How to open a DWG file on a Mac
macOS has no built-in way to open DWG drawings, and Preview and Quick Look only show a blank icon. The fastest fix needs no download: open the drawing in your browser.
Open a DWG in Safari or Chrome
Option 1: in your browser (no install)
- Open DWG Plotter in Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Edge.
- Drag the DWG file from Finder onto the page, or click to choose it.
- Every sheet is shown. Click one to zoom, switch layers on and off, or measure.
- To keep a copy you can open anywhere, click Download PDF. The PDF opens in Preview.
The drawing is read on your Mac and is not uploaded, so this is safe for client and confidential drawings. It works on Intel and Apple silicon Macs alike.
Option 2: ask for a PDF
If you only need to look at the drawing, the sender can export a PDF in a minute. This gives the exact fonts and plot settings they intended.
Option 3: CAD software for Mac
If you need to edit the drawing, you need CAD software. AutoCAD has a Mac version, and there are other CAD programs for macOS that read DWG. Most are paid, and they are large downloads, so they are worth it only if you work with DWG files regularly.
Tips for Mac users
- DWG in an email or a zip? Save it to Downloads first, and unzip it if needed, then drag it onto the page.
- Several linked files? Select them all in Finder and drag them on together. See xrefs.
- It will not open? See DWG file won't open.