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'''DWG''' ("drawing") is a format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and [[Building_Information_Modeling|BIM]] metadata, it is the internal format for the AutoCAD Computer Aided Design package. DWG is also the common name for AutoCAD's TrustedDWG <ref> http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9078652 </ref>, the proprietary DWG technology developed by [[Autodesk]] for their [[AutoCAD]] package.
'''DWG''' ("drawing") is a format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for the [[AutoCAD]] Computer Aided Design package, as well as Intellicad<ref>http://www.intellicad.org</ref> (and its variants), and PowerCAD.<ref>http://www.givemepower.de</ref> DWG is supported non-natively<ref>Non-natively: i.e., the file format is supported by translation from or to another file formats.</ref> by several hundred other software applications.


==History of the DWG format==
==History of the DWG format==


Originally the file format was developed by Mike Riddle for his Interact Cad package <ref> http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html </ref> in the late 1970's which in turn became AutoCAD <ref> http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html </ref> <ref> http://www.opendesign.com/about/whtpaper/alwhtpap.htm </ref>. Since then development continues inside [[Autodesk]] and TrustedDWG is the native format for AutoCAD software and AutoCAD-based products. Autodesk owns, develops, and iterates the DWG file format {{Fact|date=June 2007}} . The DWG format changes every few years, as Autodesk adds new features to AutoCAD.
DWG (denoted by the .dwg [[filename extension]] was the native [[file format]] for the Interact [[CAD]] package, developed by Mike Riddle in the late 1970's<ref>http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html </ref>, and subsequently [[software license|licensed]] by [[Autodesk]] in 1982 as the basis for [[AutoCAD]]<ref>http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/subsection2_3_12_1.html#SECTION00312100000000000000</ref><ref>http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/f/246.html</ref><ref> http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html</ref><ref> http://www.opendesign.com/about/whtpaper/alwhtpap.htm</ref>. Autodesk iterates DWG every few years, as it adds new features to AutoCAD. From 1982 to 2007, Autodesk created versions of AutoCAD which wrote no less than 18 major variants of the DWG file format, none of which it publicly documented<ref>http://betaprograms.autodesk.com/history/autocad_release_history.htm</ref>.


The DWG format, has become a [[de facto]] [[standard]] for CAD drawing interoperability. It has been estimated that there are in excess of two to four billion DWG files in existence.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/dwgoem/unplgfq2.htm|title = DWG Unplugged|author = Autodesk, Inc.
The DWG format, along with the more portable [[ASCII]] variant, [[AutoCAD DXF|DXF]], has since become the ''de facto'' standard file format for CAD drawing exchange; it has been estimated that there are over one billion DWG files in existence.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Several software libraries exist that simulate the DWG file format with various levels of success in providing DWG read and write capabilities. Since 2004 Autodesk selectively licenses a developer toolkit called "RealDWG"{{Fact|date=June 2007}}<!-- isn't that 'Trusted DWG?' --> so other software can implement their DWG technology <ref>http://www.opendesign.com/about/whtpaper/alwhtpap.htm</ref>. New versions of AutoCAD will open many older variants of DWG - AutoCAD 2008 will open versions of DWG back to 2.0; and will save back to version R14. Autodesk also offers a free DWG viewer, "DWG TrueView," to view DWG files of any version.
|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/19980119080401/http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/dwgoem/unplgfq2.htm|archivedate = 1998-01-19|quote = With over two billion AutoCAD® DWG files worldwide...}}
{{cite web|url = http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/graphic_file_formats.pdf|title = Digital Preservation Guidance Note 4: Graphics file formats|accessdate = [2007-08-31]|last = Brown|first = Adrian|date = 2003-07-09|format = PDF|publisher = UK National Archives|pages = 11|quote = according to current estimates there are in excess of 4 billion DWG files in existence worldwide.}}</ref>


Several commercial [[software library|software libraries]] exist for accesing DWG format files. Autodesk provides a read/write library, called RealDWG<ref>http://www.autodesk.com/realdwg</ref>, under selective licensing terms, for use in non-competitive applications. The Open Design Alliance<ref>Originally, OpenDWG Alliance. {{cite web|url = http://www.opendesign.com | title = Open Design Alliance}}</ref>, a non-profit consortium created in 1998 by a number of software developers (some of which were competitors to Autodesk), provides a read/write/view library, called DWGdirect, under a level playing-field license. There are no open-source DWG libraries currently available, and neither RealDWG nor DWGdirect are licensed on terms that are compatible with the [[GNU General Public License|gnu gpl]], or similar [[free software licenses|free software license]].
Since its early use, some developers and users of CAD software have felt the need to work with their data stored in AutoCAD DWG files without reliance on AutoDesk software. For that reason the Open Design Alliance was formed in 1998 and developed code libraries so non-Autodesk software can access and write DWG files, saving them with the same .dwg file extension as AutoCAD. The success of AutoCAD has meant that the DWG name has come to be closely associated with Autodesk. Originally the .dwg file extension was not trademarked but in 2006 Autodesk applied for a [[trademark]] on the name<ref>http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852808</ref> and icon <ref>http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852798</ref>. This, despite saying in 1996 and 1998 that they did not make an exclusive claim to the DWG name<ref>http://www.evanyares.com/the-cad-industry/2006/4/24/autodesk-tries-to-trademark-dwg.html</ref>.


