SELECT Series 3 introduced significant enhancements in key areas:
A defining feature of SS3 is its deep integration with ProjectWise and the broader Bentley infrastructure. This version streamlined the check-in/check-out processes and enhanced collaborative workflows, allowing distributed teams to work on the same design files simultaneously with confidence. The platform served as the "CAD engine" for various discipline-specific Bentley applications (such as OpenRoads and OpenBuildings), ensuring that geometry and data remained consistent across the project lifecycle.
Operating on the DGN V8 file format, SS3 maintained backward compatibility while offering robust interoperability with other industry formats, most notably DWG. Users could reference, edit, and save DWG files directly within the MicroStation environment, making it a versatile tool in mixed-software workflows.
Use the Reference Dialog to attach your 2D or 3D design files.
Once your sheet is created, you need to bring your design onto it:
Mastering Infrastructure Design: A Deep Dive into MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)
represents the apex of the classic, file-based, workstation-centric CAD era. It is an exceptionally stable, resource-efficient, and interoperable platform that continues to serve as the production backbone for infrastructure projects initiated between 2012–2018. While superseded by CONNECT Edition for cloud collaboration and full BIM compliance, V8i SS3 remains a gold standard for organizations requiring predictable performance, offline operation, and deep legacy customizations.