Drawing file format compatibility in AutoCAD products

Autodesk Support

Aug 1, 2024


Products and versions covered


Issue:

This article describes the compatibility between AutoCAD product drawing file formats and AutoCAD product versions.
 

Environment:

  • AutoCAD
  • AutoCAD LT
  • AutoCAD for Mac
  • AutoCAD LT for Mac
  • AutoCAD Architecture
  • AutoCAD MEP
  • AutoCAD Electrical
  • AutoCAD Map 3D
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D
  • AutoCAD Mechanical (see note in solution section).

Solution:

Drawing (.dwg) files are the native data files that are created when using AutoCAD-based products. 

  • Each AutoCAD-based product uses the DWG format by default which was current at the time of its release (see table below) when saving to a file. This is important to know when sharing drawing files.
    • This behavior can be changed in the AutoCAD Options, Open and Save tab.
  • AutoCAD product versions can save, open and edit any older DWG file formats, but older versions cannot open DWG files of newer DWG format. For example:

    • AutoCAD 2025 can save, open and edit DWG formats back to 1998 version ( = AutoCAD R14).
    • AutoCAD 2017 cannot open a drawing of AutoCAD 2018 DWG file format.
    •  AutoCAD 2018 can open a drawing saved in AutoCAD 2025 because AutoCAD 2025 also saves the drawing in AutoCAD 2018 DWG file format.

The following table outlines the native file format for AutoCAD or AutoCAD products: 

AutoCAD ReleaseNative File Format
AutoCAD 2018 - AutoCAD 2025AutoCAD 2018
AutoCAD 2013 - AutoCAD 2017AutoCAD 2013
AutoCAD 2010 - AutoCAD 2012AutoCAD 2010
AutoCAD 2007 - AutoCAD 2009AutoCAD 2007
AutoCAD 2004 - AutoCAD 2006AutoCAD 2004
AutoCAD 2000 - AutoCAD 2002AutoCAD 2000
AutoCAD R14AutoCAD R14
AutoCAD R12AutoCAD R12 DXF

Note: All AutoCAD products use the same drawing file format - except AutoCAD Mechanical, which uses its own Mechanical DWG format. 

Products:

AutoCAD for Mac; AutoCAD LT for Mac; AutoCAD Products;


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