What's the difference between DWG and DXF?

DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary format; DXF is the open ASCII (or binary) equivalent designed for interchange. DXF is human-readable and easier to parse but loses some advanced AutoCAD features (xrefs, complex blocks).

Is there a free DWG viewer?

Yes. Autodesk DWG TrueView is the official free viewer. Open-source LibreCAD and ProgeCAD-DWG-Viewer are also options. For mobile, AutoCAD Mobile App offers free read-only access.

Can I edit DWG without AutoCAD?

Absolutely. BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, and GstarCAD all read and write DWG with high fidelity at a fraction of AutoCAD's price.

2D/Vector Drafting Standard108 verified tools

Software That Opens & Edits DWG Files (108 Tools, 2026)

DWG is the de facto interchange format for 2D and 3D CAD drawings. Originally developed for AutoCAD in 1982 and now maintained by Autodesk, the format stores vector geometry, layers, annotations, and limited 3D solid modeling data. Because DWG dominates the AEC and manufacturing CAD ecosystems, the ability to read and write it cleanly is the single most important interop feature for any 2D CAD tool. Below are every tool in our catalog that imports and/or exports DWG.

Instant DWG Engineering Utilities

Convert, Compress & Inspect DWG Files Online

Universal File Compressor →

Size Optimizer

DWG Bloat & File Size Reducer

Purge orphaned DGN linetypes, RegApps & scale lists in seconds.

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#1 Popular Utility

Online CAD File Compressor

Universal CAD & 3D assembly compression and preflight studio.

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AC1018–AC1032

AutoCAD DWG Version Matrix

Verify header versions and down-saving compatibility risks.

Launch Tool →

DWG Layer & Coordinate Compatibility Standards

Rule 1:Dynamic Blocks & Constraints: Modern DWG features like parametric constraints and dynamic block states often require native RealDWG libraries to compile without conversion errors.

Rule 2:Annotation Scale Syncing: When importing DWGs to non-Autodesk tools, confirm that active viewport layouts preserve layout scales, line type definitions, and text height ratios.

Rule 3:External References (XRefs): Ensure XRef paths are absolute or correctly stored in relative subfolders so referenced architectural grids resolve during background loading.

Full read & write support (79)

