Convert your AutoCAD DWG file format with DWG Trueview 2020

As a CAD Manager and Senior Civil Designer I frequently get the request saying “Sam, can you convert this drawing I don’t have AutoCAD 2020?” My answer is simple, “Sure, I can do that”. Then I ask the user “Have you ever tried DWG TrueView?”  DWG Trueview has been labeled as a drawing viewer for .DWG files but what people do not realize that it also contains a built in drawing convert program. You can install DWG TRUEVIEW 2020 and compare drawing viewers here. Many project managers and senior team members simply need to view the drawing files without having the cost of a full license of AutoCAD.

Figure 1: DWG Trueview 2020 Splash screen

Approximately every three years AutoCAD changes the .dwg file format and older versions of the software are incompatible with the new versions. Table 1 shows the File format the the AutoCAD Release that is compatible with that format.

Table 1: AutoCAD file format

Many years ago some of us remember Autodesk had a separate program named DWG True Convert. The purpose of that was to simply convert .dwg files between different formats.  Since DWG Trueview 2010 Autodesk has included DWG Convert within DWG Trueview. DWG Convert  can be found on the quick access toolbar or on the Home tab of the Ribbon as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: DWG Convert on the Ribbon

Converting a file can be completed in 4 simple steps as shown in Figure 3.

1.  Add your file (you can add more than one) to the DWG convert window.

2. Select the format you would like the files to be converted to.

3. You can use this section to create a conversion setup for a specific client or project need. Select the Conversion Setups button and you will be taken to a new dialog box with many options for your drawing file conversion. You can also save this as a standard to use for other drawings and projects.

4. Select the convert button.

Figure 3: Convert your drawing file.

Your files have been converted to the new format. Remember, it’s always good practice to backup your files prior to doing any converting.

See the attached Screencast for a description how to use the DWG Trueview 2020 for viewing, printing, and converting AutoCAD files.

Registration for Autodesk University 2019 is open.

Click the links below to learn more about my sessions which are both hands-on-labs this year. It’s going to be fun! Both classes have sold out quickly so Thank you!  Remember you can always get on a wait list or stand in line outside the door the day of the class – typically there are some spots available at the last minute.

Until next time or at Autodesk University……….Sam

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and look for another post from me next month.