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What Is a DWG File?
A file with the .DWGfile extensionis an AutoCAD drawing.
It stores metadata and 2D or 3D vector image drawings that can be used with CAD programs.
How to Open a DWG File
Autodesk has a free DWG file viewer for Windows calledDWG TrueView.
They also have a freeonlineviewer calledAutodesk Viewerthat will work with any operating system.
Plus, the free version limits upload to 50 MB.
Another free converter isFilestar.
Other DWG files can be converted with the viewers mentioned above.
Newer DWG file formats can’t open in older versions of AutoCAD.
SeeAutodesk’s instructions on saving a DWG file to an earlier version.
you might do it with the free DWG TrueView program through theDWG Convertbutton.
Microsoft has instructionson using a DWG file withMicrosoft Visio.
Once it’s opened there, the file can be converted toVisio shapes.
you could also save Visio diagrams to the DWG format.
However, you might get a better conversion to the DGN format if you use theMicroStationsoftware.
Still Can’t Open It?
You might be dealing with a completely different file extension.
For example, maybe your file really ends in OWG or DYC.
This audio file is used by BrainWave Generator.
Attempting to open one in a CAD program would throw an issue notification.
Other AutoCAD Formats
Several CAD formats can hold 3D or 2D data.
However, others use totally different file extensions but are still used within the AutoCAD program.
Some versions of AutoCAD useDRFfiles, which stands for Discreet Render Format.
These are made from the VIZ Render tool that comes bundled with some older versions of AutoCAD.
AutoCAD also uses thePATfile extension.
These are used to paint surfaces or fill in lines.
Text files that hold scene information created in AutoCAD are saved with theASEfile extension.
These are plain text files so that they’re more easily used by similar programs.
you could open DGN files created or edited in MicroStation in AutoCAD.
MicroStation also supports AutoCAD DWG files.
DWT files are AutoCAD template files.
