Ask external companiesto collaborate with Bentley anddevelop rendering plug-in's for microstation the same way they do for SketchUp orother platforms. For example corona renderer and v-ray plug-in would be great.
Thanks Max, and thanks everyone for the continued feedback on this idea. The core request is clear: many MicroStation users want a smoother path from DGN models into modern visualisation and rendering environments such as Twinmotion, Unreal Engine, V-Ray, Corona, Octane and similar tools. We understand why this matters, especially for users who model in MicroStation but rely on dedicated rendering applications for client presentations, architectural visualisation and fast design communication. Today, the practical workflow for Twinmotion is still through generic exchange formats such as FBX. We recognise that this does not provide the same experience as a dedicated Datasmith / Direct Link workflow, particularly around preserving materials, hierarchy, object identity, cameras, metadata and keeping the model updated after design changes. At the same time, Bentley is actively investing in iTwin Engage as our forward-looking visualisation solution. The direction we are working towards is to let users author and manage their design data in MicroStation, publish it through an iModel / Bentley Infrastructure Cloud workflow, and then use iTwin Engage for high-quality visualisation, review, presentation and immersive project communication. This is intended to provide a more modern, scalable and connected visualisation experience while keeping MicroStation as the authoritative source for design geometry and model organisation. That said, we also understand that some users already have established rendering pipelines around Twinmotion, Unreal Engine, V-Ray, Corona, Octane and other third-party tools. A Datasmith-style workflow is a different request from the iTwin Engage direction, and the feedback here is valuable because it helps us understand where users still need open, direct access to external rendering ecosystems. Bentley also supports third-party developers through the Bentley Developer Network, so rendering vendors or partners can build integrations with MicroStation and PowerPlatform products where there is interest and business alignment: [Bentley Developer Network](https://bdn.bentley.com/BDN) We cannot promise a specific Datasmith, V-Ray, Corona or Octane plug-in at this stage, but we will keep this request connected to our broader visualisation and interoperability discussions. Please continue adding details about the exact workflow you need most — for example Twinmotion Direct Link, Datasmith file export, camera/material preservation, live synchronisation, metadata support, or integration with a specific renderer. That level of detail helps us assess priority, feasibility and potential partner interest. @Nimrod Friedmann
Almost every cad platform has a Datasmith Exporter, for connecting DGN to Twinmotion. Please consider this in addition to the plugins requested here. Many of us use Microstation for modeling, but as Bentley no longer develops visualization it would be useful to port to modern, functional rendering engines such as Twinmotion, etc.
v-ray o corona plug-in, at least for architects, would be great.
Hi all, thanks for posting and voting your ideas. Bentley welcomes the development of useful plugins by 3rd party developers, and rendering is no different from other product areas. We have our BDN (Bentley Developers Network) program in place to support any developers that wants to plug into MicroStation and PowerPlatform products.
Thanks Max, and thanks everyone for the continued feedback on this idea.
The core request is clear: many MicroStation users want a smoother path from DGN models into modern visualisation and rendering environments such as Twinmotion, Unreal Engine, V-Ray, Corona, Octane and similar tools. We understand why this matters, especially for users who model in MicroStation but rely on dedicated rendering applications for client presentations, architectural visualisation and fast design communication.
Today, the practical workflow for Twinmotion is still through generic exchange formats such as FBX. We recognise that this does not provide the same experience as a dedicated Datasmith / Direct Link workflow, particularly around preserving materials, hierarchy, object identity, cameras, metadata and keeping the model updated after design changes.
At the same time, Bentley is actively investing in iTwin Engage as our forward-looking visualisation solution. The direction we are working towards is to let users author and manage their design data in MicroStation, publish it through an iModel / Bentley Infrastructure Cloud workflow, and then use iTwin Engage for high-quality visualisation, review, presentation and immersive project communication. This is intended to provide a more modern, scalable and connected visualisation experience while keeping MicroStation as the authoritative source for design geometry and model organisation.
That said, we also understand that some users already have established rendering pipelines around Twinmotion, Unreal Engine, V-Ray, Corona, Octane and other third-party tools. A Datasmith-style workflow is a different request from the iTwin Engage direction, and the feedback here is valuable because it helps us understand where users still need open, direct access to external rendering ecosystems.
Bentley also supports third-party developers through the Bentley Developer Network, so rendering vendors or partners can build integrations with MicroStation and PowerPlatform products where there is interest and business alignment: [Bentley Developer Network](https://bdn.bentley.com/BDN)
We cannot promise a specific Datasmith, V-Ray, Corona or Octane plug-in at this stage, but we will keep this request connected to our broader visualisation and interoperability discussions. Please continue adding details about the exact workflow you need most — for example Twinmotion Direct Link, Datasmith file export, camera/material preservation, live synchronisation, metadata support, or integration with a specific renderer. That level of detail helps us assess priority, feasibility and potential partner interest. @Nimrod Friedmann
Almost every cad platform has a Datasmith Exporter, for connecting DGN to Twinmotion. Please consider this in addition to the plugins requested here. Many of us use Microstation for modeling, but as Bentley no longer develops visualization it would be useful to port to modern, functional rendering engines such as Twinmotion, etc.
Modo is great as V-ray, Corona, Octane.
Corona would be great
Mark Stals over 4 years ago
V-ray plugin would really be nice!
Jose Pinho over 4 years ago
Mark, please check if you already had vote because if you click again you remove your vote. Thanks & regards
cairat etsav over 4 years ago
v-ray o corona plug-in, at least for architects, would be great.
Hi all, thanks for posting and voting your ideas. Bentley welcomes the development of useful plugins by 3rd party developers, and rendering is no different from other product areas. We have our BDN (Bentley Developers Network) program in place to support any developers that wants to plug into MicroStation and PowerPlatform products.
https://bdn.bentley.com/BDN
dominic SEAH over 2 years ago
Unity
David Silva over 2 years ago
Need a nice GPU renderer like Octane.