---
title: ".dwg file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .dwg file is an AutoCAD Drawing. The native drawing format of AutoCAD — the standard for architectural and engineering plans. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/dwg/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .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.

## Related pages

- [.dxf — Drawing Exchange Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/dxf/)
- [.step — STEP 3D Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/step/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)