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DWG file formats

The DWG format is the most widespread format used to create and share CAD data. In addition to Autodesk's proprietary versions, several third-party variants are also common.

Table of contents

• Quick overview
• Introduction
• Additional resources
• Contributions

Quick overview

• Purpose: Unknown
• Data type: vector
• Type of format: CAD
• Multi-file format: Yes/No/Optional
• File type: binary/text-file
• File extension(s): .dwg
• Originally developed by: Autodesk, Open Design Alliance and others (1982)
• Technical description/specification: n.a.
• License: Unknown
• Regulated by: Autodesk
• Status: proprietary
• Sample file(s): DWG sample files
• Consumable by:
  • ArcGIS Pro - How to
  • ArcMap - How to
  • ArcGIS Data interoperability
  • ...

Introduction

Computer-Aided Design aids in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a 2D and 3D designs. It is extensively used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more.

Currently, AutoCAD and MicroStation are the two most widely used general-purpose CAD platforms.

DWG is binary file format used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata (developer by Autodesk for AutoCAD). DWG is a competing format to Autodesk's DGN.

The usual workflow when working with CAD data is to define a spatial reference, add the data to the map, georeference the dataset with existing data and set the display properties.

Additional resources

Probably not all the resources are in this list, please use the ArcGIS Search tool looking for: "DWG".

Contributions

Feel free to improve/extend this resource page using this template (Contribution Guide).