In 1998, Autodesk added [[file verification]] to AutoCAD R14.01, through a function called DWGCHECK. This function was supported by an encrypted checksum and product code (called a "watermark" by Autodesk), written into DWG files created by the program.<ref>http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2005/06/how_to_tell_if_.html</ref><ref>http://www.opendesign.com/dwg2007update.asp</ref>. In 2006, Autodesk modified AutoCAD 2007, to include "TrustedDWG technology", a function which would embed a text string within DWG files written by the program : "Autodesk DWG. This file is a Trusted DWG last saved by an Autodesk application or Autodesk licensed application."<ref>This "TrustedDWG code" is encoded into DWG files in a fashion that is not humanly readable. This may be validated by using a binary editor to search a DWG file.</ref><ref>Autodesk originally used the term "Trusted DWG", with an embedded space. They modified it removing the space, prior to filing a US trademark application in September, 2006. See http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77009317</ref> AutoCAD would pop up a message, warning of potential stability problems, if a user opened a 2007 version DWG file which did not include this text string.
On 22nd November 2006 Autodesk sued the Open Design Alliance alleging that their DWGdirect libraries infringe the Autodesk trademark on TrustedDWG by simulating its behaviour and placing the TrustedDWG watermark in files<ref> http://aecnews.com/files/Court_issues_temporary_restraining_order_22nov06.pdf </ref>. The Open Design Alliance responded to the lawsuit by denying all allegations and filing nine counter claims, including that Autodesk cannot trademark DWG because of its widespread prior use and that they have engaged in anti-competitive practises to restrict others from naming their files as DWG files <ref> http://aecnews.com/articles/2192.aspx </ref>. The two parties settled the case in April 2007.

On 22nd November 2006, Autodesk sued the Open Design Alliance alleging that its DWGdirect libraries infringed Autodesk's trademark for the word "Autodesk", by writing the TrustedDWG code (including the word "AutoCAD") into DWG files it created. In April 2007, the suit was dropped, with Autodesk modifying the warning message in AutoCAD 2008 (to make it more benign), and the Open Design Alliance removing support for the TrustedDWG code from its DWGdirect libraries.<ref>http://www.adskvoda.com</ref>

In 2006, Autodesk applied for a US [[trademark]] on "DWG", as applied to software (as distinct to its application as a file format name.) <ref>http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852808</ref>. In a non-final action in May, 2007, the examining attorney refused to register the mark, as it is "merely descriptive" of the use of DWG as a file format name (for which Autodesk does not claim any trademark rights.) In September, 2007, Autodesk responded, claiming that DWG has gained a "secondary meaning," separate from its use as a file format name. <ref>http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798#</ref>. As early as 1996, Autodesk has disclaimed exclusive use of the DWG mark in US trademark filings. <ref>http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75156366</ref>


==Software which supports DWG==
==Software which supports DWG==
*[[ArchiCAD]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[ArchiCAD]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[AutoCAD]] (using [[TrustedDWG]])
*[[AutoCAD]] (using [[RealDWG]])
*[[Autodesk Inventor]] (using [[TrustedDWG]])
*[[Autodesk Inventor]] (using [[RealDWG]])
*[[Autodesk Revit]] (using [[TrustedDWG]])
*[[Autodesk Revit]] (using [[RealDWG]])
*[[Autodesk 3ds max]] (using [[TrustedDWG]])
*[[Autodesk 3ds max]] (using [[RealDWG]])
*[[Bricscad]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[Bricscad]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[DataCAD]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[DataCAD]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[IntelliCAD]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[IntelliCAD]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[MicroStation]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[MicroStation]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[SolidWorks]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[SolidWorks]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*[[VectorWorks]] (using [[OpenDWG]])
*[[VectorWorks]] (using [[DWGdirect]])
*PowerCAD (using [[DWGdirect]])


==Free Viewers==
==Free Viewers==

Revision as of 06:56, 22 September 2007

AutoCAD DWG
Filename extension
.dwg
Internet media type
application/x-acad
application/x-autocad
application/x-dwg[1]
Type of formatCAD

DWG ("drawing") is a format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for the AutoCAD Computer Aided Design package, as well as Intellicad[2] (and its variants), and PowerCAD.[3] DWG is supported non-natively[4] by several hundred other software applications.

