Today you will find out how to open a DWG file on computers and laptops running Windows OS. There are various applications and online services that allow you to view, edit and convert these documents. Let's look at the most convenient methods for working with files and their contents.
- What is the DWG format?
- Programs for viewing DWG on PC
- Online services for opening documents
- Ways to convert DWG to other formats
What program opens the DWG file?
DWG (from English - drawing) is a specialized format for drawings and projects used in design. Files for CAD systems, which include files with the DWG extension, are intended for specialized programs for working with vector graphics.
Autodesk first used the DWG format in AutoCAD
Autodesk is considered the creator of this format. It was she who first used this format in her AutoCAD software. Subsequently, this extension became canonical for drawing documents and plans. However, every year the number of third-party solutions that can be used to read a file with the .dwg extension is increasing.
How to open AutoCad files in ZWCAD
Viewer Of the desktop programs, only ZWCAD Viewer and online services are compatible with all operating systems:
- Linux;
- Windows;
- poppy.
Regardless of the method you choose to open a document in DWG format - an online program or installed software on your computer, you must check the file for viruses and only then proceed with downloading.
Preliminary work with the drawing begins with several stages:
- To open a file, you must use the “File” button, then “Export” or “Create”.
- After the object is placed in the exchanger, we begin viewing.
- For ease of manipulation, you can change the visibility of layers; for this, pay attention to the “Background” and “Layers” sections. Check out the Freeze/Thaw tools. They allow you to save changes and completely remove the layer from the workspace.
- To easily transition from one layout to another, use the “Drawing Comparisons” function. Compare schemes in one field and highlight the differences.
You can download the program from the company's official website for free and test it.
Open DWG on Mac
Not all available programs for opening CAD files have Mac versions. One of the most popular viewers is SolidWorks eDrawing Viewer . You can download the free version in the AppStore, and on the official website you can read the instructions in Russian.
SolidWorks eDrawing Viewer Interface
Next is TurboViewer , a free program for rendering 2D and 3D files with the .dwg extension. To open a file, the user must email it to their iPad email client. Projects are opened by reading from the Web, FTP or other cloud storage.
Unlike specialized programs and applications, web services open on Mac without problems, which makes reading files easier.
Bentley View
Free program
Bentley View is a universal viewer for a wide range of file formats, most of which are 3D models/designs exported from a wide variety of programs. The list of more than 50 supported formats also includes CAD designs, including DWG and DXF.
Of course, in terms of functionality, Bentley View is inferior to those, for example, of DWG TrueView, but still it can still boast of something:
- Availability of powerful search functions that allow you to find items in accordance with user-specified requirements.
- Tools for measuring distances and areas.
- When viewing 3D models, the user is not limited in any way in scaling and moving around the 3D scene. A special dynamic research tool “Clip Volume” allows you to present a 3D model in section.
- Ability to export in the form of tables all values available within the viewed DWG/DXF project.
- Sending drawings for printing with preliminary fine-tuning and other features.
Programs for converting DWG to PDF
Besides reading, one of the most popular requests is converting DWG to other formats, specifically PDF. The programs listed above allow you to save the file with a different extension, for example, PDF, after opening it. In ABViewer, to do this, select “Save As” in the main menu and select the format of interest in the pop-up window.
Online converters such as zamar.com or coolutils.com cope best with this task. To convert a DWG file to PDF, you need to download or drag a document from a folder, select a format and confirm the conversion. After successfully changing the extension, the document turns into a raster PDF, which can be opened in a browser using the Adobe Reader program.
General description of the DWG format
DWG files are open source and compatible with most virtual design applications. In updated programs, the extension is used in two versions: .dws and .dwt. Such formats designate a drawing standard and template.
A DWG document is loaded into third-party programs via the “export-import” function. This creates temporary copies of the .sv$ and .bak formats.
History of origin
In the 1970s, Mike Riddle developed the Interact CAD software package. The DWG extension has become the centerpiece of this package. In 1982, Autodesk acquired the rights to use the extension in its AutoCAD program and closed the code.
Since licensing, 18 variants of the format have been created, but there are no official descriptions of any of them in published documents.
In 1998, Autodesk conducted research and found that the DWG value was in first place among extensions for storing electronic layouts. According to analysts, there were 2 billion such files at that time.
Since 2008, the company has been releasing proprietary RealDWG libraries with limited rights. However, the ban was circumvented by the Open Design Alliance, which released OpenDWG Toolkit with updated code.
In 2008, the Free Software Foundation called for Autodesk to make the DWG extension available. The open file database LibreDWG was created by programmers of The GNU Project.
