What are the Major Differences Between AutoCAD & Micorstation?

Don't know which is better or similarities but, my experience is AutoCAD still seems to be a widely used and accepted platform.

They are quite alike actually, but I can't vauch for all of the features. As far as I know MicroStation can read and write AutoCad files, but AutoCad can't read MicroStation files. So if you are in a business with clients on both platforms, you might consider MicroStation. If it's for private use, you can also consider Intellicad, that is a free- or shareware program a lot like AutoCad, but not capable of working with several layers (at least not the version I have seen about a year ago)

 

1) Command Line vs Key-In

 

In AutoCAD, the command line allows you to type specific commands into a text box to complete tasks in the design area. MicroStation does not have a command line, but it has something very similar with the "key-in" feature. With MicroStation, you open the key-in box and then have the option of typing commands. When you start typing, a list of potential commands appears so that you can choose from among them.

 

2) Layout

 

The visual layout of the programs differs significantly. If you are used to the way AutoCAD is laid out, you may not like working with MicroStation. If you learned how to work on MicroStation, you may not be able to easily find the tools you need when working in AutoCAD.

 

3) Terminology

 

They use different terminology to refer to many of the same features. For example, in AutoCAD, you use "blocks," while MicroStation refers to them as "cells." In AutoCAD, "attributes" are used for items while MicroStation refers to them as "tags." MicroStation uses the term "design model" while AutoCAD uses the term "model space."

 

4) Design Plane

 

Another difference between these two programs is the design plane and origin. When you start working on a project with AutoCAD, the lower left-hand corner of the page is "0,0." This is the origin of the design. By comparison, with MicroStation, "0,0" is in the middle of the page.

 

To me, the major differences between the two is that autocad was developed as a drafting tool mainly while the microstation was designed as an autocad platform.

1. Commands are used to execute commands / Functions in AutoCAD, where as in Microstation Key in is used but nowadays mouse and short cut keys are used to execute the commands.

2. Microstation is a graphic driven, Autocad is command driven.

3. The drawing will be autosaved in Microstation, save command should be used to save the drawing.

4. Microstation can be learned easily compared to Autocad.

5. Commands should be known for creating drawings in Autocad, But in Microstation commands can be selected using mouse or key in suggestions.

Generally in microstion we use tools but in Autocad we type commands.

Microstation is base ofPDS

Autocad is base of PDMS

1.Autocad used command line while microstation used key-in.

2. Layout in Autocad is totally different in microstation.

3. Terminology is also different. It is blocks in autocad while in microstation refer it as cells.

4. There design plane is also different. Autocad origin (0,0) is in the bottom left hand side corner of the working space, while in microstation it is in the middle of the page.

1. File size required as higher in AutoCAD for 3D Drawings, Microstation 3D file requires less file size.

2. AutoCAD is functioning by comments, but Microstation works with Numerical keys & icons.

3. AutoCAD is the Autodesk products, Microstation is one of Bentley product.

4. "Layer" in AutoCAD is "Level" in Microstation.

5. Most of US & European projects are using Microstation than AutoCAD.

 

MicroStation and AutoCAD are very similar, they use different terminology to refer to many of the same features. For example, in AutoCAD, you use "blocks," while MicroStation refers to them as "cells." In AutoCAD, "attributes" are used for items while MicroStation refers to them as "tags." MicroStation uses the term "design model" while AutoCAD uses the term "model space.

microstation cabable to open ,edit and save  Auto cad files without changing file format but in  Auto cad only attach as reference can not edit microstation files

AutoCAD was designed as drafting tool. MicroStation was optimized as a CAD platform. Bentley is working hard to make almost all of their products run on MicroStation. It makes MicroStation has the ability for drafting/detailing, 3D modeling, rendering, and even animations.

Agree with Mr. Ulhas Rasal