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What is it
DWG is AutoCAD's native file format for 2D and 3D engineering drawings — the de facto standard in architecture, construction, civil engineering, and mechanical design. The architect's file. Every blueprint, floor plan, and site layout in a modern building project passes through DWG at some point. The format is proprietary — Autodesk controls the specification — but its dominance is so complete that competing CAD software must support it to survive. Opening DWG without AutoCAD is possible but limited; editing it properly usually requires the real thing or a compatible alternative.
Technical details
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What opens it
AutoCAD
DWG TrueView
LibreCAD
Autodesk Viewer
* Limited DWG support
FAQ
How do I view a DWG file for free?
Autodesk offers DWG TrueView (Windows, free) and Autodesk Viewer (web, free) for viewing DWG files without a full AutoCAD licence. LibreCAD (free, all platforms) can also open DWG files with limited support.
What's the difference between DWG and DXF?
DWG is AutoCAD's native binary format — compact and full-featured. DXF is an exchange format designed for interoperability between CAD programs. If you need to share drawings with someone using different software, export as DXF.
How do I convert a DWG file?
AutoCAD can export to DXF, PDF, and other formats. For free conversion, Autodesk's online viewer can export to PDF. ODA File Converter (free) converts between DWG versions and to DXF.
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