How do I open a .dwg file?

On Windows use Autodesk AutoCAD; on macOS use Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac; on Linux use ODA File Converter (to DXF), then LibreCAD or QCAD. The native drawing format of AutoCAD — the standard for architectural and engineering plans.

Can I convert a .dwg file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .dxf, .pdf, .svg, .stl or .dwf, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

.dwg files

.dwg file

AutoCAD Drawing

The native drawing format of AutoCAD — the standard for architectural and engineering plans.

What opens a .dwg file

Windows: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk DWG TrueView (free viewer), BricsCAD, DraftSight
macOS: Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac, BricsCAD, ODA File Converter (to DXF)
Linux: ODA File Converter (to DXF), then LibreCAD or QCAD, FreeCAD (with the ODA converter installed)
In a browser: Autodesk Viewer

What a .dwg file is

DWG is Autodesk's proprietary CAD format and the default currency of construction and engineering drawings. The format changes every few releases, so an older program may refuse a newer file. Autodesk offers a free web and mobile viewer, and the free ODA File Converter turns DWG into DXF, which LibreCAD, QCAD and FreeCAD can then open — a necessary step on Linux, where nothing reads DWG directly.

Converting it

A .dwg file is commonly converted to .dxf, .pdf, .svg, .stl or .dwf. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

Details

Extension: .dwg
Full name: AutoCAD Drawing
Category: CAD
MIME type: image/vnd.dwg
Created by: Autodesk
Format: Binary

Common questions

How do I open a .dwg file?: On Windows use Autodesk AutoCAD; on macOS use Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac; on Linux use ODA File Converter (to DXF), then LibreCAD or QCAD. The native drawing format of AutoCAD — the standard for architectural and engineering plans.
What is a .dwg file?: AutoCAD Drawing. DWG is Autodesk's proprietary CAD format and the default currency of construction and engineering drawings. The format changes every few releases, so an older program may refuse a newer file.
Can I convert a .dwg file?: Yes. It is usually converted to .dxf, .pdf, .svg, .stl or .dwf, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

.dxf — Drawing Exchange Format The open interchange format for CAD drawings, published by Autodesk.
.step — STEP 3D Model The neutral ISO format for exchanging solid 3D models between CAD systems.

Sources

Media Types Registry — IANA
Official vendor product documentation — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked