Open and draw DWG and DXF without AutoCAD
You received a drawing and need to look at it, measure it or change a line. Paying for a full CAD seat for that is a lot. This is the free route and the pay-once route for 2D work.
Free in your browser first
Open a DXF drawing, see its layers and objects. Nothing is uploaded. DWG files open in CAD Tools below.
Subscription or pay once
| AutoCAD | CAD Tools | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | about $2,030 a year, or $250 a month if billed monthly | $24.99 once |
| Cost over 3 years | $6,090.00 | $24.99 |
| Payment | Yearly or monthly, until you cancel | One payment, no subscription |
| Open DXF (R12 to 2018) and DWG (2000 to 2018) | Yes | Yes |
| 2D drawing with a command line and snaps | Yes | Yes |
| Layers, dimensions, blocks and hatches | Yes | Yes |
| Plot to PDF, SVG and PNG | Yes | Yes |
| 3D modelling, add-ons and scripting | Yes | No. It is a 2D program |
| Works offline, no account | Needs an Autodesk account | Yes, no account and no key |
AutoCAD prices are US list prices read on 2026-10-25 and can change. Source: capterra.com, trustradius.com and thepricer.org (third-party price listings). Prices in your country may differ. Pay-once prices are in US dollars, taxes may be added at checkout.
Get it
One payment, no subscription, no account. Works offline on your PC.
Need more than one? Pro Bundle | $59.99 once gets PDF Pro Editor, Video Pro Editor, Photo Pro Edition, Music Tools and CAD Tools for one payment.
Only need to open a file someone sent you? Anyopen opens documents, spreadsheets, PDF, pictures and archives for $9.99, once.
Questions
How do I open a DWG file without AutoCAD?
Open it in CAD Tools on Windows, which reads DWG 2000 to 2018. The free web viewer on this site opens DXF only, so save the drawing as DXF if you only need a quick look.
Can CAD Tools save DWG?
Yes. It saves DXF and DWG 2000, so other CAD programs can open your changes.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. CAD Tools has a free 7-day trial in the Microsoft Store.
Is it for 3D?
No. It is a 2D program for plans, workshop drawings and small offices.
Not affiliated with Autodesk. Autodesk, AutoCAD are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe what this page is compared with.