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What Is a DWG File?

A plain guide to the DWG format: what it is, who uses it, its versions, and how to open or convert one.

A DWG file is a CAD drawing saved in AutoCAD's native format. The name is short for drawing. Architects, engineers and builders use DWG files for plans, sections and details. You can open one for free without AutoCAD in a viewer such as CAD Editor, which runs in your web browser on any device.

Open a DWG file now

CAD Editor opens in a new tab. Drag the DWG into it, or choose File, then Open Drawing.

Open the DWG viewer(opens a new tab)
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What DWG stands for

DWG is short for drawing. It is the file type AutoCAD has saved since its first release, AutoCAD 1.0, in December 1982. Autodesk, which makes AutoCAD, owns the format, and DWG is an Autodesk trademark.

DWG is a closed format: Autodesk has not published a specification for it (Library of Congress(opens a new tab)). Other programs that read DWG rely on their own work to decode it. That is the reason DXF exists: it is the published format Autodesk made for moving drawings between programs.

What is inside a DWG file

A DWG file is binary, so it does not open as readable text. Inside, it holds everything a CAD drawing needs:

  • Geometry: lines, arcs, circles, polylines and hatches, drawn at real size.
  • Layers that group the drawing by trade or purpose, such as walls, doors, electrical or notes.
  • Blocks: named symbols such as doors, fixtures and title blocks, placed many times.
  • Text and dimensions.
  • Layouts: sheets set up for printing, each showing parts of the drawing at a scale.
  • 3D models, in drawings that use them.
  • Links to other files, such as external references (xrefs) and images, which travel separately.

Who uses DWG files

  • Architects, for floor plans, sections, elevations and details.
  • Engineers, for structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings.
  • Contractors and builders, who receive drawings to price and build from, and send back shop drawings and as-builts.
  • Interior designers and fabricators, for layouts and parts.
  • Building owners and facility managers, who keep the drawings of what was built.

Many people who receive a DWG are none of these. If someone sent you a DWG and you just need to see it, the next section is for you.

How to open a DWG file

  • In a web browser, on any device: open the free DWG viewer and drag the file in. No install and no account.
  • On a Windows PC: Autodesk's free DWG TrueView opens, plots and converts DWG files, but cannot edit them.
  • Online with an Autodesk Account: Autodesk Viewer opens DWG files in the browser after you sign in.
  • In AutoCAD or another CAD program that reads DWG.

The full list, with what to do when a file will not open, is in how to open a DWG file.

Converting a DWG file

  • To DXF: open the DWG in CAD Editor and choose File, Export, Export to DXF. See the DWG to DXF converter.
  • To an older DWG version: use Save As in AutoCAD, or DWG TrueView's DWG Convert on Windows.
  • To PDF: plot it from AutoCAD. CAD Editor has an Export to PDF button that we are still testing with real drawings.

DWG versions

The DWG format changes every few AutoCAD releases. A program can open DWG files of its own version and older, but not newer ones. The newest format is the AutoCAD 2018 format, which AutoCAD 2018 through AutoCAD 2027 all save.

DWG formats and the AutoCAD releases that save them (source: Autodesk)
DWG formatAutoCAD releases
AutoCAD 20182018 to 2027
AutoCAD 20132013 to 2017
AutoCAD 20102010 to 2012
AutoCAD 20072007 to 2009
AutoCAD 20042004 to 2006
AutoCAD 20002000 to 2002

If someone cannot open your DWG, save a copy in an older format, or send a DXF.

DWG and DXF compared

DWG and DXF at a glance
DWGDXF
Made byAutodeskAutodesk
PurposeAutoCAD's own working formatMoving drawings between programs
SpecificationNot publishedPublished as the DXF Reference
Stored asBinaryText (ASCII) or binary
Opens inAutoCAD, many CAD programs, DWG viewersMost CAD programs, laser and CNC software, many free tools

For more on the other format, read what a DXF file is.

Questions

What does DWG stand for?

Drawing. DWG is short for the word drawing, and it is the native file format of AutoCAD.

What program opens a DWG?

AutoCAD and most other CAD programs. For free: CAD Editor in any web browser, DWG TrueView on Windows, and Autodesk Viewer online with an Autodesk Account.

Can I open a DWG without AutoCAD?

Yes. A free viewer opens it. CAD Editor runs in your browser, so it also works on a Mac, a Chromebook or an iPad.

What is the difference between DWG and DXF?

DWG is AutoCAD's own binary format, and Autodesk has not published it. DXF is the published exchange format, stored as text or binary, made so other programs can read the drawing.

Is a DWG file 2D or 3D?

It can be either. A DWG can hold 2D drawings and 3D models. CAD Editor is a 2D editor.

Is DWG an open format?

No. Autodesk owns DWG and has not published a specification. DXF is the openly published format for exchange.

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