Although it is true, the programming has endless configurations available. Nevertheless, digital drawing is the one that has the most formats todayas well as the video. Therefore, it has become one of the main elements in the network.
In this sense, despite the fact that the most common formats of this type are based on JPG and PNG, the truth is that there are many more that are worth taking into account. Among which we can place the .DWG or DraWinG format that contains 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 everything about it.
What is a DWG file extension and how can we identify it?
Also know as an AutoCAD drawing database fileDWG is a type of configuration that is used to store images, graphics, maps and any type of design which has been created through said 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 file classes, in this eIt is possible to save vector information in 3D and because it stores vector data, the same file offers users the ability to reduce or increase the dimensions of the drawing without affecting its quality.
For its part, you will wonder how you can identify a file extension of this type and for this, it is enough to 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, it also you want to know what version of AutoCAD was used to create the design.
Therefore, you can identify it in two ways that are:
- The first solution, is to resort to Notepad. That is to say, you have to open the DWG file from said computer application and after that, check the first six characters which are the ones that reflect the version of the native AutoCAD file. Next, we leave you an example:
In this case AC1027 belongs to AutoCAD 2013. But, to make it easier to identify yours, we indicate that, depending on each version, only the final two digits will change (that is, it will always be AC10xx). Taking as a possibility the other versions:
- AC1015 = AutoCAD 2000
- AC1018 = AutoCAD 2004
- AC1021 = AutoCAD 2007
- AC1024 = AutoCAD 2010
- AC1032 = AutoCAD 2018
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- Another alternative is to open the .dwg file in the same CAD software and immediately, the command line will show you the current format of the file in question. This, without a doubt, is the most direct option and Here you can see a brief example:
List of the best programs to open files with the DWG extension on your Windows and Mac computer
Although the .dwg file is native to AutoCAD, AutoCAD is not the only software capable of opening it. Since, various 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 out there today:
VectorWorks
Basically, it is a program compatible with Windows and MacOS that offers all the necessary tools to open any dwg filein view of the fact that it shows full support for both these configurations and others related to design.
It is worth noting 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, It has a free trial for 30 daysbut it’s a program paid.
Microsoft Vision
It is a vector drawing program designed for Microsoft Windows that allows you to create database diagrams, flowcharts, office diagrams and other designs, in a very easy way. Therefore, it has the proper support for 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 relations with dotted lines to the organization charts, it facilitates different updated network forms, displays a very easy to use user interface 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 for this reason, it is also considered a good option for open any .dwg file extension. Taking into account that it is widely used for graphic design and three-dimensional modeling based on faces, so it is used in architecture, civil engineering, industrial design, urban planning environments, movies, video games, etc.
Nevertheless, not a free solution, although it offers a free trial for 30 days. But well, it provides several types of plans that can be adjusted to different users, since They fluctuate between 115 euros to 1000 euros approximatelyto pay each year.
MicroStation
Since it is one of the biggest competitors to AutoCAD, it is of course a program that allows you to open DWG configuration files. This, thanks to your excellent DXF support since 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 that it is not free and also 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 to open files of this type, on time. That is to say, it does not work to edit or work on them. Taking into account that, it supports the DWG format and apart from it, the DXF and DWF.
One of its greatest advantages lies in the fact that it is extremely easy to handle 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 layering.
Autodesk DWG Trueview
It is a free program that displays a friendly and easy-to-use interface, in which it is possible to open native AutoCAD documents quickly and very comfortably. Since it exhibits the ability to open DWG, DWF and DXF formats and apart from this, he achieves convert them to other configurations and use on them all the possible tools you want.
Added to this, it also allows you to view documents in 2D and 3D, has options to zoom in on diagrams or graphics, and even allows you to easily print any project. It even contains the necessary options to publish and share CAD drawings digitally. However, it is a very basic tool for professionals and only has Windows compatibility.
Adobe Illustrator
Although it is not a free software, because it has a price of 60.49 euros per month; It is estimated as a good alternative to open and view all the DWG files you want from your PC or MAC and even allows 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 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 It is based on an extremely compact AutoCAD viewer and is perfect for the novice user who wants to view the content of any .dwg file. Since, it is even indicated for people who they don’t even have prior CAD experience.
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 great detail to its users and allows designs to be handled in an integral way, thanks to the fact that has zoom. Additionally, it has a thumbnail view that facilitates quick searches inside the task folder.
DWG Fast View
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 native CAD files in their DWG format. so that also supports 3D viewingyou can rotate them in angles of 360 degrees and up to see them in 10 different perspectives.
For its part, it displays a user interface that is very comfortable and simple, it has a very efficient local file storage system that even, No internet connection, even allows you to view and edit the drawings that contain the file in question. It should be noted that, only has an english version.
A360 Viewer
In case 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” either “Upload a drawing” to proceed to drag and drop the .dwg type file in the window and in a matter of seconds, the web will show you everything that it contains. Notably it’s completely free.
List of the best applications to open DWG documents from the Android and iOS mobile
Believe it or not, nowadays, 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
We start this list with an application Available on the Google Play Store and the App Store. Which has been launched by the same online tool A360 Viewer in order to assist users who prefer to manage these files from the comfort of their mobile phone.
In this sense, this application supports up to 50+ CAD file formatsyou can scroll through 2D and 3D models at a large scale, since it allows you to isolate…
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