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Free DWG Viewer from Information Graphics lets you view AutoCAD DWG, DXF, and DWF files as well as CSF (IGC Content Sealed Format) files in Windows without AutoCAD or compatible CAD packages. It can run as a desktop application in Windows or as an ActiveX control in Internet Explorer. It offers a variety of viewing options, including accurate snap-to-geometry functionality. Free DWG Viewer is a freeware version of the developer's Brava program. The free version lacks several features, such as the ability to make markups. It also lacks a Print feature, but it does save files as JPEGs, which you can print normally in your usual app.
Free DWG Viewer's user interface is engineer-approved in its simplicity and efficiency, and it opens with an ActiveX-based startup guide that included links to an online Getting Started feature as well as the program's Help file, which also serves for Brava and other related tools. The program's options are specific to CAD viewers and include Smooth Edges and Show Line Weights. CAD Display Options included fields to set DWG XRef path(s) and DWG shx and font path(s), each with Warn, Ignore, and Abort settings.
We didn't have any DWG files or other compatible formats in our test system, but it didn't take long to find a variety of them, including plans and diagrams, using nothing more sophisticated than a Google search. The program displays images clearly and crisply, especially with the Smooth Edges option selected, which slightly slows rendering. Free DWG Viewer's View menu let us Pan and Zoom, Fit All or Width, Rotate and Mirror, and Magnify images. A slider and other controls on the program's bottom-edge toolbar made zooming in and out of details easy. If you need to view AutoCAD files without AutoCAD, Free DWG Viewer is your best option. If your needs exceed its capabilities, Brava is available. It's not free, but it's a lot cheaper than AutoCAD.
Publisher's Description
From Informative Graphics:
Free DWG Viewer supports AutoCAD DWG, DXF and DWF. It has simple view tools and measurement tools with accurate snap-to-geometry functionality. Save views to JPEG. It runs as a desktop application, and an ActiveX control in IE. Printing is available in our $29 Brava Desktop product.
What's new in this version: View DWG, DXF, and DWF drawings.
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All versions:
2.8 starsout of 29 votes
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Current version:
2.0 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-9 of 9
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"Don't Bother"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
None that I'm aware of.
Cons
After installing I tried to use it but was told that I wasn't registered. Furthermore I was told that I had to uninstall what I just finished installing and install a newer version.
Don't waste my time! -
"deceptive advertising"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
good to try.
Cons
it is not free but it is advertised as free, and it dishonest
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"Works perfectly"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
Their It department is quite reactive, I installed the software and was required to purchase a version. So I sent them a mail and this is the answear I got :
*******************************************************
Hi Mavis,
The DWG viewer is free to install on individual desktops, but does contain a built-in die date. Once the license reaches the expiration date, you will need to uninstall the program and download the latest release.
Regards,
Nancy ShultzCons
After the expiry date of the licence, you need to uninstall to reinstall the new version.
Summary
Works.
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"Is NOT free!"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
Wouldn'y know, wouldn't open any files
Cons
It is a con, not free at all. Everytime I go to open any .dwg file it takes me to a page where I have to buy it for $65! Don't think so, what a con
Summary
Everytime I go to open any .dwg file it takes me to a page where I have to buy it for $65! Don't think so, what a con
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"Requires frequent manual updating"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
Works well for most of the DWG files we need to access. Some older AutoCAD files will not display correctly, but it works fine for the 2010 and newer files.
Cons
Requires periodic manual updating to the latest version. First, you get a message that the license is invalid and needs to be updated. Follow the link, wait until the 60+ MB download runs, then you have to run the installer twice, because the first time it only uninstalls the program and you then have to manually run the program again to reinstall it. Only takes a few minutes, but this happens every few months, and takes a lot of time if you have dozens of networked computers using the "free" Brave DWG viewer.
Summary
Product does what it claims, but the creator really needs to make the program update in-place and not require going through the installation process MANUALLY twice.
Requires manually linking the program to DWG files. If you have multiple users on the computer, this file association has to be done for each and every user on that computer. It does NOT globally associate the program to the files.
Updated on Mar 1, 2013 -
"Not Free and Only does Wireframe"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
Seems to work.
Cons
Only does Wireframe.
Not free. -
"Does what it says, allow you to look at .dwg files."
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
Pan and zoom are OK.
Cons
Can only view a wireframe of models. 360 view is not as good as I was hoping. Couldn't get a flat on view of the models I was trying to view.
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"IT IS NOT FREE!"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
nada nada nada
Cons
It is called FREE but after 30 days you have to pay or you can't use it anymore! FALSE AND MISLEADING!
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"it does what it says"
Version: Free DWG Viewer 7.1.0.11
Pros
it is free of charge
Cons
does not set file associations automatically
Results 1-9 of 9
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