DWG TrueView alternatives: when you do not want to install Autodesk software
Autodesk DWG TrueView is Autodesk's free DWG viewer for Windows, and for plotting with AutoCAD's own engine it is still the reference. But it is Windows-only, a large download, and needs an Autodesk account; many people who search for DWG TrueView just need to look at one drawing on a Mac, a Chromebook or a locked-down work PC. This page compares TrueView with the alternatives, including the browser viewer on this page, on the things that actually differ.
What Autodesk DWG TrueView does well
DWG TrueView is the viewing and conversion half of AutoCAD without the editing commands. It opens every DWG, DXF and DWT version from R14 on, renders them with the same engine as AutoCAD (so fonts, linetypes, hatches and plot styles look exactly as the author intended), plots to paper and to PDF with CTB/STB plot styles, and includes DWG Convert, a batch tool that saves whole folders to another DWG version. It also measures, shows properties, and opens sheet sets. All of that is free.
The limits are practical rather than functional: it runs on 64-bit Windows only, the installer is large and takes time to start, you need to sign in to an Autodesk account to download it, and it cannot open DWF (that was Autodesk Design Review's job) or DGN. It does not edit; for that you want AutoCAD, BricsCAD or a free editor such as LibreCAD. The DWG versions page explains which TrueView year opens which format.
DWG TrueView alternatives compared
| Viewer | Install | OS | Opens DWG 2018+ | Prints | Exports PDF | Free | Uploads your file |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autodesk DWG TrueView | Yes, large | Windows | Yes | Yes, plot styles | Yes | Yes | No |
| Autodesk Viewer online (formerly A360) | No | Any browser | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes, account required | Yes, to Autodesk cloud |
| dwgviewer.app (this site) | No | Any browser, desktop and mobile | Yes (R14 to 2018+) | Yes, browser dialog | Yes, vector | Yes, no account | No, runs in the tab |
| LibreCAD | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux | Partial (read-only DWG import) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| FreeCAD | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux | Via ODA File Converter | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| QCAD Community | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux | No (DWG needs the paid Pro edition) | Yes | Yes | Yes (DXF) | No |
| BricsCAD Shape | Yes | Windows, macOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ShareCAD | No | Any browser | Yes | Limited | No | Yes | Yes, to their server |
| Bentley View | Yes | Windows | Yes, plus DGN | Yes | Yes | Yes, account required | No |
| ODA Drawings Explorer | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Yes | Via print | Yes | No |
| eDrawings Viewer | Yes | Windows, macOS | Yes | Yes | No (Pro only) | Yes | No |
Two columns matter most. Uploads your file: the online Autodesk Viewer and ShareCAD send the drawing to a server, which is fine for a public sample and not fine for a client's plans under NDA. The viewer on this page reads the file with JavaScript inside the tab, converts and renders it on your device, and forgets it when the tab closes. Opens DWG 2018+: free desktop CAD programs read DWG through third-party libraries and sometimes lag behind the newest files; TrueView, BricsCAD Shape, Bentley View and ODA tools track current formats closely.
When this viewer is the better choice, and when it is not
Choose the browser viewer when you need to open a DWG right now on any OS, including macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPad and Android, without admin rights, an account or a download, and when the file must not leave your computer. It gives you pan and zoom, fit to drawing, a layers panel, distance measuring, an entity count, light and dark themes, printing through the browser, and export to PNG, SVG and vector PDF. See how to open a DWG file without AutoCAD.
Choose DWG TrueView when you need a plot that respects CTB plot styles and sheet layouts exactly, batch version conversion, files over 60 MB, R12 or older drawings, or sheet-set navigation. Neither tool edits drawings, and neither opens DWF; for DWF use Autodesk Design Review or the DWF viewer options. For a broader list of free tools, including editors, see best free DWG viewers.
How to download, install and use DWG TrueView
- Go to the Autodesk website, find the DWG TrueView product page and sign in or create a free Autodesk account.
- Download the installer for the current year (DWG TrueView 2026 opens every version through AC1032; older TrueView years still open 2018+ files because the format has not changed since 2018).
- Run the installer on 64-bit Windows; it needs several gigabytes of disk and a restart is sometimes requested.
- Open a drawing with File > Open. Zoom with the mouse wheel, pan with the middle button, double-click the wheel for zoom extents. Switch between Model and layout tabs at the bottom.
- To print from DWG TrueView: use Plot (Ctrl+P), choose a printer or "DWG To PDF.pc3", set the paper size, pick Window or Extents, tick Center the plot and Fit to paper (or set a scale), choose a plot style table such as monochrome.ctb, and click OK.
- To convert versions: open DWG Convert from the toolbar, add files or folders, choose the target version and a destination, and run.
Verdict
If you are on Windows and plotting or converting drawings is part of your job, install DWG TrueView; nothing free matches its fidelity to AutoCAD output. If you need to look at a drawing, check layers, measure a distance or save a quick PDF, and especially if you are not on Windows or the file is confidential, open it in the browser viewer here and skip the install. Keep both in mind rather than picking one for every case.
Frequently asked questions
Can DWG TrueView open DWF files?
No. DWG TrueView opens DWG, DXF and DWT. For DWF and DWFX use Autodesk Design Review, the Autodesk Viewer online, or the Windows XPS Viewer for DWFX. See how to open a DWF file.
How do I print from DWG TrueView?
Press Ctrl+P (Plot), pick a printer or DWG To PDF.pc3, set the paper size and plot area (Extents or Window), choose Fit to paper or a scale, select a .ctb plot style, and click OK.
How do I download and install DWG TrueView?
Sign in to an Autodesk account on the Autodesk website, download the DWG TrueView installer for the latest year, and run it on 64-bit Windows. There is no macOS or Linux version.
How do I open DGN files in DWG TrueView?
You cannot; TrueView does not read MicroStation DGN. Use the free Bentley View, or import the DGN into AutoCAD with DGNIMPORT and save as DWG. See DGN to DWG.
How do I save an Inventor file as DXF?
In Inventor, open the drawing (.idw or .dwg), choose File > Save As > Save Copy As, and pick DXF; the options button lets you set the DXF version and layer mapping. Part models must be placed on a drawing sheet first.
Is there a DWG TrueView for Mac?
No. On macOS use the browser viewer on this page, Autodesk Viewer online, BricsCAD Shape or eDrawings. See open DWG on a Mac.