Menu
homeBreakdowns

How to open autocad. View dwg files using free online services. What is DWG: purpose, analogues, versions

DWG format is used by applications computer-aided design for storing 2D or 3D designs. This could be a cross-sectional drawing of a prism or several gears from wristwatch. It happens that you urgently need to view an AutoCAD file when you don’t have a computer at hand or there are no programs installed to open such files.

How to View DWG Files Online

Development modern technologies and the relevance of this issue have led to the fact that you can open a DWG file via the Internet even on several online services. This article provides a small review of three resources where this can be done.

Method 1: A360 Viewer

Autodesk is one of the main companies that supports this format, and you can open and view the DWG file on their website. Some may be put off by the fact that there is no Russian language, but for easy viewing this is not at all necessary.

Go to the A360 Viewer online service

    1. At the very beginning of the page there is a button “ Upload your design“And even without knowledge of the language, the design itself suggests that this is exactly what is needed.


    1. Next, you can download the file from the cloud or from your device. Button " Select file» will bring up a dialog where you can select a document to view from your computer or mobile device.


    1. After this, the site will ask you to agree to the terms of use and ask if there are other files. If there is only one file, you can safely click on the button "No more files«


  1. After uploading a file to the server, you can simply view it, measure individual parts of the file, and even disable certain layers, if any.


Method 2: ShareCAD

Another resource where you can view DWG files is ShareCAD. The interface here is not as intuitive as on the previous site, but the presence of the Russian language can please us. On the other hand, the page will look the same on all devices, which is also good.
Go to ShareCAD online service

    1. The button to upload to the server is at the very top left. After clicking, just select a document from your computer.

  1. When viewing a file, you can change the scale and turn off layers. This is where the site's capabilities are limited.


Method 3: ProfiCAD

Another resource, made in a completely minimalist style, also allows you to view DWG files. Here you cannot turn off layers at all and the image may look inverted, i.e. black color instead of white and vice versa. There is no Russian language here either. But the site copes well with the task of viewing the document as such.
Go to the ProfiCAD online service

    1. First you need to click on the " Browse" and select a file from your device. After this you need to press the button "OK".


  1. After uploading to the site, you can view the drawing as a PNG image in a separate tab, or view individual parts of the drawing and still see the full picture.


Conclusion

You can open the DWG file online at different resources, and the presence of alternatives allows you to choose what is more necessary. But it is still recommended to use A360 Viewer, since this site is maintained by a commercial company interested in the operation of the site.

Those who have been working in AutoCAD for a long time and those who are just starting to master this program— know that AutoCAD saves its files in DWG format (file extension *.dwg). Probably neither one nor the other thought about where it came from. this extension, who is its author and the history of the “life” of the DWG format. In this article you will find out the answers to these questions and a few more interesting facts.

DWG format- This universal format for storing 2D and 3D drawing data, the name of which comes from the English word Drawing - drawing. Some information from Wikipedia: “DWG (from the English drawing - drawing) is a binary file format used to store two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) design data and metadata. It is the main format for some CAD programs (direct support - for example, AutoCAD, nanoCAD, IntelliCAD and its variations, Caddie). The DWG format is supported indirectly by many CAD applications: that is, data from one data format to another through import-export functions. The .dws (“drawing standards”) and .dwt (“drawing template”) formats are also DWG formats. Modern programs, working in dwg, often create temporary and backups documents in dwg format in files with extensions .sv$ (“temporary automatic save” - temporary automatic saving) and .bak (“backup” - backup copy).”

History of the format

Creator file format DWG is Mike Riddle(Mike Riddle) and it was created in the late 1970s, for the first CAD-systems for PC— Interact CAD. In 1982, the DWG file format was licensed by Autodesk as the primary format for the .

From 1982 to today, Autodesk has released versions of AutoCAD, each of which created a new variation of the DWG file format, and none of which were described in officially published documentation.

If you look at the statistics, then only as of 1998, files from DWG extension there were at least two billion. What can we say about today, when this format is considered the most common format for storing drawings in digital form! It's hard to even imagine.

Autodesk filed several lawsuits to gain ownership of the DWG format, which in turn developed and popularized the format and made it the basis for a number of its CAD programs.

