Tips to open DWG file
Can't open the DWG file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DWG files as well as a list of programs that support DWG files.
DWG file extension
| File Name |
AutoCAD Drawing Database Format |
| File Developer |
Autodesk |
| File Category |
CAD Files |
The DWG file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DWG files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DWG file on each system platform.
What is DWG file?
The .DWG file is an AutoCAD database. It is not a globally used database by the program. It is a kind of project file. Objects used in an AutoCAD project are saved as database records. Such a record contains information about an object's settings, its location, and its relationship to other objects. Based on the database, the entire project is visualized. .DWG files may also be supported by other CAD programs and content viewers.
How to open DWG file?
The main problem with AutoCAD Drawing Database Format is that the DWG file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DWG, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DWG file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install AutoCAD
The first step is to check if the computer has the AutoCAD program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name AutoCAD in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DWG files.
Programs to open DWG file
Remember to download programs supporting DWG files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of AutoCAD with DWG files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the DWG file to open in the AutoCAD application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the AutoCAD application as the default for handling the DWG file.
Step 3. Update AutoCAD to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the AutoCAD program, it is possible that AutoCAD Drawing Database Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Autodesk, Inc. website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DWG file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DWG file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DWG file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected DWG files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DWG files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged DWG files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Autodesk
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DWG files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the DWG file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the DWG file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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