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How to open DWG files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open DWG file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate DWG files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.

  1. 1. DWG File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) DWG file?
  3. 3. How to open DWG file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports DWG files
      1. 3.1.1 Programs that can open DWG files
    2. 3.2 Associate given software with DWG files
    3. 3.3 Check whether no other errors related to DWG files occur
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

DWG File Extension

File
  • File type AutoCAD Drawing Database Format
  • File developer Autodesk
  • File category CAD Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) DWG file?

DWG files contain information about 2D and 3D vector images created with AutoCAD and accompanying metadata. The .DWG format comes in several varieties with slightly different data structures, and although the extension can be opened by third-party software, this variety means that not every third-party application is able to handle any version of these files. .DWG files are related to .DXF files which are their ASCII counterparts.

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How to open DWG file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .DWG files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports DWG files

In order to open DWG file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with DWG extension.

Programs that can open DWG files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux
Android programs
Android
iOS programs
iOS

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, DWG files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

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Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on DWG files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to DWG files.

Step 2. Associate given software with DWG files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting DWG files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with DWG files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open DWG files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open DWG files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the DWG file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with DWG extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the DWG file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the DWG file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on DWG files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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