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DWG File - What is a .dwg file and how do I open it?
Learn about .DWG files and view a list of programs that open them.
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What is a DWG file? A DWG file is a 2D or 3D drawing created by Autodesk AutoCAD or exported by another CAD program. It contains vector image data, which defines the shapes and lines in a drawing, and metadata , which includes details like layer information, dimensions, and additional drawing properties.
More Information DWG file open in Autodesk AutoCAD 2025 AutoCAD, a widely used CAD application by architects, engineers, and designers, saves drawings in the DWG format by default. Since AutoCAD is a leading CAD program, many other CAD programs also support the DWG format for importing and exporting technical drawings. Variations of the DWG format Over time, Autodesk has introduced several versions of the DWG file format, such as DWG 2000, DWG 2004, DWG 2007, DWG 2010, DWG 2013, and DWG 2018, each with slight structural differences. While these versions all use the .dwg file extension, compatibility with third-party CAD software may vary, as some programs may only support specific DWG versions. NOTE: DWG files are closely related to .DXF files, which are text-based ( ASCII ) versions of DWG files designed for easier sharing and compatibility across different CAD applications.
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.DWG File Extension
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| Developer | Autodesk |
| Popularity |
3.5 | 789 Votes |
What is a DWG file?
A DWG file is a 2D or 3D drawing created by Autodesk AutoCAD or exported by another CAD program. It contains vector image data, which defines the shapes and lines in a drawing, and metadata , which includes details like layer information, dimensions, and additional drawing properties.
More Information
DWG file open in Autodesk AutoCAD 2025
AutoCAD, a widely used CAD application by architects, engineers, and designers, saves drawings in the DWG format by default. Since AutoCAD is a leading CAD program, many other CAD programs also support the DWG format for importing and exporting technical drawings.
Variations of the DWG format
Over time, Autodesk has introduced several versions of the DWG file format, such as DWG 2000, DWG 2004, DWG 2007, DWG 2010, DWG 2013, and DWG 2018, each with slight structural differences. While these versions all use the .dwg file extension, compatibility with third-party CAD software may vary, as some programs may only support specific DWG versions.
NOTE: DWG files are closely related to .DXF files, which are text-based ( ASCII ) versions of DWG files designed for easier sharing and compatibility across different CAD applications.
How to open a DWG file
You can open DWG files with many CAD programs and viewers. For example, you can open a DWG file with Autodesk AutoCAD (cross-platform), CorelCAD (Windows, Mac), Dassault Systemes SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer (Windows, Mac), and Adobe Illustrator (Windows, Mac).
How to convert a DWG file
Various applications, including Autodesk AutoCAD, CorelCAD, and Adobe Illustrator, can convert DWG files to other formats.
For example, AutoCAD can convert DWG files to many file types, including the following formats:
Open and view .DWG files with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open DWG files
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Autodesk AutoCAD 2025
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Autodesk Fusion 360
Free Trial
Autodesk DWG TrueView
Free
IMSI TurboCAD Pro
Free Trial
CorelCAD 2023
Free Trial
Dassault Systemes DraftSight
Paid
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer
Free
Adobe Illustrator 2025
Free Trial
GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD
Free Trial
Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro
Free Trial
CADSoftTools ABViewer
Free Trial
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Mac
Autodesk AutoCAD 2025
Free Trial
Autodesk Fusion 360
Free Trial
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe
Free Trial
CorelCAD 2023
Free Trial
Dassault Systemes DraftSight
Paid
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer
Free
Adobe Illustrator 2025
Free Trial
GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD
Free Trial
progeCAD iCADMac
Free Trial
Microspot DWG Viewer
Free Trial
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Linux
Bricsys Bricscad
Free Trial
Dassault Systemes DraftSight
Paid
CADSoftTools CST CAD Navigator
Free Trial
Web
Autodesk AutoCAD 2025
Free Trial
Autodesk Viewer
Free
Autodesk Fusion 360
Free Trial
Microsoft OneDrive
Free Trial
CAD Rooms
Free Trial
iOS
AutoDesk AutoCAD
Free +
Autodesk Fusion 360
Free
Microsoft OneDrive
Free +
Android
AutoDesk AutoCAD
Free +
Autodesk Fusion 360
Free
AutoDWG DWGSee
Free Trial
Microsoft OneDrive
Free +
Category: CAD Files
Updated: January 9, 2025