DonB Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 (edited) I have a file containing a number of Drawings done in an Autocad programme which I no longer have access to. I need a cad program capable of reading these files so that I can print them if they are suitable for my purposes. As i understand it, not all free cad programs will import Autocad .dwg files. Any advice.. ?? I have on desire to draw more, hence the search for a Freebie, or one offering a trial period. Thanks in advance!! Edited February 5, 2021 by DonB spellin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISW Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 Don, There is always AutoCAD 'trueview', which is a free CAD viewer from AutoCAD, so you can be reasonably sure it will open your files. You cannot 'draw' with it though. Ian 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonB Posted February 5, 2021 Author Share Posted February 5, 2021 Many thanks for that, I'll give it a go!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted February 5, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 5, 2021 (edited) If you need to edit ".dwg" files then you could try LibreCAD. ...but don't expect all the features / objects of Autocad to work in LibreCAD. One of the (many) ways professional software tries to "keep you" is to be ahead of the game in terms of features - thus making the (admittedly more useful product) incompatible with the free competition. Here's a list that LibreCAD will load: - Kev. Edited February 5, 2021 by SHMD 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wirey33 Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 Perhaps Autodesk's own free product might be worth a look ? https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/personal 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge617 Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 I use SCARM it's a pretty basic program but for planning a layout I find it very useful, there is a basic free version, the Licenced version is about £25, and there are addons including a 3D train you can drive around you newly built track so you can see how your loco will perform. You should check it out, might be useful. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarryscapes Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 Are these 3D models? Fusion 360 can use 2D DWGs to create sketches and printing templates, 3D DWGS can be imported and converted into Fusion models the same way as STLS, STEPS etc can. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ardbealach Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 Try downloading nanocad. Free and uses dwg format. And you can draw with it as well. I have been using it since Autocad decided I couldn't continue using theirs although I had a licence and grandfather rights. (Alisdair) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonB Posted February 7, 2021 Author Share Posted February 7, 2021 On 05/02/2021 at 18:12, Quarryscapes said: Are these 3D models? Fusion 360 can use 2D DWGs to create sketches and printing templates, 3D DWGS can be imported and converted into Fusion models the same way as STLS, STEPS etc can. No they are 2-D drawings of ground plans and buildings mainly. done on Autocad13 some years ago... Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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