features: This program provides unlimited access to Bentley’s infrastructure applications. Licenses are typically managed on a "per-day" basis for named users or unique machines. It is designed to scale with the organization, offering global pricing and simplified administration for multidisciplinary teams. MicroStation for Education Starting Price: $0 for Students / $1,500 for Institutional Units Best For: Students, educators, and academic institutions. Key Features: Individual students and faculty members can generally access MicroStation for free through the Bentley Education portal. For university departments, an annual flat fee provides unlimited installations for use in labs and administrative units. Free Version Free Trial		Pricing $89 per quarter Free Version Free Trial
Reviews/Ratings Overall 5.0 / 5 ease 5.0 / 5 features 5.0 / 5 design 5.0 / 5 support 5.0 / 5 Read all reviews		Reviews/Ratings Overall 1.0 / 5 ease 1.2 / 5 features 1.2 / 5 design 1.2 / 5 support 1.0 / 5 Read all reviews
Pros from Real Users Pros Integrated package with lots of features and a tremendously more intuitive and user friendly interface and lots of power in modeling, and it reads and works on so many other software formats. I can open a DWG, do my work, save t, and nobody knows I did it on MicroStation. They just see the work done. Although expensive, it is not more expensive than the other serious packages but so much more efficient. It saves me hours and my productivity is paying off so quickly against the cost.		Pros & Cons from Real Users Pros The account was closed and they "only" stole money once. Not much else that can be considered positive with this fraud. Nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nothing good with this product. This is nothing but a refund scam. Good on you if you find use for this product. I sure didn't. Nothing as once I realised the free offer (not 30 day trial) was a con then I stopped using the software straight away as I had requested a refund and was told this would be refunded in 1-3 months and my account had also been closed. Not a damn thing. Give me my money back. Mickey, Mini, Donald, Goofy, Archie, Veronica, Jughead, Charlie Brown... Cons It seems like it's a scam. Worst customer experience I've ever had. Installed free trial version, then was billed around 80USD. Was promised a refund after I complained, which never came. Don't touch this PoS scammer company. Automatic charge. Promised refund when mailed but 5 months later still no refund. They do not answer my emails no longer. Absolutely do not get this program. The software in it self sucked and barely had any functions. Free 'beta' version is not free at all and they take monies as though it was a 30 day trial. Upon complaining the promise of a refund within 1-3 months is given but surprise surprise the monies are not returned. I tinker with CADD software as a hobby. I am proficient in several platforms, Solidworks, AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, Sketchup, and numerous others. I am always looking for a good inexpensive package that I can use in my garage projects. I was invited, in November, to a free public beta trial. I wondered why I had to give my credit card info at the time. I soon found out. I downloaded the software but could not install it on my Windows 10 platform. I am an IT Professional so I can imagine the problems someone else might have had. I didn't think anything of it until I checked my bank account a few days later. I never authorized a purchase but I was still charged $44.00. Supposedly that is half price. But then I was charged another $89.00 4 days later. Again, I never used the product, never authorized a charge. I don't have a lot of money and live pretty much paycheck to paycheck. These unexpected charges cost me two NSF fees for other returned bills. (My fault I know) When I applied for a refund, I got the standard message just give us the last 4 digits of your card and the date is was charged on. I then received an email saying the refund was being processed but would take 1 to 3 months. BULLSHIT! No online transactions take more than 3 business days anymore. I have since emailed 4 times asking where my money is. I get no response except the same standard reply, regarding the 30 day money back guarantee. I just want my money back. I will be posting this as a warning everywhere I can find a place to post it.
Training Documentation Webinars Live Online In Person		Training Documentation Webinars Live Online In Person
Company Information Bentley Systems Founded: 1984 United States www.bentley.com/		Company Information SolidFace Technology Founded: 2013 United States solidface.com
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Categories 3D Architecture 3D Modeling Architectural CAD Architecture CAD Civil Engineering Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Construction Design Engineering Public Works Structural Engineering		Categories 3D Modeling Architectural CAD CAD
3D Modeling Features 2D Drawing Animation Annotations Bill of Materials Character Modeling Collaboration Tools Component Library Data Import / Export For 3D Printing For Architects For Manufacturers Reference Management Simulation Architectural CAD Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Architectural Symbol Library Automatic Formatting BIM Modeling Comparison View Design Templates Drafting CAD Features 2 1/2-Axis Milling 2D Drawing 3-Axis Milling 3D Modeling 4-Axis Milling 5-Axis Milling Civil Collaboration Database Connectivity Design Analysis Design Export Document Management Electrical Hole Making Mechanical Mechatronics Presentation Tools Simulate Cycles Spiral Output Structural Engineering Toolpath Simulation User Defined Cycles Show More Features 3D Architecture Features 2D Drawing Animation BIM Modeling Component Library Data Import / Export Landscape Design Virtual Tour Architecture Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Bills of material BIM Modeling Building Information Modeling Client Management Contact Management Contract Management Document Management Drafting Manufacturing Design Data Presentation Tools Project Management Proposal Management Quotes/Proposals Visualization / Presentation Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Features CAD/CAM Compatibility Finite Element Analysis Fluid Dynamics Import / Export Files Integrated 3D Modeling Manufacturing Process Simulation Mechanical Event Simulation Multibody Dynamics Thermal Analysis Engineering Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Collaboration Design Analysis Design Export Document Management Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Presentation Tools Structural Engineering Public Works Features Billing & Invoicing Compliance Management Contract Management Customer Database Document Management Equipment Maintenance Fixed Asset Management Job Costing Project Management Service Request Management Work Order Management		3D Modeling Features 2D Drawing Animation Annotations Bill of Materials Character Modeling Collaboration Tools Component Library Data Import / Export For 3D Printing For Architects For Manufacturers Reference Management Simulation Architectural CAD Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Architectural Symbol Library Automatic Formatting BIM Modeling Comparison View Design Templates Drafting CAD Features 2 1/2-Axis Milling 2D Drawing 3-Axis Milling 3D Modeling 4-Axis Milling 5-Axis Milling Civil Collaboration Database Connectivity Design Analysis Design Export Document Management Electrical Hole Making Mechanical Mechatronics Presentation Tools Simulate Cycles Spiral Output Structural Engineering Toolpath Simulation User Defined Cycles
Integrations ArcGIS Cesium ContextCapture DWG TrueView ERDAS IMAGINE LumenRT OpenBridge Designer OpenBuildings Designer OpenCities Map OpenRoads Designer Prevu3D ProSteel ProStructures ProjectWise Visual Studio Show More Integrations View All 15 Integrations		Integrations ArcGIS Cesium ContextCapture DWG TrueView ERDAS IMAGINE LumenRT OpenBridge Designer OpenBuildings Designer OpenCities Map OpenRoads Designer Prevu3D ProSteel ProStructures ProjectWise Visual Studio Show More Integrations
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