DWG File Type

By:   |   Refreshed: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

DWG File Summary

The DWG File Extension has two different file types (mostly seen as the AutoCAD Drawing Database File format) and can be opened with twenty distinctive software programs, with the dominant related application developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated (Adobe Illustrator CC software). These files can be categorized as CAD Files.

File Extension DWG is supported by Windows, Mac, and iOS operating systems. These types of files can be found on both desktop and mobile devices. The DWG File Extension carries a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning that these files are scarcely found in most user's file stores.

Although there is a lot more to know about DWG files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Popular
156
Ranking

/ 11690

Active

File Status

26

November

2018

Updated

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DWG Types

  2 known file types use this extension

Primary DWG File Association

.DWG
Formatting:.dwg
Group:AutoCAD Drawing Database File

A file with a DWG file extension is a database of 2D or 3D drawings created with AutoCAD, a professional CAD program. These type of files could also contain vector image data and metadata that describes the contents of the file.

Company: Autodesk, Inc.
Group:CAD Files
Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.dwg

Software Programs That Open The AutoCAD Drawing Database File:


Adobe Illustrator CC by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Windows
Mac

Autodesk Fusion 360 by Autodesk, Inc.

Windows
Windows Phone
Mac
iOS
Android
Web

SketchUp by Trimble Inc.

Windows
Mac

DWG TrueView by Autodesk, Inc.

Windows

CADSoftTools ABViewer by CADSoftTools

Windows

TurboCAD Pro Platinum by IMSI/Design, LLC

Windows
Mac
iOS
Android

ACD Systems Canvas by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

CorelCAD by Corel

Windows
Mac

ARCHICAD by Graphisoft

Windows
Mac

Serif DrawPlus by Serif

Windows

Bricsys BricsCAD by Bricsys

Windows
Mac
Linux

iCADMac by progeSOFT

Mac

AutoCAD 360 by Autodesk, Inc.

iOS
Android
Web
Windows Phone

DraftSight by Dassault Systèmes

Windows
Mac
Linux

DWG DXF Sharp Viewer by Wout Ware

Windows

AllyCAD by Knowledge Base

Windows

Autodesk Inventor by Autodesk, Inc.

Windows

Advanced Steel by Autodesk, Inc.

Windows

pCon.planner by EasternGraphics GmbH

Windows

Other DWG File Associations

.DWG
Formatting:.dwg
Group:BravoDRAFT Detailer File

The DWG file extension is also used by the old CAD application called BravoDraft. Even though the DWG files used by BravoDraft contains CAD drawings, it is not compatible with that of AutoCAD.

Company: Unknown Developer
Group:CAD Files

Software Programs That Open BravoDRAFT Detailer File Files:


BravoDRAFT by Interscape

Compatible with:

Windows

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DWG Usage


Operating System Rankings

7 (45.73%)
10 (44.56%)
8.1 (5.41%)
XP (2.79%)
8 (0.97%)

Browser Rankings

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


DWG Troubleshooting


Troubles Opening DWG Files

Adobe Illustrator CC Disappeared

You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open DWG Files" when trying to open your DWG. When this happens, it is commonly due to Adobe Illustrator CC missing in %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your DWG file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.


Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your DWG, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").


Incorrect Adobe Illustrator CC Version

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Adobe Illustrator CC installed that's incompatible with your AutoCAD Drawing Database File type. If you've got the wrong version of Adobe Illustrator CC installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.


Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your DWG file and clicking "Properties".


Summary: Not having the right Adobe Illustrator CC version on your computer can cause problems opening DWG files.


Additional DWG Opening Issues

Assuming you have the right Adobe Illustrator CC version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening DWG files. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening DWGs. Issues that aren't software-related:

  • Windows Registry DWG file paths that are incorrect
  • Corruption of the DWG file description inside the Registry
  • Invalid installation of a DWG-associated program (eg. Adobe Illustrator CC)
  • File corruption affecting your DWG file
  • The DWG is infected with a virus
  • DWG-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
  • Windows cannot load your AutoCAD Drawing Database File file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)

Quiz: Which of the following is not a MIME type?








Poll: What file type do you use most often?











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