What's the difference between DWG and DXF?

DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary format; DXF is the open ASCII (or binary) equivalent designed for interchange. DXF is human-readable and easier to parse but loses some advanced AutoCAD features (xrefs, complex blocks).

Is there a free DWG viewer?

Yes. Autodesk DWG TrueView is the official free viewer. Open-source LibreCAD and ProgeCAD-DWG-Viewer are also options. For mobile, AutoCAD Mobile App offers free read-only access.

Can I edit DWG without AutoCAD?

Absolutely. BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, and GstarCAD all read and write DWG with high fidelity at a fraction of AutoCAD's price.

Software That Opens & Edits DWG Files (14 Tools, 2026)

DWG is the de facto interchange format for 2D and 3D CAD drawings. Originally developed for AutoCAD in 1982 and now maintained by Autodesk, the format stores vector geometry, layers, annotations, and limited 3D solid modeling data. Because DWG dominates the AEC and manufacturing CAD ecosystems, the ability to read and write it cleanly is the single most important interop feature for any 2D CAD tool. Below are every tool in our catalog that imports and/or exports DWG.

Full read & write support (13)

O
OnshapeRead & Write
from $1500 · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R
RevitRead & Write
from $355 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
R3
Rhino 3DRead & Write
from $995 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead & Write
from $1295 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
A
ArchiCADRead & Write
from $1800 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.
A
AutoCADRead & Write
from $255 · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
F3
Fusion 360Read & Write
from $85 · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
PC
PTC CreoRead & Write
from $2430 · Windows · ★ 4.8
The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.
SN
Siemens NXRead & Write
from $6000 · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead & Write
from $315 · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
C
CATIARead & Write
from $4500 · Windows · ★ 4.7
The high-end PLM standard for Aerospace and Automotive engineering.
S
SketchUpRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.7
The world's most intuitive 3D design tool for architecture and interiors.
F
FreeCADRead & Write
Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2
The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.

Read-only / viewers (1)

AD
Altium DesignerRead Only
from $3850 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The professional standard for PCB and electronics design.

Frequently asked

What's the difference between DWG and DXF?: DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary format; DXF is the open ASCII (or binary) equivalent designed for interchange. DXF is human-readable and easier to parse but loses some advanced AutoCAD features (xrefs, complex blocks).
Is there a free DWG viewer?: Yes. Autodesk DWG TrueView is the official free viewer. Open-source LibreCAD and ProgeCAD-DWG-Viewer are also options. For mobile, AutoCAD Mobile App offers free read-only access.
Can I edit DWG without AutoCAD?: Absolutely. BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, and GstarCAD all read and write DWG with high fidelity at a fraction of AutoCAD's price.

Full read & write support (13)

Read-only / viewers (1)

Frequently asked

Other file formats