AutoCAD is a great program to create 2D and 3D technical and engineering drawings. See our review of AutoCAD file viewers to decide which one is best for you.
AutoCAD is a great program that allows you to create 2D and 3D technical and engineering drawings. The problem is most people don’t have this expensive program. However, sometimes users still need to view AutoCAD files but don’t want to buy the app. The good news is there are a lot of CADview and ACAD file viewers out there, and some are free to use.
AutoCAD uses three main file formats:
DWF: DWF stands for Design Web Format and is a secure file format used by AutoDesk for viewing design data and drawings. In AutoCAD-centric operation, DWF helps in data designing and model drawing.
DWG: DWG is a binary file format for design data used by AutoCAD. DWG files use vector image data and is a native format for CAD programs.DXF: DXF is a Drawing Exchange Format created by Autodesk to store CAD models. This format is similar to the DWG file format used for AutoCAD. This can store CAD models by utilising the AutoCAD file viewer tool, Autodesk.
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DWG in Formatting and Designing AutoCAD Used Data
DWG is a binary file format used for designing data used by AutoCAD. This is one of the best accessible and free AutoCAD viewer file formats, which uses vector image data. Therefore this can be called a free DWG viewer, which is a native format for performing CAD programs. DWG TrueView gives permission for viewing, opening, and plotting AutoCAD, DXF, and DWG-based files. In the case of producing PDFs, printing any AutoCAD design, or in the conversion process between two or more AutoCAD formats, the contribution and effectiveness of DWG TrueView is just undeniable. In engineering, designing, and drawing, DWG helps in forming 2D and 3D views of any structures or models.
See our review of the five AutoCAD file viewers below to help you decide which one is best for you:
1. AutoDesk Viewer
Main Features: AutoCAD file viewer, share, print, comment, mobile
Works With: Windows
AutoDesk Viewer is the official AutoDesk tool to view AutoCAD files. AutoDesk is also a browser tool you can use to view CAD drawings, such as dwf files, and supports most other 2D and 3D formats. AutoDesk Viewer is an Auto CAD file viewer that allows you to share designs through a URL so those viewing your CAD files will not need to install AutoCAD file viewer software. You can use AutoDesk Viewer’s notation tools to leave comments and exchange ideas on a drawing. This AutoCAD viewer can be used with mobile devices as well. It also supports the 2D and 3D formats of drawing.
AutoDesk Viewer is an AutoCAD file viewer that is free to use. You do need to create an AutoDesk account to use this AutoCAD file viewer and view CAD files.
2. FreeCAD
Main Features: AutoCAD file viewer, edit, measure, comment, print
Works With: Windows, Mac, Linux
FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler and AutoCAD file viewer. FreeCAD allows you to view many file types, including DXF, DAE, STEP, IGES, SVG, and more. FreeCAD is an open source AutoCAD file viewer which is customizable and scriptable. FreeCAD is used by home users, professional users, programmers, and teachers. You can use FreeCAD to view AutoCAD files on Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms.
3. LibreCAD
Main Features: AutoCAD file viewer, edit, measure, create, print, open source
Works With: Windows, Mac, Linux
LibreCAD is a free open source AutoCAD file viewer that works with 2D files, including dwf, jww, shp, pic, and others. LibreCAD includes many tools to work with and manipulate 2D drawings and pictures. More than just an AutoCAD file viewer, you can customize the toolbars and widgets. LibreCAD is a good tool for those who aren’t familiar with CAD software as it doesn’t have too many features and buttons to worry about. If you just want to use it as an AutoCAD file viewer, it is easy to use.
4. DWGSee
Main Features: AutoCAD file viewer, measure, print, collaborate, convert
Works With: Windows, Mac, Linux
DWGSee is a free-to-try AutoCAD file viewer tool. This DWG viewer views dwg, dxf, and dwf file types. DWGSee allows you to do more than just open a dwg file. You can also print, convert the files to images (pro version), measure, and compare two DWG files. The PRO version has a few more features such as publishing markup in PDF and image files. DWGSee also includes drafter and collaboration tools to use while viewing dwg files. This tool is one of the easier ACAD viewers out there as it isn’t cluttered with a lot of bulky features and is a good auto cad drawing viewer for the novice user.
Measure Tools
To perform AutoCAD tasks, there are some AutoCAD online measure tools that are presented in the entire design process. These help in performing several AutoCAD functions inside 2D and 3D format drawings. Here, three of the best measure tools are as follows:
- Autodesk Viewer
- FreeCAD
- DWGSee
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These AutoCAD file viewer tools will allow you to view, print, and for some, change AutoCAD files without having the AutoCAD program or being an expert in CAD drawings.
Below is a summary of the tools we reviewed here:
AutoDesk Viewer: AutoCAD file viewer, share, print, comment, mobile (Windows)
FreeCAD: AutoCAD file viewer, edit, measure, comment, print (Windows, Mac, Linux)
LibreCAD: AutoCAD file viewer, edit, measure, create, print, open source (Windows, Mac, Linux)
DWGSee: AutoCAD file viewer, measure, print, collaborate, convert (Windows, Mac, Linux)
If you want to save CAD files as PDF or TIFF image for easy sharing, Total CAD Converter will help you. It works with DWG, DXF, HPGL, HP, DWF and many other formats. Use it as a batch converter to save your time. Get the free trial copy at the official CAD converter page.