The quickest way: a browser-based viewer
If you just need to see the drawing, check a dimension or mark it up, a browser viewer is fastest. Nothing needs installing, and it works the same on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
- 01Open the Caddis web viewer. It runs in Safari, Chrome, Edge or Firefox (Safari 18.2 or newer).
- 02Choose the DWG from Finder. The file is read on your Mac by the Caddis engine running in the browser tab. It isn't uploaded anywhere.
- 03Review it. Toggle layers, measure distances and add markup. Your notes stay separate from the original drawing.
Your options compared
| Option | Cost | What it's for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caddis web viewer | Free | View, measure, mark up | Runs locally in the browser; DWG Release 14 to AutoCAD 2018 format; no account |
| Autodesk Viewer (web) | Free | View and comment | Uploads the drawing to Autodesk's cloud; asks you to sign in with an Autodesk account |
| ODA File Converter | Free | Convert DWG and DXF versions | Native macOS app; converts but doesn't display drawings |
| AutoCAD for Mac / AutoCAD LT for Mac | Subscription | Create and edit | The real thing, when you need to change the drawing |
| DWG TrueView | Free | View, convert, print | Windows only; needs a Windows virtual machine on a Mac |
When you need to convert, not just view
If another program on your Mac needs the drawing in a different form, the free CAD converter turns a DWG into DXF (R12), PDF, SVG or PNG in the browser. Use DXF for CAM, laser and older CAD tools, PDF for printing and sharing, and SVG for Illustrator, Affinity Designer or Inkscape.
To change a DWG's version so an older AutoCAD can open it, use the ODA File Converter, which writes native DWG files of any version.
Does Preview or Quick Look open DWG?
No. macOS doesn't include a DWG renderer, so Preview can't open the drawing. Use one of the options above.
On iPhone or iPad too
If the drawing is in iCloud Drive, you can open it on iPhone or iPad with the Caddis app, which uses the same engine as the web viewer.
Free, local-first CAD viewer
Open DWG, DXF, STEP and STL files without uploading them.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free DWG viewer for Mac?
Yes. The Caddis web viewer is free, needs no account and opens DWG files locally in Safari or Chrome. Autodesk Viewer is also free but uploads the file and requires an Autodesk account.
Can I run DWG TrueView on a Mac?
Not natively. It's a Windows program, so it needs a Windows virtual machine such as Parallels.
How do I edit a DWG on a Mac?
Editing needs CAD software such as AutoCAD for Mac or AutoCAD LT for Mac. Viewers, including Caddis, are for reviewing, measuring and marking up, not editing.