The Complete IGES to DGN Conversion Guide.

August 01, 2025

General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database. It shows how to convert IGES to DGN, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing IGES Files to DGN

There are various ways to convert between IGES and DGN. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize IGES files, at scale. It supports DGN, as well as many other file formats (examples: FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, STL, USD, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Below you can find a video explaining how to convert your files:

What are IGES and DGN files commonly used for?

The IGES file is a format mostly used for CAD data exchange and interoperability.
The DGN file is a format mostly used for CAD and infrastructure design data.

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Comparison of Features Supported by IGES and DGN

FeatureSupported by IGESSupported by DGN
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoPartial0
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoPartial1
Free-Form SurfacesYesYes
Geometry CompressionNoNo
Quad MeshesYesYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsNoPartial2
Transparent MaterialsNoYes
Vertex ColorsPartial3Yes
MaterialsPartial4Yes
Scene CompositionPartial5Yes
Hierarchical Scene GraphPartial6Yes
Scene NodesYesYes
Standardized FormatPartial7Partial8
Embedded TexturesNoPartial9
Multiple UV ChannelsNoPartial10
Normal MappingNoPartial11
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionNoNo
Texture TransformsNoYes
TexturingNoYes

0 - Basic animation for construction sequencing
1 - Simple animation support for design sequences
2 - Limited PBR support in newer versions
3 - Limited color support for visualization
4 - Basic material properties and annotations
5 - Assembly relationships with limited constraints
6 - Basic entity relationships and grouping
7 - Legacy format, superseded by STEP in 1994
8 - Open specification with some proprietary extensions
9 - Textures can be referenced or embedded
10 - Limited multi-texturing capabilities
11 - Basic normal mapping for visualization

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Limitations of IGES Files to DGN Conversion Workflow

The following limitations should be taken into account when converting IGES files to DGN format:

IGES Feature (not supported by DGN)Limitation Details

What's the best way to get IGES files into my 3D applications, and are there alternatives to using DGN?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to IGES and DGN files - the conversion guide above provides a rough first idea about that. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to even automate the process for thousands or even millions of files.

Especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated tools and expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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Meet the Author

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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