EE
EPLAN Electric P8Read & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
The global standard for electrical engineering.
M
MastercamRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The global leader in CAM software for manufacturing.
O
OnshapeRead & Write
Subscription · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R
RevitRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
R3
Rhino 3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
TS
Tekla StructuresRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
The world's most advanced structural BIM software.
A
ArchiCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.
A
AutoCADRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
CA
Chief ArchitectRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
Professional home design software for builders.
C
CimatronRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Integrated CAD/CAM for mold and die makers.
C3
Civil 3DRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Civil engineering design and documentation software.
F3
Fusion 360Read & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
G
GstarCADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.8
High-performance AutoCAD alternative.
M
MicroStationRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The infrastructure engineering standard for massive projects.
PC
PTC CreoRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.
SN
Siemens NXRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
VL
Vectorworks LandmarkRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
The premier CAD software for landscape design.
VM
VISI ModellingRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Specialized CAD/CAM for the mold and die industry.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
B
BricsCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.7
The modern CAD platform for 2D, 3D, BIM, and Mechanical.
C
CATIARead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.7
The high-end PLM standard for Aerospace and Automotive engineering.
OD
OpenRoads DesignerRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.7
Comprehensive civil road design platform by Bentley.
S
Shapr3DRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / iOS · ★ 4.7
Professional CAD for mobile and desktop mobility.
S
SketchUpRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.7
The world's most intuitive 3D design tool for architecture and interiors.
SE
Solid EdgeRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional 3D CAD with industry-leading Synchronous Technology.
AL
AutoCAD LTRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Web · ★ 4.6
Autodesk's 2D-only drafting subscription at a fraction of full AutoCAD pricing.
CE
CSI ETABSRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.6
Building-focused integrated structural analysis and design.
DF
DWG FastViewRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.6
Lightweight cross-platform CAD viewer & editor.
M2
MECHCAD 2026Read & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.6
Professional 3D parametric CAD suite with part and assembly modeling, kinematic motion simulation, and CNC toolpath generation.
TP
TurboCAD PlatinumRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.6
All-in-one professional 2D/3D design suite.
V
VectorworksRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.6
The all-in-one BIM solution for landscape and entertainment design.
Z
ZWCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.6
The most cost-effective and compatible alternative to AutoCAD.
3M
3ds MaxRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Industry-standard 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games, film, and visualization.
AD
Alibre DesignRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.5
Professional 3D CAD without the enterprise price tag.
A
AllplanRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Professional BIM platform by Nemetschek for AEC.
AC
ARES CommanderRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Linux / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.5
Professional DWG CAD with cross-platform trinity.
AD
Autodesk DynamoRead & Write
Free · Windows · ★ 4.5
Visual programming for Revit and Civil 3D — automation, parametrics, and computational BIM.
CS
CSI SAP2000Read & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.5
General-purpose structural analysis for buildings, bridges, towers, and offshore.
M2
MCAD 2026Read & Write
Custom Quote · Windows / Web · ★ 4.5
Professional Windows 2D CAD drafting and DWG/DXF editor with built-in sheet nesting and CNC laser toolpaths.
TB
Trimble Business CenterRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Office software for processing survey, GIS, and construction-layout field data.
Z
ZW3DRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.5
All-in-one 3D CAD/CAM solution from ZWSOFT.
AC
Autodesk Construction CloudRead & Write
Subscription · Web / Windows / iOS / Android · ★ 4.4
Autodesk's unified construction-management platform (BIM 360, BIM Collaborate, Build, Takeoff, Docs).
CR
CAD ReaderRead & Write
Freemium · Android / iOS · ★ 4.4
Mobile DWG viewer and measurement tool by Glodon.
CS
Carlson SurveyRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.4
Field-to-finish surveying software running on AutoCAD or IntelliCAD.
HS
Hexagon SmartPlant 3DRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.4
Hexagon's data-centric plant-design platform (now part of CADWorx & Analysis Solutions).
TC
Trimble ConnectRead & Write
Freemium · Web / Windows / macOS / iOS / Android · ★ 4.4
Trimble's openBIM common data environment with strong Tekla and SketchUp integration.
3
3DEXPERIENCERead & Write
Subscription · Windows / Web · ★ 4.3
Dassault Systèmes' cloud-based collaborative platform that unifies design, engineering, simulation, and manufacturing through virtual twin technology.
AP
AutoCAD Plant 3DRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.3
Autodesk's specialized plant-design toolkit for piping, equipment, and P&ID workflows — included with AutoCAD subscription.
BS
Bentley STAAD.ProRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.3
Long-running general structural analysis and design — strong in industrial and infrastructure.
CE
CAD ExchangerRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Linux / Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.3
Mobile 3D CAD viewer and converter for multiple file formats.
CP
CADWorx Plant ProfessionalRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.3
AutoCAD-based plant design from Hexagon — pipe spec, isometrics, and bidirectional CAESAR II.
D
DraftSightRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.3
Professional-grade 2D CAD solution from Dassault Systèmes.
P
PowerMillRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.3
Autodesk's advanced CAM software for CNC programming, specializing in 3- and 5-axis manufacturing for complex parts in aerospace, automotive, and toolmaking industries.
AR
Autodesk Robot Structural AnalysisRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.2
Autodesk's general structural analysis tool, tightly linked to Revit for BIM-driven workflows.
F
FreeCADRead & Write
Open Source · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2
The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.
N
nanoCADRead & Write
Freemium · Windows · ★ 3.9
Professional-grade 2D/3D CAD with native DWG compatibility, powerful API for customization, and competitive pricing.
M
MagiCADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
MEP design software for designers and BIM solutions for MEP manufacturers in the construction industry.
C
cadworkRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.7
CAD/CAM software specialized for timber construction and wood building design.
V
VisiRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.7
CAD/CAM software by Hexagon for mold, die, and progressive die design.
C
CorelCADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 3.6
Affordable DWG-compatible CAD software offering 2D drafting and 3D design tools for professionals on Windows and macOS.
D
DDS-CADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
MEP design and BIM software for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering.
P
PlanbarRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.6
Allplan's specialized BIM software for precast concrete design, detailing, and planning with automated workflows and intelligent assistants.
PP
progeCAD ProfessionalRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
DWG-native 2D/3D CAD with built-in PDF-to-DWG conversion, perpetual licensing, and high AutoCAD compatibility for general-purpose drafting.
CC
CAXA CADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.4
Leading Chinese 2D CAD software with full DWG compatibility, specialized for mechanical design, electrical schematics, and manufacturing drafting.
AE
AVEVA E3D DesignRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Advanced 3D plant design and engineering software for process, power, and marine industries with intelligent modeling capabilities.
CD
CET DesignerRead & Write
Freemium · Windows · ★ 0.0
Space planning and specification software for commercial interiors, with live rendering and manufacturer catalogs.
C
CYPECADRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
Structural analysis and design software for concrete and steel buildings, integrated with MEP and construction management tools.
DM
DesignSpark MechanicalRead & Write
Freemium · Windows · ★ 0.0
Free 3D CAD software for mechanical design with access to extensive component libraries and manufacturer support.
E
EPLANRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
Comprehensive electrical engineering software for automated schematic design, panel building, and control system engineering with integrated CAE capabilities.
K
KOMPAS-3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Professional 3D CAD software for mechanical engineering with parametric modeling, solid/surface/sheet metal design, and integrated analysis tools.
MV
Maptek VulcanRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
3D mining software for geological modeling, mine design, and production planning across the mining lifecycle.
MC
midas CivilRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Advanced structural analysis and FEM software for civil engineering, bridge design, and infrastructure projects.
MG
midas GenRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
General-purpose structural analysis and FEM software for building design, architecture, and general engineering applications.
O
OrCADRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Cadence's professional PCB design suite featuring PSpice simulation, schematic capture, and high-performance routing for electronic design automation.
PP
PADS ProfessionalRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Siemens EDA's comprehensive PCB design solution for mid-to-high complexity designs with advanced simulation and analysis capabilities.
SE
SCIA EngineerRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
Structural analysis and design software for buildings and civil structures, with multi-material code design and BIM workflows.
T
TopSolidRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
TopSolid, a global leader in CAD/CAM/ERP software publishing, primarily targets the mechanical engineering, sheet metal
VB
Vertex BDRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
BIM software for cold-formed steel and timber framing, automating panel design, fabrication drawings, and CNC output.

