DCW File

What are DCW files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DCW file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your DCW files.

What is a DCW file?

A .DCW file is a Draft Choice For Windows Drawing file.

Draft Choice For Windows Drawing files store 2D technical drawings created by the old drafting software DraftChoice for Windows, developed by TRIUS, Inc. These drawings are used for diagrams, plans, schematics or similar precision graphics, enabling users to draw lines, shapes, text and layers with object-oriented CAD tools. The format is native to DraftChoice and is now largely obsolete; users today may still encounter such files when working with legacy drafts or archived designs.

Files of this format are produced (saved) by the DraftChoice for Windows program and read or edited again by that same software. They may be converted or exported to other vector-CAD formats like DXF or HP-GL if using DraftChoice's built-in export features. Since the program is discontinued, finding contemporary software that reliably supports this exact format may be difficult.

A DCW file in this format begins with a signature: the first bytes contain the ASCII string ".DCWIN Drawing" followed by byte 1A (hex signature 0E 44 43 57 49 4E 20 44 72 61 77 69 6E 67 1A) at offset zero. This signature identifies it as a DraftChoice for Windows Drawing file rather than another format using the same extension.

How to open DCW files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DCW file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DCW file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested three different DCW openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DCW files. Remember, different programs may use DCW files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DCW file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.