Unfortunately, this means that only a few software applications support this capability. For more on what each of these sections is all about, click here.Īs a file format owned by Autodesk, companies must seek permission in the form of licensing agreements if they wish to create software that can read or write. dwg file includes numerous sections, including a header, classes, object data (which includes graphical objects, such as lines, circles, and more, as well as non-graphical objects), and handles (also known as object maps). dwg file format contains the data and metadata that describes and stores the content of 2D designs and 3D models. Approach #4: Desktop Software that Can Read DWG FilesĭWG is a proprietary file format native to AutoCAD.Approach #2: DWG to PDF Conversion Tools.Approaches to Viewing DWG without AutoCAD.In this guide, we’ll show you five approaches that will open your world up to the various alternatives to viewing DWG without AutoCAD. (You can learn more about Autodesk Flex in our AutoCAD pricing article.)Ĭould there be another way? The answer is yes! And in fact, there are five of them.

But given Autodesk requires you to buy the tokens in bulk, with the minimum number of tokens available for purchase being 500, which amounts to $1,500, this would still be an expensive alternative. You could also elect to purchase tokens under the Autodesk Flex program that let you use AutoCAD (or any Autodesk software) for a day.

You could buy an AutoCAD license, but when all you need to do is view the file, that seems a bit excessive – and expensive. Nothing too out of the ordinary – reviewing and collaborating is part of any team’s work flow.

Imagine the scenario: a colleague sends you a drawing, and all you need to do is view it, print it, and mark it up.

Dwg online viewer