Showing top 20 products. Click to show remaining 59 tools.

Read-only / viewers (27)

AA
Alias AutoStudioRead Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
Industrial design and automotive styling software.
AD
Altium DesignerRead Only
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The professional standard for PCB and electronics design.
AM
ANSYS MechanicalRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.9
The gold standard for structural FEA simulation.
AM
AVEVA MarineRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
Integrated engineering and design for shipbuilding.
BR
Bluebeam RevuRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.9
The AEC standard for PDF markup and collaboration.
N
NavisworksRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Project review software for clash detection.
S
SolidCAMRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The leading integrated CAM for SolidWorks.
S
SolibriRead Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.7
The BIM quality assurance and QC leader.
3W
3Dstudio.co Web ToolsRead Only
Free · Web · ★ 4.6
Free client-side browser tools to view, inspect, and convert IFC, STEP, STL, DWG, and 3D files without uploading.
AA
AspenTech Aspen HYSYSRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.6
Process simulation for oil & gas, refining, and gas processing — the upstream standard.
CM
COMSOL MultiphysicsRead Only
Perpetual · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.6
Coupled multi-physics finite element simulation across electromagnetics, structures, fluids, and chemistry.
L
LumionRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Architectural visualization software for fast, photorealistic rendering of 3D building models.
DT
DWG TrueViewRead Only
Free · Windows · ★ 4.3
Official free DWG viewer and converter.
G
GloviusRead Only
Freemium · Windows / Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.2
Mobile 3D CAD file viewer for viewing and analyzing 3D models.
SE
Solid Edge ViewerRead Only
Free · Windows · ★ 4.2
Free viewer for Solid Edge and 2D CAD files.
S
SolveSpaceRead Only
Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.1
A minimalist, open-source 2D/3D parametric CAD tool.
G
GibbsCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.9
Cutting-edge CAM software for programming CNC machine tools with power and flexibility.
E
EdgecamRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
CAM software by Hexagon for CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis machining.
F
FeatureCAMRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 3.8
Automated CAM software for CNC milling, turning, and Swiss machining — offered as Autodesk Fusion with FeatureCAM.
S
SigmaNESTRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.8
US-based CAD/CAM nesting software for laser, plasma, punch, router, waterjet, and tube cutting.
W
WorkNCRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
French CAM software for 2-5 axis milling with automatic feature recognition.
A
AlphaCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
UK-based CAM software for woodworking, stone, and metal cutting.
R
RadanRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
UK-based CAD/CAM software for sheet metal fabrication and CNC punching.
B
BobCAD-CAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based affordable CAD/CAM software for CNC machining with 2-5 axis capabilities.
LE
Lantek ExpertRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.5
Spanish CAD/CAM software for sheet metal punching and cutting.
S
SURFCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based CAM software for 2-5 axis milling, turning, and wire EDM.
E
ESPRITRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
High-performance CAM software for CNC programming, covering 2-5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, and Swiss-type machining.

Showing top 20 products. Click to show remaining 7 tools.

Write / export (2)

IS
IDEA StatiCaWrite Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.6
Steel and concrete connection design with the CBFEM method.
I
InfraworksWrite Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Autodesk InfraWorks — conceptual design and modeling software for civil infrastructure, transportation, and urban planning.

Frequently asked

What's the difference between DWG and DXF?: DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary format; DXF is the open ASCII (or binary) equivalent designed for interchange. DXF is human-readable and easier to parse but loses some advanced AutoCAD features (xrefs, complex blocks).
Is there a free DWG viewer?: Yes. Autodesk DWG TrueView is the official free viewer. Open-source LibreCAD and ProgeCAD-DWG-Viewer are also options. For mobile, AutoCAD Mobile App offers free read-only access.
Can I edit DWG without AutoCAD?: Absolutely. BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, and GstarCAD all read and write DWG with high fidelity at a fraction of AutoCAD's price.

Need a specific conversion?

Our interactive CAD Matchmaker filters all 108 DWG-compatible platforms against your budget, hardware configuration, and precise parametric drafting needs.

Launch Matchmaker →

Convert, Compress & Inspect DWG Files Online

DWG Bloat & File Size Reducer

Online CAD File Compressor

AutoCAD DWG Version Matrix

Full read & write support (79)

Read-only / viewers (27)

Write / export (2)

Frequently asked

Need a specific conversion?

Other file formats