Bentley MicroStation V8i SelectSeries 3 (SS3) represents one of the most stable, enduring, and widely deployed iterations of Bentley Systems' flagship computer-aided design (CAD) and information modeling software. Released as a major update to the V8i platform, SelectSeries 3 bridged the gap between traditional 2D drafting and advanced 3D building information modeling (BIM) workflows. It remains a foundational tool in global infrastructure, civil engineering, and plant design industries.
SS3 uses hierarchical configuration files to manage user interfaces, cell libraries, line styles, and seed files. Workspaces can be segmented by Client, Project, and Discipline, automatically loading correct standards when a specific file is opened. Development and Extensibility
For power users and IT departments, SS3 offered multiple automation layers.
: New tools like the Solar Exposure Calculator and Shadow Generator help simulate environmental impacts on designs. Expanded Interoperability microstation v8i select series 3
The release improved the fidelity of AutoCAD DWG file imports and exports, ensuring smoother workflows between Bentley and Autodesk users.
SS3 made significant strides in data exchange capabilities. The release supported and added the ability to import and open version 5 of Rhino 3DM files. The release also featured support for FBX and RealDWG 2012 formats, enhancing collaboration with Autodesk-based workflows. Bentley also released a DGN reader for Windows 7 , allowing users without MicroStation to view design files.
The software includes native coordinate system libraries. Users can accurately reproject vector graphics to match global geographic systems, integrating aerial imagery and GIS data seamlessly. Bentley MicroStation V8i SelectSeries 3 (SS3) represents one
While MicroStation V8i SS3 remains a 32-bit core application, it was optimized specifically for 64-bit Windows environments. This allows the software to utilize extended memory architectures via Windows memory management, mitigating the "out of memory" crashes common in complex legacy CAD engines when loading large datasets. DirectX 11 Graphics Engine
MicroStation V8i SELECTseries 3 is natively a .
A hallmark feature of V8i SELECTseries 3 was (also referred to as "Super Modeling" in some documentation). This capability allowed users to link all types of related design information directly within the 3D model space environment, including physical and surface representations, engineering drawings, annotations, images, documents, business data, reports, videos, animations, and web content. Key aspects included: SS3 uses hierarchical configuration files to manage user
MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3): Powering Advanced 3D Modeling and Infrastructure Design
MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) is a comprehensive 3D CAD software platform developed by Bentley Systems