History of the DWG format

DWG (denoted by the .dwg filename extension was the native file format for the Interact CAD package, developed by Mike Riddle in the late 1970's[5], and subsequently licensed by Autodesk in 1982 as the basis for AutoCAD[6][7][8][9]. Autodesk iterates DWG every few years, as it adds new features to AutoCAD. From 1982 to 2007, Autodesk created versions of AutoCAD which wrote no less than 18 major variants of the DWG file format, none of which it publicly documented[10].

The DWG format, has become a de facto standard for CAD drawing interoperability. It has been estimated that there are in excess of two to four billion DWG files in existence.[11]

Several commercial software libraries exist for accesing DWG format files. Autodesk provides a read/write library, called RealDWG[12], under selective licensing terms, for use in non-competitive applications. The Open Design Alliance[13], a non-profit consortium created in 1998 by a number of software developers (some of which were competitors to Autodesk), provides a read/write/view library, called DWGdirect, under a level playing-field license. There are no open-source DWG libraries currently available, and neither RealDWG nor DWGdirect are licensed on terms that are compatible with the gnu gpl, or similar free software license.

In 1998, Autodesk added file verification to AutoCAD R14.01, through a function called DWGCHECK. This function was supported by an encrypted checksum and product code (called a "watermark" by Autodesk), written into DWG files created by the program.[14][15]. In 2006, Autodesk modified AutoCAD 2007, to include "TrustedDWG technology", a function which would embed a text string within DWG files written by the program : "Autodesk DWG. This file is a Trusted DWG last saved by an Autodesk application or Autodesk licensed application."[16][17] AutoCAD would pop up a message, warning of potential stability problems, if a user opened a 2007 version DWG file which did not include this text string.

On 22nd November 2006, Autodesk sued the Open Design Alliance alleging that its DWGdirect libraries infringed Autodesk's trademark for the word "Autodesk", by writing the TrustedDWG code (including the word "AutoCAD") into DWG files it created. In April 2007, the suit was dropped, with Autodesk modifying the warning message in AutoCAD 2008 (to make it more benign), and the Open Design Alliance removing support for the TrustedDWG code from its DWGdirect libraries.[18]

In 2006, Autodesk applied for a US trademark on "DWG", as applied to software (as distinct to its application as a file format name.) [19]. In a non-final action in May, 2007, the examining attorney refused to register the mark, as it is "merely descriptive" of the use of DWG as a file format name (for which Autodesk does not claim any trademark rights.) In September, 2007, Autodesk responded, claiming that DWG has gained a "secondary meaning," separate from its use as a file format name. [20]. As early as 1996, Autodesk has disclaimed exclusive use of the DWG mark in US trademark filings. [21]

Software which supports DWG

Free Viewers

There are no OpenSource/GNU viewers for DWG files since the licensing of the libraries needed by lx-viewer[22] now restricts their use to members of the Open Design Alliance.

Note: Autodesk DWG TrueView and Autodesk Design Review 2008 by Autodesk requires a questionnaire to be filled before downloading.

References

  1. ^ "File Extension .DWG Details". FILExt - The File Extension Source. Computer Knowledge. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
  2. ^ http://www.intellicad.org
  3. ^ http://www.givemepower.de
  4. ^ Non-natively: i.e., the file format is supported by translation from or to another file formats.
  5. ^ http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html
  6. ^ http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/subsection2_3_12_1.html#SECTION00312100000000000000
  7. ^ http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/f/246.html
  8. ^ http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html
  9. ^ http://www.opendesign.com/about/whtpaper/alwhtpap.htm
  10. ^ http://betaprograms.autodesk.com/history/autocad_release_history.htm
  11. ^ Autodesk, Inc. "DWG Unplugged". Archived from the original on 1998-01-19. With over two billion AutoCAD® DWG files worldwide... Brown, Adrian (2003-07-09). "Digital Preservation Guidance Note 4: Graphics file formats" (PDF). UK National Archives. p. 11. Retrieved [2007-08-31]. according to current estimates there are in excess of 4 billion DWG files in existence worldwide. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ http://www.autodesk.com/realdwg
  13. ^ Originally, OpenDWG Alliance. "Open Design Alliance".
  14. ^ http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2005/06/how_to_tell_if_.html
  15. ^ http://www.opendesign.com/dwg2007update.asp
  16. ^ This "TrustedDWG code" is encoded into DWG files in a fashion that is not humanly readable. This may be validated by using a binary editor to search a DWG file.
  17. ^ Autodesk originally used the term "Trusted DWG", with an embedded space. They modified it removing the space, prior to filing a US trademark application in September, 2006. See http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77009317
  18. ^ http://www.adskvoda.com
  19. ^ http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852808
  20. ^ http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798#
  21. ^ http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75156366
  22. ^ http://lx-viewer.sourceforge.net/

See also

  • DXF, Autodesk's Drawing Exchange Format
  • DWF, Autodesk's Design Web Format
  • AutoCAD
  • CAD


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