What is a DWG file format, and how do you open it?

What are .DWG files?

A DWG file is a format for storing 2-D and 3-D drawings, data, and metadata. The format contains binary codes instead of pixels, which are scalable endlessly while preserving image quality. A DWG file stores highly compressed data.

DWG format means 'Drawing,' which can be identified using the .DWG file extension. The format is a vector file with all the data required to describe the designed objects' metadata, annotations, dimensions, and shapes. 

A DWG file stores each angle, measurement, and other relevant data regarding the design for easy sharing and editing using CAD software. A .DWG file extension is an AutoCAD drawing that can be used with CAD programs.

The DGW files are related to various other file types including:

• .SV$
• .DWS
• .DWT
• .BAK

DWG file format is unique and standout from other vector graphics formats such as SVG because: 

• Backward Compatibility: The oldest DWG files can run on the most advanced AutoCAD versions, allowing users to easily access old legacy designs and project work when the software is updated. Note: legacy Autodesk software versions may not read DWG files created with newer software.
• Proprietary Format: Unlike open-source file formats DWF and DXF, the DWG file type is proprietary. As such, DWG files are only supported and compatible with Autodesk. Many CD programs can open and edit DWG files, although not all fully support all features.
• Smaller Files: DWG files are detailed and hold more data. Since the format only stores binary code information, its files are compact compared to other CAD formats, such as DXF. Thus, DWG files are easily handled on email and cloud-based platforms like Outlook and Google Drive.

History of DWG image Files 

Autodesk licensed the DWG file format in 1982. However, Mike Riddle and his team developed a blueprint in 1970 that became the foundation for the AutoCAD file format. The format is exclusive to the CAD software but has evolved to include more features like DWGCHECK and TrustedDWG. 

The DWG format was created with AutoCAD software to allow industrial experts, including architects, designers, town planners, and others in the same professions, to visualize ideas and concepts easily in multi-layered designs.

DWG files contain user-generated information like maps, photos, geometric data, and designs, increasing their adoption by designers, engineers, and architects for different design purposes. The global market has various CAD programs, making the DWG file format open and accessible to ordinary users. 

What are DWG files used for?

The DWG file format is used to create and store detailed design data in fields like engineering, architecture, and city planning. These files contain complex layers, including comprehensive technical specifications, diagrams, and 2D and 3D drawings. 

DWG files also store metadata and vector image data. The metadata helps manage design information, while the vector-based images enable accurate representations of 2D and 3D concepts on screen.

Pros and Cons of DWG files

The DWG file format benefits architects, designers, and engineers by helping them create and produce expert digital drawings or drafts used globally. Nonetheless, while the format is used to create 2D and 3D drawings such as product sketches, floor plans, etc., it has some demerits.  

Advantages of DWG files

1. High-Quality Images: DWG files preserve all image details and can be scaled up or down without losing resolution levels.
2. Real-World Working Environment: DWG files can be used to test design plans and create prototypes for real-world contexts, including inspecting objects' sizes, locations, and positions. 
3. Economical: DWG files store all details together, enabling users to design, save, and edit their blueprints in one place.
4. 2D and 3D Image Manipulation: DWG files are supported by 3D and 2D images, allowing engineers and designers to produce versions of each in one File, hastening the review and feedback process. 
5. Smaller File Sizes: DWG files consist of binary codes, making them smaller and ideal for storing and exchanging data between different CAD programs. 

Disadvantages of DWG files

1. Specialized Software: DWG files are a proprietary format for use with the AutoCAD program. While most software opens them, some features are invisible without CAD software, limiting their sharing across platforms. 
2. Limited Support and Capability: DWG file formats are prone to compatibility issues when users have different CAD versions.
3. Versioning: DWG file format and AutoCAD have evolved, integrating new features, which make older versions of the AutoCAD program incompatible with the added features. 

How to Open or View .DWG Files

To open or view DWG files, use Autodesk DWG TrueView, Autodesk AutoCAD, Fusion 360, DWG FastView, IMSI TurboCAD, DWG DXF Sharp Viewer, eDrawings Viewer, IntelliCAD, GraphiSoft ArchiCAD, ProgeCAD iCADMac, CorelCAD, Adobe Illustrator, and CADSoftTools ABViewer.

How to open DWG on Android

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search for Schemata CAD Viewer DWG/DXF and click “Install”.
3. When installation is complete, navigate to find your DWG file and Click it.

How to open DWG on iPhone

1. Download and install AutoCAD 360 from the App Store
2. Create a New Account or Login 
3. Tap on the +(Plus Sign) in the top right corner
4. Select the file-sharing service where your CAD files are stored, e.g., Google Drive or DropBox.
5. Go to the Newly Added Folder (Google Drive or DropBox) > Select and click your .DWG file. 

How to open DWG on Windows

1. Download and install Autodesk AutoCAD to your PC
2. Launch the program, select File> Open > Browse.
3. Next to the File Name box, click the All-Visio Files dropdown> select AutoCAD Drawing.
4. Find your .dwg and then double-click it. The DWG file will open as a new Visio drawing.