There are several companies that are trying to get around the limitations of the RealDWG format ( RealDWG- a set of read/write libraries that Autodesk sells under a limited license) and offer their software libraries for reading and writing files compatible with Autodesk DWG files. The most successful in this matter is the consortium Open Design Alliance, which was founded in 1998 and released software library OpenDWG Toolkit, for reading, viewing and writing DWG format. I would like to point out that DWGdirect V currently used in such famous programs CAD areas such as ArchiCAD, SolidWorks, IntelliCAD, MicroStation and others.

Also, in 2008, Autodesk and Bentley came to an agreement to exchange libraries, including the above-mentioned Autodesk RealDWG libraries. This made it possible to improve the quality of support for DWG and DGN formats and create conditions for further development compatibility of their AEC applications (applications in the field of architecture and construction) through two-way support.

Autodesk now releases every year new version AutoCAD, which in turn retains the advantages of the previous one, adds new functions and capabilities, provides more convenient means for work without canceling the old, familiar tools.

DWG graphic format files containing drawings for AutoCAD. To open DWG files, you don’t need to have AutoCAD at hand: there are convenient free programs and online services.

Separately, there are converters that can convert files from DWG to PDF and vice versa. You can convert drawings both on your computer and online.

How to open .dwg files:

DWG TrueView and Autodesk Design Review

The easiest and most popular way to view and edit DWG drawings at a basic level is a free program DWG TrueView. Available from AutoCAD manufacturer - AutoDesk.

The free program works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, so there should be no problems running it. Latest version The program, according to the manufacturer, is designed to work on the following systems:

  • Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1 (32-bit & 64-bit)
  • Microsoft Windows 8.1 with Update KB2919355 (32-bit & 64-bit)
  • Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit only) (version 1607 and up recommended)

Moreover, the full version of Autodesk® AutoCAD 2018 is perfectly optimized for running on Mac: Apple® macOS® High Sierra v10.13 or later; Apple macOS Sierra v10.12 or later; Mac® OS X® El Capitan v10.11 or later. But there is no DWG TrueView Free for Apple technology, you will have to use analogue programs, or free online services for working with drawings.

For viewing For DWG files, installing DWG TrueView is sufficient. In order to be able to edit files (make notes and notes on drawings), you additionally need to install Design Review. Downloading Autodesk Design Review on the official website is available in Russian. The latest version of the program is from 2013, which means there are problems with compatibility with older OS ( Windows Vista, XP and earlier) should not exist.

Putting marks or inscriptions on documents is far from what is needed for full-fledged work. Subscribe to AutoCAD at this moment costs $1,575.00 per year. There is a free trial version for those who need the software one-time - sometimes this can save the situation.

Online viewing and editing.DWG

The first online service you should use is the official online editor viewer.autodesk.com. According to the manufacturer, "Autodesk Viewer supports most 2D and 3D formats, including DWG, STEP, RVT and SolidWorks." The only problem is that there are practically no possibilities for editing drawings - you will have to go to third-party online services to get them.

Online services for viewing, editing and converting.DWG:

  1. Free DWG Viewer. In first place is official service Free DWG Viewer from Autodesk. Allows you to view and resave drawings, but does not allow you to enter complete changes. The address is viewer.autodesk.com.
  2. ShareCAD.org, there is a version in Russian. Allows you to view and save all popular vector, raster and 3D graphics formats in your browser. Works in the browser on all platforms: Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone. Allows you to access files and archives from all devices after simple registration. There is also a PC version of the program - ABViewer, available on the same page.
  3. Program-pro.ru. Simple functionality for DWG Viewer drawings online. The maximum file size is limited to 50 MB, there are no options for editing the picture. Address - http://program-pro.ru/.
  4. Free AutoCAD Online. The service is located at http://www.autocadws.com and allows you not only to view, but also to edit and then resave DWG drawings online. To work, you must register. In addition, the browser must support Flash.
  5. LibreCAD Online. The service is intended for two-dimensional design - 3D drawings are not supported. It is possible to either create drawings from scratch or edit existing ones by uploading a file in one of the available formats. DWG is not included in them - you will have to convert (re-save) into one of the following: SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF. To use, go to www.rollapp.com/app/librecad and click on the “Launch Online” button.
  6. Onshape. Only 21 days of using www.onshape.com are given free of charge, after which you will have to pay a decent amount. The service only works on English language, but it really gives ample opportunities online 2D and 3D design. You can download and save drawings to various formats, edit and create documents in DWG format.