The latest update to the DWG format was released in 2022 and aims to improve file loading and saving. The ASM modeling tool is now used to create multi-element drawings.
DesignCAD 3D Max v24 – viewing DWG files
«DesignCAD is another paid alternative, with a rather symbolic cost for programs of this type. Created by the developers of TurboCAD, DesignCAD is a feature-rich tool designed to meet your CAD design needs.
This product is easy to learn and use to create 2D and 3D projects. It allows users to add textures and process them properly, resulting in photorealistic models. The program provides a choice of more than 10,000 characters, easy navigation, customizable design, and free support from developers.
eDrawings Viewer
Free program
eDrawings Viewer is a standalone module separated from eDrawings Professional, a professional application for creating and editing CAD projects.
It's worth noting that the features available in eDrawings Viewer go beyond a simple DWG file viewer. Here are some of them:
- Measuring the geometry of objects in drawings and/or 3D models.
- Applying comments and markings on drawings with the ability to highlight target objects.
- Ability to create drawing layouts and group projects by type.
- The 3D Pointer tool allows you to select 3D objects, points, and areas simultaneously in all drawings belonging to the same view.
- Create hyperlinks to section views or text annotations that will appear in tooltips/windows when you hover over them.
TurboCAD Pro Platinum - a professional product
«TurboCAD Pro Platinum is a bright representative of quite expensive and professional software, capable of boasting wider functionality than AutoCAD 2014, including smart measurement tools, 3D landscape modeling and Ruby scripts.
«TurboCad needs to be differentiated from AutoCAD 2014, since the former has greater capabilities for 3D modeling, especially when creating complex images with an abundance of details.
Since the program boasts quite a wide range of functionality, such diversity can confuse a beginner. Fortunately, the program's support works at a high level - you can use both e-mail and phone calls.
This is useful to know: Lebedev’s online decoder for decrypting letters.
Free converters and editors
All programs for working with DWG can be divided into two categories: converters and editors. In turn, in each category there are paid and free programs, so all software is divided into four lists. Converters allow you to change the drawing format from any popular one to DWG and back. Other programs are designed for viewing and/or editing drawings.
Free converters:
- XnView Extended 2.45 - allows you to open not only drawings, but also photo and video content, and then save it in any convenient format. Available in Russian.
- DWG TrueView 2018 is the latest version from the developer of AutoCAD. It is guaranteed to open any necessary drawing and save it in the required format.
- Free DWG Viewer - there is an opportunity to change the document format when saving (Save as...). The latest version of the program is 16.0.2.11.
- IrfanView 4.51 is a simple and lightweight program that allows you to quickly open large files even on weak computers. Available in Russian.
- PDF24 Creator 8.6.0 is a free program from the developer geek Software GmbH, which is a “virtual printer”. Weighs only 22 MB, provides convenient work with Explorer, supports all popular formats.
- doPDF 9.4.241 is a simple and convenient program that allows you to convert any documents, from drawings to Microsoft Excel tables, to PDF.
As for free editors LibreCAD (current version 2.1.3) can be considered the only complete solution It is the only free CAD software that is open source and available for download at librecad.org. The program is in Russian, and there are many instructions on how to operate and configure it online.
NanoCAD - a free alternative
NanoCAD is a completely free alternative to AutoCAD, although there is also a professional paid version of the product called NanoCAD Plus.
Comparing NanoCAD with AutoCAD you will see significant differences. NanoCAD does not support dynamic input, associative hatches, behavioral library objects, or operations with 3D solid objects. Otherwise, this is a good tool with the necessary set of basic functions.
Online platforms
Don't want to install additional software on your PC? Let's look at how to open the DWG format online.
ShareCAD
Features - simple interface. Designed to be viewed in the drawing browser. Works on platforms: Windows, Linux, Android.
How to use
Go to: https://sharecad.org/ru. Select:
The drawing will open. Functions will appear: print, change background, layers, scale.
ProfiCAD
The platform converts the file to PDF format. Go to: https://gallery.proficad.eu/tools/AutoCAD-Viewer.aspx, then:
To view a file, click on it with LMB. Select the “Save as PDF” link to save.
Autodesk viewer
This is a cloud storage that offers document sharing and note-taking. It's not just a viewer. The file can be opened and edited.
Beginning of work
To use the service, please register. Go to: https://viewer.autodesk.com/, fill out the form:
Check your email. A link will be sent in the letter. Follow it to confirm the created account.
Click the "Upload" button.
Choose File:
Further:
The service allows you to edit a document. Add text, change color. To do this, click the “Mark” button.
Select:
