DWG is the native drawing format of Autodesk AutoCAD, used since the 1980s. It stores 2D and 3D design data including geometry, layers, dimensions, blocks, layouts and metadata.
DWG is the de facto standard for architectural, engineering and construction drawings worldwide. The format has several versions (for example AutoCAD 2018 format), and older software cannot open newer versions unless saved down. The Open Design Alliance's libraries let many non-Autodesk CAD programs read and write DWG.
| Extension | .dwg |
|---|---|
| Full name | AutoCAD Drawing |
| Type | 3D & CAD |
| Typical size | 100 KB–100 MB |
How to open a .dwg file
| Device | How to open it |
|---|---|
| Windows | AutoCAD edits DWG; free Autodesk DWG TrueView views it, and DraftSight or BricsCAD offer alternatives. |
| Mac | AutoCAD for Mac edits DWG; the free Autodesk Viewer works in a browser. |
| iPhone / iPad | The AutoCAD mobile app (with free viewing) opens DWG. |
| Android | The AutoCAD mobile app opens DWG. |
| Linux | LibreCAD reads DXF and only some DWG; BricsCAD and DraftSight offer Linux versions, and Autodesk Viewer works in a browser. |
Converting .dwg files
DWG is exported to PDF for review and printing, to DXF for exchange with other CAD software, or saved down to an older DWG version; DWG TrueView includes a free DWG Convert tool for version changes.
How to send a .dwg file
- Open sendryo.com on the device that has the file and add it.
- Tap Get share code.
- On the other device, enter the code — the .dwg file arrives directly, unchanged, at full quality.
Tips for sharing .dwg files
- Use AutoCAD's eTransmit to package external references (xrefs), fonts and plot styles with the drawing.
- Ask which DWG version the recipient's software supports and save down if needed.
- Send a PDF alongside the DWG for clients who only need to view the drawing.
More: how to send cad files (dwg).
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a DWG file without AutoCAD?
Use Autodesk's free DWG TrueView on Windows or the free Autodesk Viewer in a browser. Alternatives like DraftSight, BricsCAD and the AutoCAD mobile app also open DWG. For editing without AutoCAD, BricsCAD and DraftSight are the most compatible.
What is the difference between DWG and DXF?
DWG is AutoCAD's compact native binary format. DXF is Autodesk's Drawing Exchange Format, designed for interoperability, and is more openly documented and widely supported by other CAD, laser cutting and CNC software. DXF files are usually larger.
Why can't I open a DWG file in my older AutoCAD?
DWG files saved in a newer format version cannot be opened by older releases. Ask the sender to save the file to an older version, or convert it using the DWG Convert feature in the free DWG TrueView.
How do I send a large .dwg file?
Open Sendryo on both devices, add the .dwg file and share the 6-digit code. It goes directly to the other device at original quality, with no size limit set by us and no upload to a server.