Bentley V8i - Autodesk RealDWG(TM) FAQ


 Product:MicroStation
 Version:V8i (SELECT Series)
 Environment:N\A
 Area:DWG
 Subarea:General

Can I use Autodesk® object enablers?

Yes...

The object enabler for Autodesk's Architectural Desktop is incorporated into the RealDWG delivery, and you do not have to install it. Other object enablers can be downloaded from their respective vendors and installed.

When you are downloading object enablers from Autodesk or other sources, download the Autodesk® RealDWGTM 32-bit version. When you are prompted for a host application, select Bentley V8i (SELECTseries) - Autodesk® RealDWGTM.

Can I use 64 bit object enablers?

Not currently...

Only 32 bit enablers can be installed and used with MicroStation V8i, regardless of Operating System.  Some 32 bit enablers may be configured to NOT allow installation in a 64 bit environment.  This is normally by choice, by the vendor.  If an installer of the 32 bit version of an object enabler does not have an option of installing it in an 64 bit environment, check with the vendor to see for other possible options.

Which enablers will work with MicroStation?

Below is a chart that explains which RealDWG enablers work with each SELECT Series version of MicroStation.

RealDWG VersionSS1SS2SS3SS4
RealDWG 2009Yes*Yes*Yes*Yes*
RealDWG 2010YesYesnono
RealDWG 2012nonoYesYes
RealDWG 2013nonoYesYes
RealDWG 2014nonoYesYes
RealDWG 2015nonoYesYes
RealDWG 2016nonoYes#Yes
RealDWG 2018nononono

* Must set MS_REALDWG_VERSION to 2009.
# MicroStation V8i (Select Series 3) does not come with RealDWG 2016 as part of installation package. This will need to be downloaded and installed as a separate installation after SS3 is installed.

Can I use AutoCAD Civil 3D (32bit) in a 64bit environment?

Yes...

AutoCAD Civil 3D Object Enabler provides two separate executables.  One for 32bit and one for 64bit.

I have installed object enablers for Autodesk products, they are not being used by MicroStation?

Even if you have previously installed the object enabler to work with AutoCAD, you must go through the object enabler's installation process after you have installed MicroStation, so that it can be found and used by MicroStation. Any object enabler that is installed must match the version of RealDWG that is installed whether delivered from Bentley or provided by another vendor such as Autodesk.

I installed the update, can I still use real older versions of RealDWG?

Yes...
You can add the MS_REALDWG_VERSION configuration variable and use it to revert to older version RealDWG, without having to remove the update from your system. This configuration variable can be used to switch back to desired RealDWG version as well. If you use object enablers of release 2009, 2012, 2013, or 2014, you will have to switch from RealDWG 2016 to RealDWG 2009, RealDWG 2012, RealDWG 2013, or RealDWG 2014 respectively.

After installing the Bentley V8i (SELECTseries 1) - Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2010 update why can't I open 2010 formatted DWG files?

Once you install this update, MicroStation should be automatically ready to use RealDWG 2010 files. If your product is not automatically ready to use RealDWG 2010 files after you install the update, you must add the MS_REALDWG_VERSION configuration variable and set it to 2010 to enable it. The same configuration variable is used to switch between RealDWG 2010 and RealDWG 2009.

I installed Bentley V8i (SELECTseries 1) - Autodesk® RealDWG™ 2010, how do I use 2009 object enablers?

Set MS_REALDWG_VERSION to 2009

The default installation will automatically use the highest version of RealDWG, without the variable MS_REALDWG_VERSION being available in your configuration.
So if you have installed RealDWG 2016, that version will be 2016 and you should be able to open and save up to AutoCAD 2016 files. 

How do I set MS_REALDWG_VERSION to use appropriate version of RealDWG?

i.e. TO REVERT TO USING REALDWG 2009
  1. Select Workspace > Configuration.
  2. Click New.
  3. In the Variable field, type MS_REALDWG_VERSION.
  4. In the New Value field, type 2009.
  5. Click OK twice.
  6. In the Alert dialog, click Yes to save the changes to your configuration file.
  7. Exit the product and restart it to make the configuration variable take effect.
TO REVERT TO USING REALDWG 2010
  1. Select Workspace > Configuration.
  2. Select the MS_REALDWG_VERSION configuration variable.
  3. Click Edit.
  4. In the New Value field, type 2010.
  5. Click OK twice.
  6. In the Alert dialog, click Yes to save the changes to your configuration file.
  7. Exit the product and restart it to make the configuration variable take effect.

By removing the variable from the Workspace > Configuration list, the program will revert to the highest version supported for that RealDWG version (in the Configuration window, click the Delete button and then Save and restart MicroStation).

See Also

RealDWGTM

Bentley V8i (SELECTseries 3) - Autodesk® RealDWG(TM) 2014 Readme

How to download latest Autodesk REALDWG

Other language sources

Deutsch

 Original Author:Dan Abney