This is a bit of a drawback because it really does limit what devices you can operate this CAD software on.
Microstation is a bit more limited than AutoCAD as it only runs in Windows computers. You can also get cloud storage with AutoCAD if you need it.
You can also run AutoCAD on an iOS, Windows, or Android mobile device as there is a dedicated app.
It can run on both Windows computers and Mac computers and there is a version available for both. This is especially true if you need several licenses but have different devices (Windows or a MAC for example) in different locations.ĪutoCAD is flexible in this regard. Platformsīeing able to run CAD software on different platforms can be important to how you work. However, the above specifications should work fine for 2D drawing and 3D modelling with some visualization. The more that you want to do in each program will depend on how good the computer is that you are running it on. It is recommended that you have 16GB of RAM, a similar processor that is required for AutoCAD and a good graphics card with a graphics memory of 512 MB – 2GB. Microstation requires a similar amount of processing power if you want to run it with some good 3D modeling. That being said, you don’t exactly need a supercomputer to run AutoCAD, just one with a decent spec to ensure the program runs smoothly. You’ll need a reasonable graphics card as well. So, how do both AutoCAD and Microstation perform?ĪutoCAD requires 8GB of RAM (although it is recommended that you have 16GB), and it is also recommended that you have a 3+ GHz processor. This is down to the complex processes that these programs have. PerformanceĪ lot of CAD software can put some stress on your computer as they often need to run on a device with good performance. Microstation and AutoCAD can also open files from other CAD programs such as Sketchup and Revit.
Other file formats that both AutoCAD and Microstation can use are PDF, DWF, and 3DS. This includes the widely used and default. There are a number of files that are compatible with both AutoCAD and Microstation. This software gives you a personalized experience if you want it. It allows you to have a decent level of control over how your program is laid out which makes it easier to carry out certain things. You can also customize toolbars and tasks with Microstation. It is well documented how good AutoCAD’s customizable options are. You have the ability to change the layout of the program, show and hide different tools, create aliases for command and edit the user interface. It helps with efficiency, and being able to have your own custom setup with the software is important.ĪutoCAD does allow you to have a high degree of flexibility when it comes to customization. Something that we really like to see with any type of CAD software (whether it be for 2D or 3D) is being able to customize the layout. This includes parametric modeling, 3D printing, photorealistic models, and more. While AutoCAD does provide that functionality, Microstation offers more in terms of 3D modelling and animation. Where Microstation does get better than AutoCAD is with 3D models. With Microstation, you do get sketch tools, command logs and the ability to create 2D designs from 3D models. While you can undertake 2D drawings with Microstation, it does last many of the features that AutoCAD provides. AutoCAD has also incorporated 3D in recent times as well. It provides a wide number of tools and features to aid with drawing and design, including sketching tools, snap to grid functionality, and common logs. However, AutoCAD does have more features than Microstation.ĪutoCAD has been the main player for 2D designs for many years. You can use both Microstation and AutoCAD for 2D designs. While AutoCAD is generally used by architects, engineers, and those in the construction industry, Microstation is more often used by design teams for infrastructure.