How to open a .dwg file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .dwg file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands DWG. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .dwg file is a AutoCAD Drawing. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads DWG yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .dwg file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .dwg. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with AutoCAD or DWG TrueView.
On Mac, use AutoCAD for Mac or DWG viewers.
On Linux, try ODA File Converter or LibreCAD (via DXF).
Still stuck? Convert the .dwg to DXF, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .dwg files

Windows

AutoCAD
DWG TrueView
LibreCAD (via DXF)

macOS

AutoCAD for Mac
DWG viewers

Linux

ODA File Converter
LibreCAD (via DXF)

Web

Online CAD viewers

Before you open it: Safe as data. Open CAD files from trusted colleagues and clients.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .dwg file?

Almost always because no installed app understands DWG. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a DWG without AutoCAD?

Use Autodesk's free DWG TrueView to view and print, or convert the DWG to DXF or PDF for wider access.

How do I convert a DWG to PDF?

Open the drawing in a CAD app or a free viewer like DWG TrueView and use its Plot or Print to PDF option. Online CAD viewers can also export a DWG to PDF without installing anything.