Open a DWG file without AutoCAD

Someone sent you a DWG and you don't have AutoCAD. Open it in your browser and save it as a picture or a DXF.

Why DWG files are hard to open

DWG is AutoCAD's own format. Without AutoCAD or a CAD viewer, most computers and phones can't show it.

Here the drawing is read by LibreDWG, an open-source DWG reader, inside your browser, so plans and drawings stay private.

When you might need this

• Building plansExtension, kitchen or loft plans from an architect or builder.
• Product drawingsDimensions and layouts from a supplier or engineer.
• Laser and CNC jobsTurn a DWG into DXF for the cutter's software.

Key benefits

• No AutoCAD neededWorks on any computer or phone, in the browser.
• Real sizeSVG files keep the drawing's real size in millimetres where the DWG says.
• Several outputsSVG to view and share, PNG to email or print, DXF for other CAD apps.

How to open it

1. Open the .dwg file in DWG to SVG.
2. Check the drawing in the preview.
3. Choose SVG or PNG (or use DWG to DXF for CAD programs).
4. Press Convert and save.

Tips

• To make a PDF, save as SVG here, then use Think PAGES.
• DWG files from AutoCAD 2000 onwards can be read; older ones can't.
• Hatching and dimension styles are simplified; lines, arcs, text and blocks are kept.

Questions

Tools for this job

• DWG to SVG
• DWG to DXF
• DWG to PNG
• DXF to SVG

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