DWG file is a drawing, which is the native file format for 2D and 3D drawing created in AutoCAD, as well as in other CAD packages such as BricsCAD and IntelliCAD. The AutoCAD software was design in the 1980s and was popular because there was no other software like this, which include so many features like drafting a drawing or making a 3D or 2D model.
Besides saving a DWG file and viewing it in the software, it did a lot of creative work. Now there are many DWG viewer software that not only supports this file format but also enables you to edit, analyze and measure the file. Some programs are web-based systems, some are cloud-based, and some support multiple OS. A DWG file contains a proprietary binary file format.
It is made of vector images, which means it can also be view on many images or graphic designing software. Here is a list of best DWG viewing software that not only views the file but let you manipulate it according to your requirements.
Best DWG Viewer Software for Windows
1. LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a smart software that allows you to view a DWG file and contain many exciting features. The software is only available on Windows operating system and provides a set of tools that comes handy when displaying or converting the 2D file.
It is free and open-source software and lets you convert the DWG file. The software has a few limitations that come with being open-source is that some of its versions are unstable. You can add primary lines and polygons, take measurements, and export your files into other formats.
The interface provides a simple layout and gives a fantastic user experience. LibreCAD is free to use and consists of so many tools and customization aspects. It can also display isometric views but lacks any 3D navigation.
2. AutoDesk DWG TrueView
AutoDesk DWG TrueView is a DWG viewer software that can easily let you view the file and analyze it. It is 2D and 3D drawings created in AutoCAD, and the program is also considered the branch software of this platform. The software is available on multiple platforms.
Besides just viewing the file, it also allows you to edit the file and convert it into 3D DWF for quick markup and publishing. AutoDesk DWG TrueView that comes handy when you need to collaborate with other users who are using different versions of AutoCAD.
The program has a simple interface that guides the user in every step and provides a self-explanatory structure. AutoDesk DWG TrueView is free to use can consist of great tools for all editing and analysis purposes.
3. ShareCAD
ShareCAD is a smart software that allows you to view DWG file format. The software runs on Windows operating systems and provides an extensive set of tools. The main function of the program is that it includes an online-browser based platform for viewing CAD files.
The core features include formats for 3D drawings, raster, and vector images, and even archives. It supports many types of forms like DWG, DWF, DXF, and many more. The software excels in the capability of providing quick inspection of 3D drawings, tools that help you in viewing layers, zoom in/out feature, change the background color, printing the drawing, and much more.
ShareCAD has a straightforward interface and offers a solution for making the user experience better in every way.
4. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a smart software that contains any exciting features and mainly offers the user to view and edit a DWG file. It is known as a full 3D parametric modeling software. It is an open-source program, completely free to use, and available on the Windows operating system.
The primary function of this program consists of creating your 2D sketches and model them in 3D space, let you take measurements, adjust dimensions, and extract various details. The interface is intuitive and provides a user-friendly layout and has a feature-rich structure.
All the tools are easy to use and guide the user on every step of the interaction. FreeCAD is free to use and contains fewer features then AutoCAD.
5. OnShape
OnShape is an AutoCAD software that allows you to view the DWG file. The software is only available for windows operating system. It is designed and supported by AutoDesk Inc. The best part of the software is that it is a cloud-based software design, especially to collaborate work.
OnShape allows the users to use the software online and specialize in providing multiple users to use a single master file, simultaneously. The feature it includes are editing models, take measurements, extract design details, and export to a variety of file formats.
OnShape is easy to use and provides a smart interface that supports the user of navigation. OnShape eliminates the need to keep track of different versions of the same file.
Autodesk Fusion360 is an intuitive interfaced software the supports viewing DWG files. This software only supports Windows operating system and supported by AutoDesk Inc. This program is all in one platform designer made to fulfill the need for industrial usage. It contains tons of exciting features that help you with quick 3D models, simulations, and analysis.
The best part of the software is that it is cloud-based, so what ever-changing you make is automatically saved in real-time. Autodesk Fusion360 is ideal for simple design works, assembly, and parametric design features. The models created in the program are protected in an STL file.
The interface of Autodesk Fusion360 is easy to use and provide a user-friendly experience. The software is not free but offers a trial period, and at the end of the period, offer you a $60 per month subscription module.
7. IrfanView
IrfanView is a smart DWG viewer software that contains the ability to view and edit the file format. The primary function of the program is to provide a constructive layout and include new tools. It helps you make a 2D and 3D model. It supports external plugins to improve the working of the devices.
The core function allows you to rotate your models to adjust its brightness, modify its color, and a bunch of other cosmetic changes. IrfanView is not a CAD software, but designers tools that view almost all types of image file formats and edit them.
The interface is simple and guides the user with a friendly structural layout. It is open-source software that is only available on Windows operating systems.
8. DraftSight
DraftSight is a DWG viewer software that supports all kinds of CAD file formats. The program is open-source and free software and offers many exciting features that help the user in creating, editing, and sharing a DWG file. The program designs a 2D drawing and exchange files with companies who either provide or require data saved in the file formats.
DraftSight is easy to use and offers a smart interface. It updates on an annual basis. It consists of many exciting features that help you navigate the app through a minimal learning curve that facilitates a smooth transition. DraftSight is open-source and free software.
9. QCAD
QCAD is a smart software that allows you to open and view a DWG file. The primary function of this software is to provide you with editing, observing, analyzing, and measuring all the aspects of the 2D model. It is free and open-source software that works on multiple operating systems.
Besides an intuitive user interface, it offers DXF and DWG input and output, but these features only come with the pro version of the program. QCAD contains a diverse array of modeling and simulation analysis tools.
Printing to scale, measuring instruments, construction and modification of points, geometrics lines, texts, fills and rater images are some of the critical functions of the software. The software provides a user-friendly structure and contains active community forums.
10. Final Draft
Final Draft is a simple DWG file viewer software that includes a bunch of tools. The program is easy to use, but when it comes to DWG file format, it only views the file and lets the user review and analyzes it. The primary function of the program includes writing and designing features.
The interface is full of screenwriting features and contains functional layout, focus on tools usability, and much more. The software is a commercial and cost about $100. All the writing features are easy to use. Final Draft comes with different subscription offers and only support Windows OS.
11. Design Review
Design Review is beautiful software that runs on Windows OS and provides capabilities of viewing a DWG file format. The software works in different ways because it is a web-based program that extends its feature sets. In the first look of the software, you see a smart interface with a set of tools laid out according to the user’s requirements and present a widescreen on the right side.
The primary function of this program includes viewing, measuring, and commenting. This simple AutoCAD offers an easy interface and user-friendly structure, which dedicates to providing a user-interaction module. Design Review makes an indispensable asset whenever it is necessary to exchange DWG files with collaborators.
12. Silhouette Studio
Silhouette Studio is beautiful software that supports DWG file format and allows the user to edit view and measure the file in all the possible ways. The primary function of Silhouette Studio includes the design tool and an actual electronic cutting machine that syncs with the software and makes design what you installed in the software.
It allows you to create a library where you can store your models and use them on any other project. Silhouette Studio’s interface is easy to use and will enable the user to navigate easily. It is open-source software and free to download.
