Guides to DWG and DXF Files
Plain answers for anyone who just received a CAD file and needs to open it.
These guides explain the two common CAD file types, DWG and DXF, in plain words: what each one is, who uses it, and how to open it for free, with or without AutoCAD. Each guide links to a free browser tool that does the job, so you can open your file while you read.
Guides
- How to open a DWG fileEvery free way to open a DWG on Windows, a Mac, an iPad or a phone, and what to do when it will not open.
- What is a DWG file?What DWG stands for, what is inside one, its versions, and how to open or convert it.
- What is a DXF file?The published exchange format: text or binary, who uses it, and how to open, check or make one.
Questions
What is the difference between DWG and DXF?
DWG is AutoCAD's own format, which Autodesk has not published. DXF is the published exchange format that other programs read and write. See what a DWG file is and what a DXF file is.
Do I need AutoCAD to open a CAD file?
No. Free viewers open DWG and DXF files. CAD Editor opens both in your web browser, with no install and no account.
Which free tool opens both DWG and DXF?
CAD Editor opens both in any modern browser, and it can edit them and save the result as a DXF.
Related tools
- CAD viewerOpen DWG and DXF drawings in any browser, on any device, with nothing to install.
- CAD converterConvert DWG drawings to DXF in your browser, and see the drawing before you save it.
- DWG viewerOpen a DWG file in your browser and look through the drawing: zoom, layers, layouts and measurements. No AutoCAD, no install, no account.
- DXF viewerOpen a DXF file in your browser, check it, and fix it in the same window if something needs to change.