DWG File Type

- The quick facts

What are DWG files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DWG file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a DWG file?

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 was developed by AutoDesk, Inc. The .dwg extension can also be given to files created with a variety of 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 a CAD software. These files store design and meta data that describe the contents of the file. The .dwg format is considered to be the most widely-used format for CAD drawings. Some experts estimate that there are between 2 and 4 billion .dwg images in existence today.

How to open DWG files

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

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different DWG openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: March 17, 2022

Suggest another file format using extension DWG

While we know of one file format using the .DWG file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .DWG file.

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.