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 Standard42 verified tools

Software That Opens & Edits DWG Files (42 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.

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 (41)

O
OnshapeRead & Write
from $1500 · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R
RevitRead & Write
from $355 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
R3
Rhino 3DRead & Write
from $995 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead & Write
from $1295 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
A
ArchiCADRead & Write
from $1800 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.
A
AutoCADRead & Write
from $255 · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
F3
Fusion 360Read & Write
from $85 · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
PC
PTC CreoRead & Write
from $2430 · Windows · ★ 4.8
The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.
SN
Siemens NXRead & Write
from $6000 · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead & Write
from $315 · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
C
CATIARead & Write
from $4500 · Windows · ★ 4.7
The high-end PLM standard for Aerospace and Automotive engineering.
S
SketchUpRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.7
The world's most intuitive 3D design tool for architecture and interiors.
3
3DEXPERIENCERead & Write
from $5000 · Windows / Web · ★ 4.3
Dassault Systèmes' cloud-based collaborative platform that unifies design, engineering, simulation, and manufacturing through virtual twin technology.
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.
F
FreeCADRead & Write
Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2
The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.
F
FORANRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.0
Siemens' integrated CAD/CAE/CAM ship design software for marine vessels, covering concept design through production to operations.
N
nanoCADRead & Write
Freemium · Windows · ★ 3.9
Professional-grade 2D/3D CAD with native DWG compatibility, powerful API for customization, and competitive pricing.
C
CorelCADRead & Write
from $499 · Windows / macOS · ★ 3.6
Affordable DWG-compatible CAD software offering 2D drafting and 3D design tools for professionals on Windows and macOS.
P
PlanbarRead & Write
Perpetual · 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
from $399 · 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.
C
CADopiaRead & Write
from $545 · Windows · ★ 3.5
Professional 2D/3D DWG CAD built on the ARES engine, offering AutoCAD-like functionality with perpetual licensing for engineering and design professionals.
L
LUSASRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
UK-based finite element analysis software for bridge, civil, structural, composites, and general engineering applications with specialized modules.
A
ActCADRead & Write
from $249 · Windows / macOS · ★ 3.4
IntelliCAD-based 2D/3D CAD software with DWG compatibility, perpetual licensing, and specialized add-ons for CNC, nesting, and mapping applications.
CC
CAXA CADRead & Write
from $800 · Windows · ★ 3.4
Leading Chinese 2D CAD software with full DWG compatibility, specialized for mechanical design, electrical schematics, and manufacturing drafting.
KM
KD MaxRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.4
YFCAD's specialized 3D kitchen, bathroom, and cabinet design software with rapid space planning and photo-realistic rendering.
T
think3Read & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.4
Italian 3D CAD software (ThinkDesign) with hybrid modeling, Global Shape Modeling (GSM), and 2D/3D integration for product design and engineering.
C
CADraRead & Write
from $1500 · Windows · ★ 3.3
High-end 2D CAD system for design automation, programmable drafting, and extreme schematic speed in manufacturing and automation industries.
MS
Model Studio CSRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.3
Russian BIM/CAD platform for industrial and civil engineering design, with specialized modules for MEP, electrical, piping, and structural design.
C
CADVisionRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.1
Indian CAD software development company providing CAD solutions, product development services, and custom CAD software for engineering and design applications.
V
V-nasRead & Write
from $800 · Windows · ★ 3.1
Japanese 2D CAD solution developed by KTS (Kawada Techno Systems), offering practical drafting tools for mechanical and architectural design.
AE
AVEVA E3D DesignRead & Write
from $8000 · Windows · ★ 0.0
Advanced 3D plant design and engineering software for process, power, and marine industries with intelligent modeling capabilities.
C
CADianRead & Write
from $300 · Windows · ★ 0.0
Korean 2D CAD software with 30+ years of development history, offering reliable CAD drafting and design capabilities.
DM
DesignSpark MechanicalRead & Write
Free · Windows · ★ 0.0
Free 3D CAD software for mechanical design with access to extensive component libraries and manufacturer support.
E
EPLANRead & Write
Perpetual · 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
from $3150 · Windows · ★ 0.0
Professional 3D CAD software for mechanical engineering with parametric modeling, solid/surface/sheet metal design, and integrated analysis tools.
MC
midas CivilRead & Write
from $5000 · Windows / macOS · ★ 0.0
Advanced structural analysis and FEM software for civil engineering, bridge design, and infrastructure projects.
MG
midas GenRead & Write
from $4000 · Windows / macOS · ★ 0.0
General-purpose structural analysis and FEM software for building design, architecture, and general engineering applications.
O
OrCADRead & Write
from $2500 · 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
from $8000 · Windows · ★ 0.0
Siemens EDA's comprehensive PCB design solution for mid-to-high complexity designs with advanced simulation and analysis capabilities.
P
PulsonixRead & Write
from $800 · Windows · ★ 0.0
Affordable, powerful, and intuitive schematic capture and PCB design software for professional electronic design automation.
TC
T-FLEX CADRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Full-function parametric CAD software with Parasolid-based 3D modeling, powerful 2D drafting, and integrated analysis tools for mechanical design.

Showing top 20 products. Click to show remaining 21 tools.

Read-only / viewers (1)

AD
Altium DesignerRead Only
from $3850 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The professional standard for PCB and electronics design.

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 42 DWG-compatible platforms against your budget, hardware configuration, and precise parametric drafting needs.

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Full read & write support (41)

Read-only / viewers (1)

Frequently asked

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