Issue:

Sometimes we will get feedback from customer that the file cannot be opened in ZWCAD, one of the reason is that the version is not supported in ZWCAD, so you need to know how to check the dwg file version without CAD software.


Solution:

Use Windows Notepad to open your DWG. In Notepad, be sure to change the default (*.txt) file filter to All files (*.*) so that your DWG is an available selection in the Open File dialog box. (Large files will take a few moments.)

Once open, you'll see computer language — except for the first six characters.


Use those characters to identify your DWG format from the following list:

  • AutoCAD DWG 2018 format = AC1032
  • AutoCAD DWG 2013 format = AC1027
  • AutoCAD DWG 2010 format = AC1024
  • AutoCAD DWG 2007 format = AC1021
  • AutoCAD DWG 2004 format = AC1018
  • AutoCAD DWG 2000 format = AC1015
  • AutoCAD DWG R14 format = AC1014
  • AutoCAD DWG R13 format = AC1012
  • AutoCAD DWG R12 format = AC1009
  • AutoCAD DWG R11 format = AC1009
  • AutoCAD DWG R10 format = AC1006
  • AutoCAD DWG R9 format = AC1004
  • AutoCAD DWG R2.6 format = AC1002
  • AutoCAD DWG R2.05 format = AC1.50

Remember that modern versions of AutoCAD traditionally use the same DWG format for three AutoCAD releases:

  • AutoCAD 2018, 2019 use DWG 2018 format
  • AutoCAD 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 use DWG 2013 format
  • AutoCAD 2010, 2011, 2012 use DWG 2010 format
  • AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009 use DWG 2007 format
  • AutoCAD 2004, 2005, 2006 use DWG 2004 format
  • AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002 use DWG 2000 format

It’s very important that you do not use Notepad to modify the contents of the DWG file. Be sure to exit Notepad without saving (or use a copy of the original DWG file to make sure).


Note: 

1. For dxf, it is almost the same, you can check the "$ACADVER", then you can find the version info followed such as AC1009.

2. If you cannot find the version above, then you can send us for checking, we will test to open it in ACAD, to check the versions.

3. If you can open the drawing in ZWCAD, then you can see the file version from command line in ZWCAD 2017 or 2018