While it is true, the programming has endless available configurations. However, the digital drawing is the one with the most formats today , as well as the video. Therefore, it has become one of the main elements in the network.
In this sense, although the most common formats of this type are based on JPG and PNG, the truth is that there are much more worth considering. Among which, we can locate the .DWG or DraWinG format that contains everything from images and designs, to graphics, maps and geometric data.
It should be noted that, DWG files commonly belong to the renowned AutoCAD software, which is very important for users who create designs in two and three dimensions. However, many people want to know if there are other ways to open such files without resorting to CAD and, consequently, here we will tell you all about it.
Index:
What is a DWG file extension and how can we identify it?
Also known as an AutoCAD drawing database file , DWG is a type of configuration used to store images, graphics, maps and any type of design that has been created through such desktop software.
In this sense, the DWG file extension contains all the details about the 2D and 3D drawings that were developed in the AutoCAD program. Which means that, unlike other kinds of files, in this e s it is possible to save 3D vector information and thanks to the fact that it stores vector data, the same file offers users the possibility of reduce or increase the dimensions of the drawing without affecting its quality .
For your part, you will wonder how you can identify a file extension of this type and for this, just visualize the final part of its name. Since, there must contain the ending “.dwg” .
However, as there are several versions developed by the program in question, it is possible that apart from finding out the above, you also want to know what version of AutoCAD has been used to create the design. .
Therefore, you can identify it in two ways that are:
In this case AC1027 belongs to AutoCAD 2013 . But, to more easily identify yours, we indicate that, according to each version, only the final two digits will change (that is, it will always be AC10xx). Having the possibility the other versions :
- AC1015 = AutoCAD 2000
- AC1018 = AutoCAD 2004
- AC1021 = AutoCAD 2007
- AC1024 = AutoCAD 2010
- AC1032 = AutoCAD 2018
List of the best programs to open files with your DWG extension Windows and Mac computer
Although the .dwg file is native to AutoCAD, this is not the only software capable of opening it. Since, several alternatives have been designed for this, which you can download both on your Windows PC and on a Mac .
Here are 10 of the best solutions that currently exist:
VectorWorks
Basically, it is a program compatible with Windows and MacOS that offers all the necessary tools to open any DWG file , given that it shows full support for both these configurations and for others referring to the design.
It is appropriate to highlight that, thanks to its capabilities, it is a software widely used by professionals in the film industry in order to create the structural base of cities made with special effects, completely. Among other details, has a free 30-day trial , but it’s a paid program .
Microsoft Visio
It is a vector drawing program designed for Microsoft Windows that allows you to make database diagrams, flow charts, office diagrams and other designs, in a very easy way. Therefore, it has the proper support to open DWG extension files in a few minutes.
Among other details of this application, it should be noted that it has the possibility of adding images and relationships with dotted lines to the organization charts, facilitates different updated network forms, exhibits a user interface very easy to use and, in short, it is an excellent tool for business processes with the aim of increasing productivity.
SketchUp
It is a recognized alternative to AutoCAD and therefore, it is also considered a good option to open any .dwg file extension . Taking into account that, it is widely used for graphic design and three-dimensional modeling based on faces, so that it is used in architecture, civil engineering, industrial design, urban planning environments, films, video games, etc.
However, is not a free solution , although it offers a free trial for 30 days. However, it provides several types of plans that can be adjusted to different users, since they fluctuate between 115 euros and 1000 euros approximately , to pay each year.
MicroStation
As it is one of the most important competitors of AutoCAD, of course it is a program that allows you to open DWG configuration files. This, thanks to its excellent DXF support as it contains all the necessary tools to visualize drawings in 2 and 3D.
Therefore, it is estimated as a good solution for engineering and architecture professionals. Since, it facilitates the documentation of infrastructure projects, designs and drawings of any kind. But, you need a license to use it , which means it is not free and does not provide free trials for a certain period of time. It is only compatible with Windows.
Free DWG Viewer
It is also a solution for Windows users completely free . Which, is based on an AutoCAD file viewer that is useful for opening files of this type, promptly. That is, it does not work to edit or work on them. Taking into account that, it supports the DWG format and apart from that, the DXF and DWF.
One of its biggest advantages is that is extremely simple to use because it works like any other conventional image viewer. Therefore, it allows you to rotate the content, zoom and move comfortably on it. Additionally, it also offers options to measure the distance between two points and has support for layered distribution.
