A published i-model is a V8-format DGN file generated from an original DGN or DWG file. A published file contains both graphical and business/component information from the original. Some graphical information is converted to a simpler, more efficient representation in the published file. The business/component information is converted into a common form that does not require access to the original project workspaces or connections to external project databases. The i-model is a read-only format.

For more information on the i-model and how to publish an i-model, please refer to the MicroStation Help.