Format Guide
The native format of AutoCAD — the most widely used CAD software in the world
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Failed: This drawing's 3D geometry is stored as ACIS solids (3DSOLID), which 3D CAD Converter cannot read. In AutoCAD, export the model as STEP (STEPOUT) or STL.
Solid CAD
Meshes
3D faces in drawings and scenes
3D printing
Web, AR and games
Viewers and archives
CAD exchange
Solid CAD (STEP, IGES, BREP) can become a mesh or another solid format. A mesh converts to other meshes. Dashed formats (DXF, DWG, AMF, USD) can be read but not written. VRML reads .wrl, .vrml and gzipped .wrz files and writes .wrl.
| Extension | .dwg |
|---|---|
| Full name | AutoCAD Drawing |
| Geometry type | 2D/3D mixed (ACIS solids, meshes, wireframe) |
| Open standard | No (proprietary, Autodesk) |
| Supports color | Yes |
| Supports assemblies | Yes (xrefs, blocks) |
| Supports materials | Yes |
DWG (Drawing) is the proprietary binary file format used by AutoCAD, the dominant software for computer-aided design. Created by Autodesk, DWG files store 2D and 3D design data including geometry, metadata, and associated resources. With over 12 million users worldwide, DWG is the de facto standard in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). However, AutoCAD subscriptions cost $1,975/year, making simple file conversion prohibitively expensive for many professionals.
Floor plans, building sections, structural details, and site plans. DWG is the standard deliverable format for architectural firms and contractors worldwide.
Part drawings, assemblies, manufacturing specifications, and technical documentation. DWG files are used throughout the product development lifecycle.
Road layouts, utility drawings, topographic surveys, and land subdivision plans. Civil engineers rely on DWG for municipal and infrastructure projects.
AutoCAD ($1,975/year), BricsCAD ($756/perpetual), DraftSight ($99/year), FreeCAD (free), LibreCAD (free, 2D only). Most alternatives can open DWG but may not support all features.
3D CAD Converter batch converts the 3D faces in DWG files to 11 mesh formats, including STL, OBJ, 3MF and glTF, without AutoCAD. STEP and IGES cannot be made from a DWG. Drop a whole folder of DWG files and it converts in one run, with progress shown.
| Tool | Price | Model |
|---|---|---|
| CAD Exchanger | Subscription (annual renewal) | |
| Spin 3D | Subscription (annual renewal) | |
| 3D CAD Converter | $179 | ✔ Pay once, own forever |
Prefer the command line? The bundled CLI converts a single drawing or a full folder in one command:
Convert one DWG drawing to OBJ cadconvert convert drawing.dwg -o drawing.obj Batch-convert a folder of DWG files to STL cadconvert batch ./drawings -o ./out -f stl -w 8
DWG is AutoCAD's compact proprietary binary format, while DXF is the open, text-based exchange format Autodesk publishes so other tools can read AutoCAD data. DWG preserves every native AutoCAD feature. DXF is more portable and is the format most third-party CAD, CNC and laser tools accept. Both can hold 2D drawings and 3D geometry. 3D CAD Converter reads either one and converts its 3D faces to mesh formats such as STL, OBJ and glTF.
Compare: DXF · all CAD formats
DWG has changed format with almost every AutoCAD release (R12, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2018). Older tools often refuse newer DWG files. 3D CAD Converter reads modern DWG revisions directly, so you do not have to down-save in AutoCAD first.
Many DWG files are pure 2D drawings (lines, arcs, text) with nothing to mesh. 3D CAD Converter converts a DWG only when it holds 3D faces: 3DFACE entities, polyface meshes or AutoCAD MESH objects. It tells you when it does not. 3D solids (ACIS 3DSOLID) cannot be read: export them from AutoCAD with STLOUT and convert that file.
Because DWG is closed, features such as custom object enablers, proxy entities and xref-linked blocks may not be fully represented by any non-Autodesk reader. Bind external references and explode proxy objects in AutoCAD before converting for the most complete geometry.
A .dwg file is AutoCAD's native drawing format. It stores 2D and 3D design data — geometry, layers, blocks, dimensions and metadata — in a proprietary binary format created by Autodesk. It is the de facto standard in architecture, engineering and construction.
You can open DWG files in free tools such as DraftSight, LibreCAD or FreeCAD, or use a free online DWG viewer just to look at them. 3D CAD Converter reads DWG directly and turns its 3D faces into STL, OBJ, 3MF or glTF files, with no AutoCAD licence.
Not with 3D CAD Converter. DWG and DXF are both import-only here: neither can be selected as an output format. 3D CAD Converter converts the 3D faces in a DWG to mesh formats such as STL, OBJ and glTF. To go from DWG to DXF, use AutoCAD, DraftSight or another 2D CAD editor.
Yes. 3D CAD Converter has a free trial you can download and use to convert DWG files on Windows before buying. Unlike most CAD interop tools, it has a one-time purchase option.