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How to open dwg format

This WordPress post covers the basics of how to open and view DWG files, a popular CAD drawing format. It starts by discussing the two most popular programs for opening and viewing DWG files: Autodesk's 2D AutoCAD and a basic image viewer such as IrfanView. Additionally, it explains how to open DWG files without a third-party application by first converting it to another file type before opening it with a compatible program. Lastly, it summarizes the advantages and features of DWG format, which include being able to store a variety of drawing information, high compatibility, and its small file size. This makes it perfect for technical drawing projects and other CAD tasks.

The content of the article



This extension indicates that the file contains graphic data, a drawing. Information is stored in vector form – this format is the most popular option for projects in CAD programs. The data can be in 2D or 3D, but for some users it is difficult to view dwg files.

How to open dwg file

Drawing in AutoCAD

To open view this format, you should use a specialized dwg viewer. At its best, it should be AutoCAD (AutoCAD), but you will have to pay a lot of money to use it. If you do not work with this format all the time, such a purchase will not be advisable, and it is much easier to download a free viewer (a program for viewing dwg files) and open a drawing through it. Many of these applications are compatible with all modern operating systems:

  • Mac (Apple);
  • Windows
  • Linux.

Free software to work with dwg

There are a number of free programs that can open the drawing format. They do not provide such wide functionality as their paid counterparts, but they are quite enough to familiarize themselves with the drawing or project. How to open dwg format for free:

  1. DWG TrueView. A no-cost utility that allows you to open a format but not edit it. Designed for read-only use. To use the application you need to register on the developer’s site.
  2. Autodesk Design Review – a free version of the program from the creators of AutoCAD. Unlike its “full-fledged” option, this utility does not require payment. Provides the ability to view a document, leave notes and comments, but not edit.
  3. Brava! Free DWG Viewer is the easiest option than opening a dwg format. There is no possibility to make changes to the drawing. Able to read this program and the XRef extension.
  4. eDrawings Viewer is a free application from SolidWorks developers. It provides an opportunity not only to open, but also send documents for printing in dwg, dxf, edrw format.
  5. nanoCAD is a free editor for entry-level CAD management. It has direct support for the project format, has all the necessary functionality for working with drawings, design and production. Download should be the latest version of nanoCAD, which contains all the necessary corrections and additional functions: DirectX support, autocad files, quick selection of objects, auto-correction and completion.
  6. DraftSight is a Dassault Systemes product that is distributed free of charge. Does not have a manual in Russian, therefore, to study it, you must be fluent in English.

DWG to Vector Converter

View dwg files with free online services

Not every computer owner will want to install some kind of software that will have to be used only once. In such cases, online services that do not require downloading or installing on a PC are well suited for viewing. How to open dwg format online:

  1. ShareCAD – the service is easy to find in a Google search, designed to read documents with the extension from the AutoCAD program. The application interface is very simple, understandable for any user. Able to open a project whose size does not exceed 50 mb. If the file size is exceeded, then it will need to be reduced.
  2. Autodesk 360 is a cloud service from Autodesk. To use it is necessary to go through the registration procedure, after which you will receive 5 GB of memory for storing files, the ability to view, edit the document.

List of paid professional programs

If a person needs not only the ability to read projects with drawings, but also to make edits, or maybe create his own, you should use full, professional versions of the programs. They will help with the question of how to open the dwg format.

  1. Compass is a domestic product from ASCON. Opens full functionality for working with drawings, provides the ability to perform work according to the standards of the ESKD series. The program has several options: Home, LT, 3D, Graph, SPDS. The first three versions are used for non-commercial purposes. The functionality of such software provides the ability to quickly generate a set of documentation, create additional images, import, export models, open third-party formats.
  2. AutoCAD is the main tool for design engineers, architects. This is a very powerful tool for creating projects, drawings in three-dimensional space. It will be difficult for an ordinary user to understand, because the work environment is designed for people with knowledge in this area. The program is distributed through a subscription system, you will have to pay for it regularly. The developers provided full functionality for creating documentation, working with tables, text inserts, checking drawings. The application has the ability to interact with MS Excel.
  3. ArchiCAD is a CAD software package for architects from Graphisoft. It is widely used for the design of landscape solutions, building structures, design elements, furniture. The main advantage of this software is the close interconnection of all parts of the project with each other. It is based on the technology of the “virtual building”, which makes it possible to work both with individual elements and with the entire drawing. If you make changes to the plan, then all specifications are recalculated, changes to sections will be automatically made. This greatly reduces design time. During the creation of the drawing, a professional will be able to identify possible problems, eliminate them so that they do not appear at further stages or at the construction site.
  4. Advance Steel is an application for AutoCAD that provides the ability to quickly model steel structures. The utility is able to automatically create working and general drawings, statements, data files for CNC machines. The application simplifies interaction with the format for both the individual employee and the entire team during collaboration. Advance Steel is part of the comprehensive GRAITEC solution, which can automate the construction process..

Video instruction: how to open the dwg extension

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Comments: 1
  1. Skylar Thompson

    Can anyone guide me on how to open a DWG format? I’ve received a file in this format and I’m not sure which program to use or how to access the content. Any suggestions or step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

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