Do you need to convert your .DWG file to an earlier format?

Say you receive a drawing from an external source in 2013 file format but you're running AutoCAD 2007, how can you get the drawing opened since the file formats are different? We've had a few calls on this and even some internal people asking. There is a free tool that you can use to convert the .dwg to an earlier format. It's the DWG TrueView (www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueview)

Free DWG Viewing with DWG TrueView

View .dwg files with Autodesk® DWG TrueView™ software. DWG TrueView is a free* stand-alone .dwg viewer that includes DWG TrueConvert™ software. DWG TrueView is built on the same viewing engine as AutoCAD® software, so you can view .dwg and DXF files just as you would in AutoCAD. By installing the free* Autodesk® Design Review software, you can then open .dwg files as well as view, print and track changes to Autodesk 2D and 3D design files without the original design software.

Once installed you can run DWG TrueView and select Convert from the menu.

I have DWG TrueView 2013 installed.

To launch DWG TrueView 2013: Click Start>All programs> Autodesk> DWG TrueView 2013>DWG TrueView 2013.

Interface to add drawings and convert.

You can select a single dwg or multiple .dwg files. Just use the Shift or Control key to add to the list.

Select the prior version you want to convert the file to save your list.

Click Convert and once the status bar disappears you're done!

Done! Now you can open the files using AutoCAD (or AutoCAD based programs) 2007, 2008 or 2009.

Again, you can create or modify conversion setups and save them.

Note: "In place" means it will overwrite the newer format with the older format, "Folder" means it will put them in a different folder so you can keep the original file(s).

Posted by Jeff Lotan on 11/25/2013 at 02:30 PM in Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Design and Creation Suites, Building Solutions, Civil Solutions, General Technology, Manufacturing Solutions, Platform Solutions | Permalink