Autodesk DWG Trueview
This is a free program that shows a friendly and simple-to-use interface, in which it is possible to open native AutoCAD documents quickly and easily. Since, it exhibits the ability to open the DWG, DWF and DXF formats and apart from this, it manages to convert them to other configurations and use in them all the possible tools you want.
In addition to this, it also allows you to observe 2D and 3D documents, has the options to zoom the diagrams or graphics and even allows you to print any project easily. It even contains the options necessary to publish and share CAD drawings digitally. However, it is a very elementary tool for professionals and is only compatible with Windows .
Adobe Illustrator
Although it is not free software, it has a price of 60.49 euros per month ; It is considered as a good alternative to open and view all the DWG files you want from your PC or MAC and even, allows to make designs within them easily . Taking into account that, it is widely used by designers to create illustrations for web, paper or applications.
For its part, it is also considered as an excellent way to adapt your AutoCAD creations to a website, posters, promotions, sales or any other project that has to do with graphic design. It should be noted that, its user interface is very attractive .
Mini CAD Viewer
Free and very easy to use, this software for Windows is based on an extremely compact AutoCAD viewer and perfect for the most novice users who want to observe the contents of any .dwg file. Since, it is even indicated for people who do not even have previous experience in CAD .
Among other details and highlighting its main advantage, we indicate that Mini CAD Viewer in addition to being able to open these native AutoCAD files, also offers all details luxury to its users and allows to handle the designs in an integral way, thanks to has zoom . Additionally, it has a thumbnail view that facilitates quick search within the task folder.
DWG FastView
As another alternative for those who prefer to manage their files from a PC, we highlight this free program that is very useful for viewing, editing and even modifying the native CAD files with their DWG format. So, also supports 3D viewing , you can rotate them at 360 degrees and even see them in 10 different perspectives .
On the other hand, it exhibits a user interface that is very comfortable and simple, it has a very efficient local file storage system that even, without Internet connection , still allows you to observe and edit the drawings that contain the file in question. It should be noted that, only has an English version .
A360 Viewer
If you prefer to use an online tool to access your native AutoCAD file, this solution is perfect for you. Since, you will not have to install any program or application on your computer and well, you will only depend on the speed of your Internet connection .
To do this, you simply have to access the official website of the service, register and then click on the button that indicates “Upload your design” or “Upload a drawing” strong> to proceed to drag and drop the .dwg file in the window and in a matter of seconds, the web will show you everything that contains it. It should be noted that is completely free .
List of the best applications to open DWG documents from the Android mobile and iOS
Even if you don’t believe it, today, it is also possible to open AutoCAD .dwg documents directly from any Android smartphone or iPhone. This, thanks to the fact that there are different apps available for that.
Next, we recommend five of the best :
A360 – View CAD files h3>
We start this list, with an application available in Google Play Store and in the App Store . Which, has been launched by the same A360 Viewer online tool in order to assist users who prefer to manage these files from the comfort of their mobile phone.
In this sense, the present application supports up to 50 CAD file formats , you can scroll through 2D and 3D models on a large scale, since it allows you to isolate the properties of the object, move through the layers and parts of the model and has intuitive touch navigation to zoom, rotate 3D models and frame them as well. On the other hand, it supports cloud storage to access documents offline.
eDrawings
It is considered one of the best free AutoCAD viewers for Android phones and tablets and also for iOS devices. Thanks to that, it guarantees a remarkable facility to view the native files of said software and also other files coming from SolidWorks, as well as assembly and parts documents.
In reference to its user interface, we specify that is completely intuitive and simple to use, it contains the tools necessary to expand and rotate the elements of 2D and 3D designs strong> through multitouch and allows you to view the drawings in full screen with just double tapping the terminal screen. In addition to this, it has support for files associated with any source, whether from the cloud, email, websites and network folders.
GrabCAD
Only for Android users , we find this free alternative with which they can have free access to any of the AutoCAD formats and of course, to their 3D models without any limitation. That way, it is possible to view designs in full screen , regardless of the configuration.
For its part, simplifies the creation of projects and you can upload files to them, it also has a public library of CAD models that you can access and even private projects to have better ideas To execute yours. However, for this, you must have an Android device version 4.0 or higher .