Of all the services that we were able to find on the Russian-language and English-language Internet, only Free AutoCAD Online And Onshape make it possible not only to view, but also to edit drawings in the browser. Since Onshape only has a 21-day trial version, it is recommended to use the AutoCAD WS website (http://www.autocadws.com/). You must first create an account in the service and confirm email and update Adobe Flash Player in the browser to the latest version.

Online DWG->PDF and PDF->DWG converters

Online converters allow you to quickly convert one format to another ( DWG, PDF, JPG, CDW, DXF, CDR) in any direction. The obvious task of converters is to change the file format when original format graphic document does not match what is required.

For rarely used formats such as PLN, FRW, VSD, XML, finding online conversion opportunities is quite difficult. If such services are not listed below, you will have to install the program on your computer in order to be able to change formats.

Online DWG converters:

  1. Zamzar.com. Allows you to convert .dwg files not only to .pdf, but also to any other formats, of which there are several dozen to choose from ( bmp, gif, jpg, pdf, png, tiff...). By default, the converter has a file limit of 50 megabytes, but it can be increased. The result of the file conversion will be sent to specified address Email.
  2. PDF to DWG. If on the first site drawings in DWG format can be converted to another format, then here PDF-converted to reverse direction, in DWG. An online converter from the creators of the ABViewer program, located on their website. Since the purpose of the site is to sell an advanced version of the computer program, the online solution has a number of limitations. Currently: file size up to 3 MB, converting 2 files per day, converting the first 2 pages PDF file, file vectorization is not supported ( raster images in PDF are converted to OLE objects).
  3. DWG/DXF to PDF. A simple English-language site that allows you to convert images from DWG/DXF format to PDF without registering or entering an e-mail. Since image conversion in this direction is slow and creates a load on the server, maximum size file is limited to 10 megabytes.
  4. coolutils.com. A free script on the website coolutils.com/ru/online makes it possible to convert a drawing to DWG in any of the following formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, CGM, PNG, SWF.
  5. Aconvert.com. The site is in English, but the script itself is made very simply and understandably. Allows you to convert in two directions: both from DWG to PDF and vice versa, and following formats: DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, XML, CSV, ODT, ODS, ODP, HTML, TXT, RTF, SWF, PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, PCX, PNM and PSD.
  6. Dwg.autodwg.com. An incredibly simple site that online converts .pdf files into drawings recognized by AutoCAD. It is possible to choose even specific version programs: AutoCAD 14, 2000/2002, 2004/2005/2006, 2007/2008/2009, 2010/2012. Since then, the site apparently has not been updated - there is no adaptation to new versions of the program.

These sites allow you to convert from DWG in all directions. Despite their convenience, online services are usually slow and have limitations on the number of files or their size. In order not to encounter such restrictions and not to depend on the availability and speed of the Internet, you can install a converter program on your computer.

Free converters and editors

All programs for working with DWG can be divided into two categories: converters and editors. In turn, in each category there are paid and free programs, so all software is divided into four lists. Converters allow you to change the drawing format from any popular one to DWG and back. Other programs are designed for viewing and/or editing drawings.

Free converters:

  • XnView Extended 2.45- allows you to open not only drawings, but also photos and video content and then save it in any convenient format. Available in Russian.
  • DWG TrueView 2018- the latest version from the developer of AutoCAD. It is guaranteed to open any necessary drawing and save it in the required format.
  • Free DWG Viewer— there is an opportunity to change the document format when saving (Save as...). The latest version of the program is 16.0.2.11.
  • IrfanView 4.51- simple and easy program, allowing you to quickly open large files even on weak computers. Available in Russian.
  • PDF24 Creator 8.6.0- a free program from the developer geek Software GmbH, which is a “ virtual printer" Weighs only 22 MB, provides comfortable work with explorer, supports all popular formats.
  • doPDF 9.4.241- simple and convenient program, which allows you to convert any documents to PDF, from drawings to Microsoft tables Excel.

