How to view DGN file in ArcMap?

Question

I have a DGN file made by Workshop Paint Pro and would like to view it in ArcMap 10 so that I can create a risk map.

What are the procedures I need to follow?

Answer 1

You may run into issues since you're not publishing the DGN file using MircoStation.

You need to allow ArcMap to read certain CAD formats. From the ESRI Help:

1. Start ArcCatalog or ArcMap.
2. Click Customize on the main menu and click ArcCatalog Options or ArcMap Options.
3. Click the CAD tab.
4. Check the box Examine all file extensions to display all DGN files. Uncheck it to display only DGN files saved with the .dgn extension.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

This page shows the supported AutoCAD and MicroStation formats at the 10.1. Note:

Direct-read formats are translated on the fly into memory as read-only feature datasets. You can add them to map documents directly from the Catalog window.

Answer 2

You can also try with this tool, inside conversion toolbox:

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00120000001z000000