DWG File

What are DWG files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DWG 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 DWG files.

What is a DWG file?

DWG files have multiple uses, and AutoCAD Drawing is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

AutoCAD Drawing

The .dwg extension is primarily given to files that have been created with the AutoCAD "Computer-Aided Design" software application. AutoCAD is a CAD development platform that AutoDesk, Inc developed. The .dwg extension can also be given to files created with various other CAD software packages, such as the IntelliCAD application.

The files with the .dwg extension contain a database of 2D or 3D drawings that have been created within CAD software. These files store design and metadata that describe the contents of the file. The .dwg format is considered the most widely-used format for CAD drawings.

How to open DWG files

We have identified eight DWG openers that are compatible with this specific type of DWG file.

Programs that open AutoCAD Drawing files

Last updated: January 22, 2025

All known file formats using extension .DWG

While AutoCAD Drawing is a popular type of DWG-file, we know of 6 different uses of the .DWG file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

CAD Vantage Drawing

We know that one DWG format is CAD Vantage Drawing. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

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

CIRCAD Data File

We know that one DWG format is CIRCAD Data File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

IBM CAD/3X Drawing

We know that one DWG format is IBM CAD/3X Drawing. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

MICROCAD Drawing

We know that one DWG format is MICROCAD Drawing. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PC-Draft-CAD Drawing

We know that one DWG format is PC-Draft-CAD Drawing. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DWG files. Remember, different programs may use DWG 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 DWG file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.