Concerning free editors for DWG drawings, then the only complete solution can be considered LibreCAD (Current version 2.1.3). This is the only one free CAD, has an open source and is available for download at librecad.org. The program is in Russian, and there are many instructions on how to operate and configure it online.

DWG file opens special programs. To open this format, download one of the proposed programs.

How to open a DWG file

The binary DWG format was developed by Autodesk and is used to store designs presented in 2D or 3D. One file can contain several drawings at the same time. The DWG extension is supported by many CAD applications through file import and export, and they work directly with it AutoCAD, nanoCAD, IntelliCAD, Caddy.
The format was developed in the late 70s of the twentieth century by Michael Riddle, and is used as the main standard in software from Autodesk since 1982. It also includes files with the extensions and . Most software that works with this format creates backup copies of documents. sv$ And bak.

DWG viewer

You can open a DWG file using CAD software, most of which are supported different versions OS Windows families, Linux and Mac:

  • AutoCAD is the main tool of engineers;
  • ArchiCAD - software package for architects;
  • Advance Steel - calculation system for metal structures;
  • Compass from a domestic company ASCON.

These CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software are professional software with expensive licenses, so if you rarely need to open Dwg files, you can use free programs:

  • Autodesk Design Review - a utility from the developers of AutoCAD;
  • nanoCAD with the ability to edit files;

Online services

Autodesk 360 is cloud storage from the company of the same name, provides 5 GB of memory, Allows you to edit a DWG drawing.
ShareCAD- designed specifically for viewing DWG documents online service with user-friendly interface. Supports working with files up to 50 MB.

Other formats

Files with the DWG extension were also created old program BravoDRAFT. Despite the extension of the same name, this format is unique and is not supported by other CAD systems. Currently in release and support this application discontinued.

Database of 2D or 3D drawings created in AutoCAD - professional program computer-aided design. Contains data vector graphics and metadata that describes the contents of the file. Related to the format, which is the ASCII version of a DWG file.

DWG (read as dvg) files can be viewed on Windows using the free DWG programs TrueView from Autodesk. Mx can be opened in third party applications, supporting DWG format.

Note: Several variations of the DWG format have been published in AutoCAD. Since 2000, the DWG 2000, DWG 2004, DWG 2007 and DWG 2010 formats have been introduced. Although these formats are similar, their file structures are slightly different. But third party programs CAD tools can open some DWG files, although not all.

If you go to the Application Menu and click “Save as...”, you will be asked to select the program version and file extension (see figure). Let's take a closer look at the AutoCAD file extension.

AutoCAD dwg format.

As is known, native format AutoCAD – dwg file. It is in it that the drawing itself is stored. AutoCAD extension dwg is installed by default when saving a job. This format can be considered universal, because the developers made sure that files AutoCAD dwg could store 2d and 3d objects. In addition, other Autodesk applications work with this format. So importing an AutoCAD file into 3ds Max is not difficult. If you need to open a drawing AutoCAD dwg in another program and work with it there, you can convert files.

ADVICE: In the program settings, you can set the appropriate file format when saving a drawing, depending on the program version. For example, if your colleagues use AutoCAD 2004, and you work in a more advanced version, then you constantly need to run the command File - “Save as ...” and set the file type to “ AutoCAD drawing 2004/LT2004 (*.dwg)". This action can be done once in the settings. To do this in command line write SETTINGS and press Enter. In the dialog box that appears, go to the “Open/Save” tab and in the “Saving files” section, select the desired option (see figure).

AutoCAD format with *.dwt extension.

In AutoCAD, the file format with the *.dwt extension indicates that the document is a template. This means that the program can be adapted to suit you and save all the settings as a template. Once you open a dwt file, it is automatically converted to dwg format, which you need to save and continue working in the program.

Well, these are the main program formats, but there are others that can be no less useful in one case or another. Also check out this article about formats such as *.dws and *.dxf, which allow you to create design standards and exchange drawing data.