LibreCAD is unable to create DWGs, at the moment. If it is not possible to submit DXFs for a project, for example if a client specifically request only DWGs and you are unable to convince them otherwise (though there may be little technical reason for them to do so), QCAD may be used to save DWGs. It can import DWG files up to some extend (even saved as AutoCAD 2013) and export them as DXF (2007), PDF or SVG. To install this library on Windows version see this FreeCAD documentation.Īnother CAD program using the LibreDWG library is SolveSpace. Of the two, QCAD's support for DWG far surpasses LibreCAD, but unfortunately relies on Open Design Alliance (ODA).įreeCAD 0.19 linux version (appimage) can import DWG files based on LibreDWG library, and eventually export with this format too. The first is to open the DWG with QCAD or LibreCAD, and then convert it to a DXF yourself. If a DWG file is provided, and it is not possible to ask for the provider to provide a DXF instead, you have a few options. Most BIM projects currently specify IFC as an OpenBIM format, but neglect to also specify DXF as an open format. It is also usually a good idea to specify DXF as a digital deliverable in contracts. Almost all CAD software has the ability to read and write DXF, so it is simply a manner of making it a habit to use one instead of the other. In general, DXF is much more widely supported and has much better cross-platform support.

The second is by switching from AutoCAD to another software entirely.ĭrawing Exchange Format (DXF) is an open format that provides many similar features to Drawing (DWG). The first is by requesting and producing the open DXF format instead of the proprietary DWG format.

To make the switch away from proprietary software and file formats, there are two key ways in which you can make a difference in the industry. In contrast open formats support users freedom.

Heavy reliance on AutoCAD, along with the tight control that parent company Autodesk exerts over the proprietary DWG file format, both stifles innovation and perpetuates proprietary software in our industry. The field of 2D CAD within the AEC industry is currently dominated by AutoCAD, and in particular, the proprietary DWG file format.

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