Someone sent you an AutoCAD .dwg and your software (LibreCAD, QCAD, Inkscape, a laser-cutter or CNC program) only reads DXF. Converting to DXF is the standard way to open an AutoCAD drawing without AutoCAD. This converter runs entirely in your browser: the file is processed on your own device and never uploaded.
Why convert DWG to DXF?
Someone sent you an AutoCAD .dwg and your software (LibreCAD, QCAD, Inkscape, a laser-cutter or CNC program) only reads DXF. Converting to DXF is the standard way to open an AutoCAD drawing without AutoCAD.
How it works
Drop your .dwg file above and download the .dxf. The conversion engine (LibreDWG, compiled to WebAssembly) runs inside the page, so it works the same on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS without installing anything.
DWG vs DXF
DWG (AutoCAD Drawing): DWG is AutoCAD’s native binary drawing format. It stores 2D drafting and 3D geometry together with layers, blocks, dimensions and text. The format is proprietary and changes with AutoCAD releases, which is why many programs cannot open it. Used by: Architects, civil and mechanical engineers, and anyone receiving drawings exported from AutoCAD, BricsCAD or DraftSight.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format): DXF is Autodesk’s documented exchange format for drawings, published since 1982. Its ASCII variant is plain text, so almost every CAD, CAM and vector program can read it. Used by: LibreCAD, QCAD, FreeCAD, Inkscape, and the software behind laser cutters, plasma tables and CNC routers.
Quality notes
The drawing is read with LibreDWG, the GNU project’s open DWG library, and written back out as DXF. Lines, arcs, polylines, circles, layers, blocks and text come across. Custom objects from AutoCAD add-ons (vertical products such as Civil 3D) and some of the newest DWG features may not be understood and can be missing. Open the result and check the parts that matter before sending it to a machine.
Common use cases
Opening an architect’s floor plan in LibreCAD; preparing a part outline for a laser cutter; importing a site plan into Inkscape or QGIS; archiving drawings in an open format.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need AutoCAD to convert DWG to DXF?＋
No. The conversion runs in your browser with LibreDWG compiled to WebAssembly. Nothing is installed and the drawing is not uploaded.
Will layers and blocks be kept?＋
Yes for standard entities — layers, blocks, lines, arcs, polylines and text are read and written to DXF. Custom objects from AutoCAD vertical products may be dropped.
My DWG is confidential. Is it safe?＋
The file never leaves your computer. The conversion code runs locally in the browser tab, so no server ever receives the drawing.
Why does my laser cutter want DXF instead of DWG?＋
DXF is a documented, largely text-based format that CAM software can parse reliably. DWG is proprietary and changes with AutoCAD versions.