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Although DWG is the native file format of AutoCAD, it can be opened using various tools and software without the need to install AutoCAD. Explore the article below by Mytour for detailed information.
Method 1: Opening DWG files using specialized software.
1. Autodesk DWG TrueView.
2. Free DWG Viewer.
3. LibreCAD open-source software.
Method 2: Opening DWG files Online.
1. Using Autodesk Viewer Online to read DWG files.
2. Reading DWG files with ProfiCAD.
3. Reading DWG files with CAD, DXF, DWG Viewer for Google Drive.
4. Reading DWG files with ShareCAD.
How to Open DWG files without installing AutoCAD
Method 1: Opening DWG files using specialized software
The simplest way to open DWG files without installing AutoCAD on your computer is to rely on the assistance of specialized software designed to open and manipulate original AutoCAD files.
1. Autodesk DWG TrueView.
Autodesk DWG TrueView stands out as the first software Mytour recommends. This free tool is crafted for opening DWG files and performing basic tasks on drawings.
Moreover, Autodesk DWG TrueView offers a feature to convert AutoCAD file versions to earlier ones, even in bulk. This is particularly useful if you're on an older version of AutoCAD but need to work with newer DWG file formats.
To download and install Autodesk DWG TrueView, visit here:
To convert a DWG file to match your AutoCAD version, simply open the file in the software, click the DWG Convert icon, add the file as shown below, select the AutoCAD version you wish to convert to, and then click the Convert button.
By default, the original drawing files will be overwritten by the converted files, but you have the option to save the converted drawings in a separate folder or ZIP file if preferred.
2. Free DWG Viewer.
Brava's Free DWG Viewer is designed to open and print DWG, DXF, DWF, BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF, and TIF files. It stands out for being lightweight and incorporates editing tools and the ability to convert DWG files into other compatible formats. Notably, Free DWG Viewer also supports comparison and display of two DWG files in separate windows.
To download and install Free DWG Viewer, visit here:
3. LibreCAD Open Source Software.
In addition to the above software, you may consider using open-source free software like LibreCAD to open and view DWG files. The advantage of this software is its lightweight nature and ease of use compared to AutoCAD. It also offers options for editing, layer identification, and block recognition within DWG files.
However, LibreCAD is not the ideal choice for drawing editing tasks due to numerous errors and its inability to handle large file sizes correctly.
Download and install LibreCAD here:
- See also: Free DWG file reading software for phones and PCs
Option 2: Open DWG Files Online
1. Use Autodesk Viewer Online for DWG files.
If you prefer not to install AutoCAD or any third-party software, Autodesk 360 emerges as the best solution to meet your requirements.
Simply open any web browser on your computer and navigate to HERE to access the Autodesk 360 homepage.
Next, create a free account, select the upload icon, and choose the drawing stored on your computer or cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box.
Note: You can also upload a folder containing drawing files. The upload process might take some time, after which you will receive an email notification that your DWG file is ready to be opened.
2. View DWG files with ProfiCAD.
To use ProfiCAD, visit the website address HERE.
On the website interface, select the Select a DWG or DXF document option to choose the DWG file you want to open.
3. View DWG files with CAD, DXF, DWG Viewer for Google Drive.
CAD, DXF, DWG Viewer for Google Drive offers free online viewing of CAD, DXF, and DWG files, living up to its name. Access the tool by visiting the website HERE.
To open a DWG file, click on Choose file to locate the file on your computer, then select Ok, View. If your DWG file is on Google Drive, you can select Select file from Google Drive.
4. View DWG files with ShareCAD.
Finally, ShareCAD supports viewing DWG files online across various operating systems including Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows. To open a DWG file with ShareCAD, visit the address HERE.
On the interface, click the open file icon (Open) to select the DWG file you want to open.
This article by Mytour has just guided you through some ways to open DWG files without installing AutoCAD.
