When it comes to construction project management, many tools are used to construct, sync, evaluate, and save projects and one of them is a DWG file. What is a DWG file and what can designers use it for? We explain this in great detail in this article. 
DWG File Explained
Whenever you see a file with the .dwg extension name just know that it contains an AutoCAD drawing. This file is used to store different types of metadata including image drawings like 2D and 3D vectors used by CAD programs.
This drawing format for construction projects is compatible with CAD programs and is easily used to transfer drawings from one program to another. However, there are other file versions that some DWG image viewers cannot open. You can only open selected file types such as (.bak, .dws, .dwt, .sv$ with a DWG program.
The DWG proprietary format serves as the essential building foundation for construction project management in different industries particularly in the field of engineering. They contain detailed expressions that are important for architects and engineers who wish to visualize their designs. DWG files are also readable by other applications including Adobe Creative Cloud.
What Is the Origin of DWG for Construction Project Management?
The origin of DWG can be traced back to the 1970s when a team of engineering developers created the first ever .dwg file extension as a native software file format. At the time, computers were beginning to evolve especially in the design industry. Afterward, the file name was licensed after its first-ever iteration in 1982.
Over time, as computer hardware became more advanced, designers upgraded their designs and so did architects. The DWG file eventually became a sort of empty canvas used by designers to manage and save design ideas and construction projects. Today, there are so many CAD programs in the market and most of them are compatible with this file structure.
What Can You Use DWG Files for?
For starters, the first and perhaps the main use of DWG files is for drawing design blueprints. It is used in different industries and by different professionals. For instance, engineers use it for the latest design specifications while architects and town planners use it for new projects or to create public spaces. A whole new generation of professionals rely on this file to bring their designs to life. Suffice it to say that it plays a big role in construction project management.
You essentially need specialist software to open this type of file and once you do, you will find layers of complex specifications alongside the diagrams and drawings. The files contain the metadata to support the designation of the vector images including the vector images too. In addition, DWG file extensions give users the ability to maximize their 2D and 3D designs on their screens instead of relying on off the record support or information.
Opening a DWG File
Now that you know what is a dwg file, let us address the steps to open it. For starters, if you don't need to edit your designs you can simply use the DWG image viewer to open the file. This should not be a problem if you have the right software on your device. To open your DWG file, the steps will depend on the application you are using. In the case of Adobe Illustrator here are the steps to take.
- Right Click the image file on File Explorer or the desktop page. (For Mac, just press the COMMAND key and click the mouse)
- Navigate to Open With and scroll to the right to see the list of programs that can open it. Choose Adobe Illustrator and click it to open the DWG file.
Creating and Editing a DWG File
To create or edit this file you will need a CAD program installed in your device. If you have an application like Adobe Illustrator you can create the file and export it before opening with the CAD program. Follow the steps highlighted below.
- Go to the File menu and click Open
- Locate files using File Explorer
- Click the file to open it
- Export the file as a DWG file
- Select the location to save then input a file name
- Choose the DWG format from among the Save As option for Windows or Format for MacOS
- Save
These few steps will create the file but note that you may encounter some issues depending on the version of your device or the application you are using.
Types of Programs that Can Open DWG Files
Not all programs can open DWG files. Only licensed software and Autodesk applications can open, read, and write this type of file format. Common programs you can use to open this type of file include
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- IntelliCAD
- Autodesk DWG TrueView
- Caddie
- CorelCAD
- Open Design Alliance Application
- IMSI TurboCAD
- Canvas X
- Adobe Illustrator
- Dassault Systèmes DraftSight
- Graphisoft ArchiCAD
- CADSoftTools ABViewer
- Bricsys Bricscad
Problems Associated with DWG Files
As great as DWG files can be for construction project management, they can also be problematic for a few reasons. The file extension is not supported by many file formats so users may encounter errors if they try to open it without the right program. Furthermore, other types of problems they may experience include the following.
- Software Incompatibility: If users lack DWG-compatible software, they cannot open, view, or edit the file. This limitation often arises when specific programs are required but unavailable, leading to delays or complications in sharing and collaboration. Ensuring compatibility across systems is critical for seamless access to DWG files in professional workflows.
- Corrupt File: A DWG file can become corrupted during export, making it impossible to open or edit. Corruption may also occur due to improper saving practices or hardware malfunctions. These issues can result in data loss, requiring users to rely on backups or specialized recovery tools to retrieve the file’s contents.
- File Size: These files can be quite large especially if they contain a large number of vector image data. This will make the opening difficult, especially with older devices. DWG files are often large, especially when they contain extensive vector image data or complex designs. Large file sizes can hinder performance, particularly on older devices with limited processing power or storage capacity. This can lead to delays in opening files and challenges in editing or sharing them effectively.
- Outdated Software: Using outdated software may prevent a DWG file from opening, as newer files often rely on updated features unavailable in older versions. Upgrading to the latest version of the software ensures compatibility and access to advanced tools, helping users work efficiently with DWG files without encountering technical barriers.
Final Thoughts
DWG files are used for construction project management in diverse fields like engineering, architecture, product design, and more. They are used to save designs containing vector images and their metadata. Since their creation and licensing in the 80s, these files have become widely used by designers the world over. To open or edit a dwg file you will need an AutoCAD enabled program like the ones listed in this article. It’s essential to ensure that your software is compatible and updated regularly, as outdated versions can lead to compatibility issues, corrupted files, or difficulty in accessing crucial design data.
