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Determine DWG File Version
Tip# 4344 By Michael Partenheimer On 28-Jul-2014
5
Rated By 3 users
Categories : Misc. User Tools
Software type : AutoCAD 2015
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Check what DWG format a particular DWG file is — without AutoCAD.

Here's a trick from Michael Partenheimer that some may find useful. You can determine what DWG format a particular DWG file is, and you can do it without AutoCAD.

Use Windows Notepad to open your DWG. In Notepad, be sure to change the default (*.txt) file filter to All files (*.*) so that your DWG is an available selection in the Open File dialog box. (Large files will take a few moments.)



Once open, you'll see computer language — except for the first six characters.



Use those characters to identify your DWG format from the following list:

  • AutoCAD DWG 2013 format = AC1027
  • AutoCAD DWG 2010 format = AC1024
  • AutoCAD DWG 2007 format = AC1021
  • AutoCAD DWG 2004 format = AC1018
  • AutoCAD DWG 2000 format = AC1015
  • AutoCAD DWG R14 format = AC1014
  • AutoCAD DWG R13 format = AC1012
  • AutoCAD DWG R12 format = AC1009
  • AutoCAD DWG R11 format = AC1009
  • AutoCAD DWG R10 format = AC1006
  • AutoCAD DWG R9 format = AC1004
  • AutoCAD DWG R2.6 format = AC1002
  • AutoCAD DWG R2.05 format = AC1.50

Remember that modern versions of AutoCAD traditionally use the same DWG format for three AutoCAD releases:

  • AutoCAD 2013, 2014, 2015 use DWG 2013 format
  • AutoCAD 2010, 2011, 2012 use DWG 2010 format
  • AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009 use DWG 2007 format
  • AutoCAD 2004, 2005, 2006 use DWG 2004 format
  • AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002 use DWG 2000 format

It’s very important that you do not use Notepad to modify the contents of the DWG file. Be sure to exit Notepad without saving (or use a copy of the original DWG file to make sure).

Notes from Cadalyst tip reviewer R.K. McSwain: You can also open Notepad first, then drag and drop the DWG file into the open Notepad window to view the contents. As Michael points out, be careful not to save the file.

 

Average Rating:
5


User comments
Comment by Maeding,James
Posted on 2014-07-28 13:20:44
well look at that, wish more users would read this tip. some lisp code that does this: (DEFUN GETDWGVERSION (FILENAME / FILE2 TMP VERNUM VERS) (IF (AND (FINDFILE FILENAME) (SETQ FILE2 (OPEN FILENAME "R")) (SETQ TMP (READ-LINE FILE2)) (> (STRLEN TMP) 10) ) (PROGN (SETQ VERS (SUBSTR TMP 3 4)) (CLOSE FILE2) ) ) (COND ((= VERS "1030")(SETQ VERNUM 2016)) ((= VERS "1027")(SETQ VERNUM 2013)) ((= VERS "1024")(SETQ VERNUM 2010)) ((= VERS "1021")(SETQ VERNUM 2007)) ((= VERS "1018")(SETQ VERNUM 2004)) ((= VERS "1015")(SETQ VERNUM 2000)) ((= VERS "1014")(SETQ VERNUM 14)) ((= VERS "1012")(SETQ VERNUM 13)) ((= VERS "1009")(SETQ VERNUM 12)) ((= VERS "1006")(SETQ VERNUM 10)) ((= VERS "1004")(SETQ VERNUM 9)) (1 (SETQ VERNUM NIL)) ) VERNUM )
Comment by Sanders,Richard
Posted on 2014-07-28 13:59:10
Nice to have this cross-reference chart. For those of us who use the far easier/superior "Total Commander" utility for file management; just highlight or left-click once on the .DWG file and hit F3. This instantly opens the raw viewer, with no chance to accidentally edit anything, and your AC#### code is right there in the top left.