Is the .dwg format the native file format in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, the native file format is .dwg, and the most common professional method is simply to create, open, and save drawings with the SAVE command. BricsCAD works directly in DWG without conversion for standard workflows. Limitation: some custom objects from other CAD platforms may not display or behave identically.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: A dwg file can still contain proxy objects, vertical-toolset entities, or unsupported custom data from other CAD applications. In real projects, this can cause missing objects, display issues, or editing limits even though BricsCAD natively uses the .dwg format.

How to Confirm and Save in Native DWG

  • Command: SAVEAS

  • Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Open your drawing, then go to the Application menu or Quick Access Toolbar and click Save As.
    2. In the Save Drawing dialog, check the Files of type drop-down and select the required dwg version.
    3. Save the file and confirm the extension is .dwg in the filename and dialog settings.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Files of type in the Save As dialog

  • Expert Setting: This option controls which DWG version BricsCAD writes, such as older DWG releases for client compatibility. Use an older version only when required, because newer DWG versions preserve more current feature data.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The DWG contains custom entities or proxy graphics created in another CAD platform or vertical product, so BricsCAD cannot fully edit them.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Critical objects may be on locked, frozen, or xref-dependent layers, making users think the DWG content is broken when it is simply restricted.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users confuse native DWG support with perfect feature parity; BricsCAD saves to DWG natively, but not every third-party object definition is interpreted the same way.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use SAVEAS and explicitly choose the required DWG version in Files of type, then reopen the file in BricsCAD to verify object behavior.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use DWG as the standard production format in BricsCAD for everyday drafting and collaboration, but verify consultant files that come from specialized AutoCAD verticals before issuing deliverables.

FAQ

Does BricsCAD open AutoCAD DWG files directly?
Yes, BricsCAD opens standard DWG files directly without conversion.

Can BricsCAD save to older DWG versions?
Yes, use SAVEAS and choose the target DWG version.

Is every DWG object fully editable in BricsCAD?
No, some proxy or vertical-specific objects may have limited editability.

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