Free Software for Viewing AutoCAD Files Autodesk DWG TrueView is free multimedia software that allows users to view AutoCAD and other DWG files. Since DWG TrueView is a viewer only, you cannot use it to modify images. However, you can measure and print your drawings and convert DWG files between AutoCAD formats. Is it very useful for architects, engineers and construction free DWG TrueView? The Autodesk DWG TrueView app is a free standalone DWG viewer. It is built on the same platform as AutoCAD, industry standard computer aided design (CAD) and software application drafting. DWG TrueView allows you to view the latest DWG, DWF and DXF file formats, just like in AutoCAD, but without paying for a license (function () {(‘review-app-page-desktop’);}); DWG Trueview is a Windows specific application and is not available for Mac operating systems. Since 2007, there have been several versions of the DWG TrueView product. DWG TrueView 2019, 2018 and 2017 are available in 64-bit and 32-bit formats. Autodesk DWG Trueview 2020 is only available in 64-bit. System requirements for the latest version include Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1803 or higher), Windows with update KB2919355, and Windows 7 SP1. Downloading Autodesk DWG Trueview for Windows is not that easy. Simply download and run the .exe file and follow the onscreen instructions to extract the installation file, which will take a few minutes. After extracting the file, proceed with the actual installation (once you accept the Autodesk license and service agreement). The installation takes about five minutes. Installation instructions in this version are only available in English, although other language versions are also available. Once the installation is done, you can get to completion – the program will not open automatically. What is DVG TrueView used for? DWG is a file extension used to draw programs such as computer aided design software (CAD). TrueView DWG is primarily intended for professionals who get input from AutoCAD DWG or DXF drawings, but do not need to edit or supplement the drawings. Architects, engineers, and construction professionals may consider it a useful program. TrueView can be set to automatically open DWG and other compatible files. Alternatively, it is very easy to open the file from the user interface. After opening the file, a toolbar will appear at the top of the interface that splits the tool into several functions. Tools are grouped under different tabs, including basic navigation for panning, zooming and rotating your photos. When you hover the cursor over an icon, an extensive tooltip appears that provides a fairly comprehensive guide. This is useful for new users. Users also have the option to customize the user interface using the tools on the User Interface tab. This includes displaying tiles horizontally or vertically, as well as cascades. You can also choose how to display the tab from the drop-down menu next to Home. Alternatives to Autodesk DWG Trueview include the DWG AutoCAD Drawing Viewer, DWG Fastview, and Draftsight, all of which are very easy to use. With DWG DXF Converterusers can convert DWG to DXF files. Suite of Non-Editing Tools Broadly speaking, all of the non-editing functions associated with AutoCAD are available from DWG TrueView. These include DWG Convert, which allows users to create older versions of DWG (such as AutoCAD 2000, 2004, etc.) from current files. Icons under the Output tab relate to the plot, such as the Plot icon,which you can use to make paper prints. The Batchplot icon is useful for publishing images or groups of images in DWF, DWFx, or PDF format. It can also be used to plot a collection of images. From the View tab, you can select and set visual styles such as 2D wireframes or 3D concepts, while AutoCAD layer edits are available under the Layers tab. A very useful tool in DWG TrueView is the measurement tool, which allows users to measure and view the dimensions of an open image. The drawing tool under Snap Object can be used to measure your drawing more accurately. This tool allows you to enter the location of a specific object while selecting a point. Finally, the export function is available under the application menu and is useful for exporting DWG or DFX files to DWF, DWFx and PDF output files. Limited Editing Functionality Therefore, Autodesk DWG TrueView is limited in terms of functionality. Anyone looking for more editing tools should consider using AutoCAD. It has standard functions and libraries to meet the needs of a wide variety of professionals. With AutoCAD you can create floor plans, sections, walls, windows, doors and other layouts. Not as easy to use as Autodesk DWG Trueview, but has an extensive help menu with information about the tools and functions. However, taking full advantage of the software’s functionality comes at a high cost, with licenses costing thousands of dollars per year. Useful Additions You can enhance TrueView DWG capabilities by adding Design Review, another Autodesk product. This add-on expands the feature set of the DWG viewer by allowing you to view, tag, print, and track changes to 2D and 3D files for free. It is very useful in collaboration settings as it allows you to add comments, information and other files. As an alternative to DWG TrueView, Autodesk Viewer allows you to easily view and share designs in your browser instead of downloading software. Use it to inspect designs, take screenshots for presentations, and measure components. Files viewed in Autodesk Viewer can be shared via URL, so are very useful when working with someone who does not have the Autodesk program installed on their free DWG viewer. Buying individual licenses for complete CAD software can be expensive. Autodesk DWG Trueview provides a convenient solution for those who only need to view, convert and export DWG files and do not require design functionality. While the program is easy to use for non-professionals, DWG TrueView is sure to appeal to architects, creatives, engineers and designers.