How to open DWG on Mac  

1. Download and Install Adobe Illustrator on your Mac Computer
2. Press the COMMAND button > Click the mouse button
3. Scroll down to Open With > Scroll right to view the list of programs that can open a DWG file.
4. Select Adobe illustrator 

How to open a DWG file in AutoCAD  

1. Download, install, and open AutoCAD 360 on your computer
2. Click the Application menu. It is the icon with a red "A" in the upper-left corner.
3. Click Open in the Application menu.
4. Choose a folder with the DWG file: Use the dropdown menu at the top to choose the folder. 
5. Select the DWG file. Click the DWG file to be opened in the list.
6. Click Open to open the whole DWG file in AutoCAD.

How to open a DWG file without AutoCAD?

You can open DWG files in Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk Viewer, Microsoft Vision, DWG DXF Sharp Viewer, BricsCAD, eDrawings Viewer, ArchiCAD, CorelCAD, and Autodesk DWG TrueView. 

To open a DWG file using Autodesk DWG TrueView Program, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install the program on your computer
2. From the Application menu, click Open.
3. Click the Home tab > Files panel > Open.
4. Double-click the drawing in File Explorer to launch DWG TrueView and open the drawing.
5. Drag the drawing file from the folder into the DWG TrueView shortcut icon or the DWG TrueView application window.  This will open your DWG file or drawings.

Are there online DWG file viewers?

Yes, it is possible to view DWG files online using programs such as: 

• Autodesk Viewer
• ShareCAD
• DWGSee
• DWG FastView
• GroupDocs
• AutoCAD Web
• DWG Viewer

How to create and edit DWG files?

DWG files can be created and edited in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Viewer, DWG TrueView, AutoCAD Web App, AutoCAD Mobile App, or Adobe Illustrator. To create a new DWG file in AutoCAD, follow the steps below.

1. Download and install AutoCAD on your computer
2. Launch the program and go to Start > New. 
3. Alternatively, go to 'Start' and then use the dropdown icon next to 'New' to browse and select a template.
4. To export a file as a DWG, go to File> Export > CAD Formats > DWG. 
5. Select the setup > Views and sheets to export > click 'Next.' 
6. In the open dialogue, select a location to save the File to > choose the AutoCAD version for the File.
7. Amend any other settings you need > then click 'OK' to export the File as a DWG.

To edit DWG files in AutoCAD, do the following:

1. Click the Files tool.
2. Locate your DWG file and ensure that the pop-up dialog boxes are enabled to open DWG files.
3. Click open to view and edit the DWG file based on the permissions.
4. Click Save to save the edited DWG files.

How to recover DWG files?

How one can recover DWG files online? 

Users can recover a damaged or corrupted DWG file online using the "Repair Toolbox" by following these steps: 

1. Choose the damaged DWG file (go to repairtoolbox.com)
2. Click Next button
3. When the DWG File recovery online is successful, you will see “the restored DWG file” and “a preview of the recovered DWG file” 
4. Pay for the AutoCAD file recovery online service
5. Download the restored AutoCAD .DWG file 

How one can recover a DWG file in AutoCAD?

The steps below show how users can recover a drawing (DWG) file:

1. Download and install AutoCAD on your computer
2. Click the Application button > Drawing Utilities > Recover. 
3. In the Select File dialog box, browse to locate and select the DWG file to recover
4. Click Open. When AutoCAD prompts you to open the DWG as read-only, click Yes.
5. Review the audit details in the Open Drawing – Damaged File message box and click Close.

How to convert DWG files?

You can convert DWG files to STEP, DWF, STP, DWFX, PDF, STL, OBJ, TIFF, EPS, DXF, DGN, 3DS, and CGM using Convertjack. To realize the conversion goal, visit our DWG file converter and follow the below steps.

1. Upload the DWG file
2. Select the format you want the File to be converted to
3. Click Convert and download the converted File

Remember: The tool allows batch conversion if you have multiple DWG files to convert.

 

DWG Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 Is DWG a CAD file?

Yes, DWG is a CAD file. A CAD file is a digital file used to design, model, and draft objects in 2D or 3D formats.

2 What programs or software open DWG files?

Open DWG files using Autodesk because it is the default format for Autodesk. Also, DWG files can be opened using eDrawings Viewer, CorelDRAW, GraphiSoft ArchiCAD, Fusion 360, DWG FastView, IMSI TurboCAD, Adobe Illustrator, IntelliCAD, and CADSoftTools ABViewer.

3 Which free program can open DWG files?

DWG files can be opened online for free using Autodesk Viewer or offline using a free desktop program called  DWG TrueView.

4 Can you print DWG files?

Yes, you can print DWG files using AutoCAD TrueView or DWG TrueView software, which displays and prints any AutoCAD file.

5 What is the difference between DWG and DXF?

A DXF file is an open standard format designed for compatibility between various CAD programs, whereas a DWG file is Autodesk's proprietary native format. Both file types can be edited and opened in Autodesk programs.

6 What is the difference between a DWG file and a DNG file?

A DWG file is the proprietary format for CAD programs like AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk. In contrast, a DGN file is the native format for MicroStation, a Bentley Systems 2D and 3D modeling program.

7 What is the difference between DWG and DWT?

A DWG file is a standard AutoCAD drawing file containing design data for 2D and 3D drawings. In contrast, a DWT file is a template used in AutoCAD. A DWT file contains predefined settings, such as layers, line types, and dimension styles, which create new drawings with consistent formatting. While the DWT file is used as a template, new drawings created from it are saved in the DWG format for further use in CAD software like AutoCAD.