
dwg file format contains the data and metadata that describes and stores the content of 2D designs and 3D models. Approach #4: Desktop Software that Can Read DWG FilesĭWG is a proprietary file format native to AutoCAD.Approach #2: DWG to PDF Conversion Tools.Approaches to Viewing DWG without AutoCAD.

In this guide, we’ll show you five approaches that will open your world up to the various alternatives to viewing DWG without AutoCAD. (You can learn more about Autodesk Flex in our AutoCAD pricing article.)Ĭould there be another way? The answer is yes! And in fact, there are five of them. But given Autodesk requires you to buy the tokens in bulk, with the minimum number of tokens available for purchase being 500, which amounts to $1,500, this would still be an expensive alternative. You could also elect to purchase tokens under the Autodesk Flex program that let you use AutoCAD (or any Autodesk software) for a day. You could buy an AutoCAD license, but when all you need to do is view the file, that seems a bit excessive – and expensive. Nothing too out of the ordinary – reviewing and collaborating is part of any team’s work flow. With recent urbanisation he need for sophisticated architecture and planning grows by the year and so does the need for CAD.ĭWG files can be converted to many other file formats, with PDF remaining a popular target as it enables views and models to be shared easily with others.Imagine the scenario: a colleague sends you a drawing, and all you need to do is view it, print it, and mark it up. DWG files are popular with builders, architects, designers and anyone who needs to create 3D rendered images. The DWG format was first developed in the 1970s by AutoDesk, the makers of AutoCAD, and is a format know for interoperability with other CAD software such as CATIA and Solidworks. The file itself is made up of vector data coupled with metadata and either 2D or 3D CAD drawings.

It's called DWG because it's a shortened version of the word "Drawing" which is what a DWG file essentially is. A DWG file is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file that has been created with a program called AutoCAD, one of the most popular CAD programs on the market.
