Is DWG the same as AutoCAD?

Difference Between CAD and AutoCAD

Let's learn the difference between CAD and AutoCAD. We'll mention the different types of different CAD software and even discuss the employment outlook for CAD operators.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the generic term describing the use of software and computer tools that create 2-D and 3-D technical drawings. CAD software in general is used to create and manipulate geometric shapes into specific designs. AutoCAD is the name of a proprietary software of the same use created in 1982 by Autodesk, Inc. AutoCAD software is used in all phases of design for manufacturing, infrastructure, and building construction, as well as in the media and entertainment world to create 3-D visual effects.

Types of CAD Software

Unlike AutoCAD, which is designed for professional use, other CAD programs like SketchUp Pro and TurboCAD Deluxe are geared toward the general consumer who wants some of the same functions of AutoCAD but without the high cost and learning curve. In addition, some CAD software can only design either 2-D or 3-D drawings/models, while AutoCAD can perform both.

Employment Outlook for CAD Operators

Job prospects for CAD drafters are expected to be the most favorable for those who do electrical and electronics drafting, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that these drafters are projected to have a 3% job growth, while employment for drafters overall is expected to show little or no change between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also noted that the median salary was $60,070 for electrical and electronics drafters and $55,550 for drafters in general, as of May 2018.

CAD describes using computers to create technical drawings, whereas AutoCAD is a specific type of professional CAD software that can create both 2D and 3D drawings and models. Drafters overall can expect a decline in jobs, but electrical and electronics drafters can expect positive job growth.

AutoCAD has been around since the 1980s. Needless to say, there are quite a few AutoCAD version floating around. To take full advantage of AutoCAD in your work environment, be aware of the DWG file format — the format in which AutoCAD saves drawings. Here are some DWG facts to keep in mind:
  • In many cases, an older release of AutoCAD can’t open a DWG file that’s been saved by a newer AutoCAD release. The table below shows the relationship between AutoCAD versions and their corresponding file formats.
  • A newer release of AutoCAD can always open files saved by older versions. I have sample files dating back to 1984 that open in AutoCAD 2020.
  • Some previous AutoCAD releases can open files saved by a subsequent version or two. As the following table shows, Autodesk changed the DWG file format every three years or so starting in 2000 but has leveled off recently so that drawings created in or saved by AutoCAD 2017 can be opened
  • You can use the Save As option in a newer release to save a file to an older DWG format. In fact, AutoCAD 2020 can Save As all the way back to AutoCAD Release 14, in the last millennium (1997). In addition, you can save a file as a simple text-based DXF format as far back as Release 12 (1992). The table below shows which versions use which DWG file formats.
AutoCAD Versions and DWG File Formats
AutoCAD Version AutoCAD LT Version DWG File Format
AutoCAD 2018-2020 AutoCAD LT 2018-2020 AutoCAD 2018
AutoCAD 2013–2017 AutoCAD LT 2013–2017 AutoCAD 2013
AutoCAD 2010–2012 AutoCAD LT 2010–2012 AutoCAD 2010
AutoCAD 2007–2009 AutoCAD LT 2007–2009 AutoCAD 2007
AutoCAD 2004–2006 AutoCAD LT 2004–2006 AutoCAD 2004
AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002 AutoCAD LT 2000, 2000i, 2002 AutoCAD 2000
AutoCAD R14 AutoCAD LT 1998, 1997 AutoCAD R14
AutoCAD R13 AutoCAD LT 1995 AutoCAD R13
AutoCAD R11, R12 AutoCAD LT R2 AutoCAD R11

Earlier formats may not support all the features of later formats. AutoCAD does its best at translating, but some items may be lost or may not fully survive the round trip to an older AutoCAD release and back to the newer one.

So, do you have to use AutoCAD to produce DWG files? The answer is no. Several low-cost to no-cost programs claim to be compatible with AutoCAD’s DWG file format. They usually come with a few crunchy bits, however.
  • Because these programs have to reverse-engineer the file format, they are often one release behind AutoCAD’s current version.
  • These programs usually don’t fully support all AutoCAD features because of copyright, patent, or perceived market size limitations. In particular, annotative objects, parametrics, and 3D models may not survive unscathed from a round trip to the other brand and back to AutoCAD.
  • Yes, a line is a line and a circle is a circle in a DWG file, but the commands that you use in other programs to put them in the file may not operate in the same way.
Just remember that newer versions of AutoCAD are constantly being released and that new features are available to make your life easier.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

  • AutoCAD For Dummies ,

About the book author:

Ralph Grabowski is editor of upFront.eZine, a weekly e-newsletter that reports on the business of computer-aided design. He is the author of more than 240 books and e-books on CAD and other topics, and his renowned WorldCAD Access industry blog is widely respected in the industry.

This article can be found in the category:

  • AutoCAD ,

Is AutoCAD a DWG?

What is DWG? DWG refers to both a technology environment and .dwg files, the native file format for Autodesk's AutoCAD® software. Autodesk created .dwg in 1982 with the very first launch of AutoCAD software.

Can DWG be opened in AutoCAD?

Next to the File name box, click the All Visio Files dropdown, and then select AutoCAD Drawing. Find the . dwg or . dxf file on your computer, and then double-click it to open it.

Is DWG short for drawing?

DWG is merely descriptive of applicant's goods under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act for two reasons: (1) DWG is a recognized abbreviation for “drawing," and (2) . dwg is a file format used for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings made both with applicant's CAD software and others' CAD software.