To access and work with files created in a newer version of AutoCAD using an older version of the software, you may need to convert the files. The following sections will guide you through the various methods to convert AutoCAD files to lower versions.
Using DWG Convert to Downgrade AutoCAD Files
Open AutoCAD: Start your AutoCAD application. If you have an existing project open, that will work too.
Access the Application Menu: Click on the application menu located in the upper-left corner of the window.
Choose DWG Convert: From the menu options, select "DWG Convert." If a drawing is open, look for it on the ribbon interface.
Add Files: In the DWG Convert dialogue that appears, you’ll see a "Files Tree" list. Click on the green plus sign labeled "Add Files" to upload the DWG files you wish to convert.
Select File Format: After adding the necessary files, choose the target AutoCAD file version to which you wish to convert them. Ensure that it matches the version you want to save the file as.
- Start the Conversion: Click the "Convert" button. The software will process the selected files and save them in the specified older format, allowing them to be opened with earlier versions of AutoCAD.
Changing Default AutoCAD Version for Opening Files
If you often need to work with a specific version of AutoCAD, it might be useful to set your computer to open DWG files with that version by default.
Find a DWG File: Go to Windows Explorer and locate a DWG file on your computer.
Access File Properties: Right-click on the DWG file, then select "Properties" from the dropdown menu.
Change Default Application: In the Properties dialog, click the "Change" button next to "Opens with."
Choose Your AutoCAD Version: A list of applications will be displayed. Select the version of AutoCAD that you want to use for opening DWG files by default.
- Confirm the Change: Click OK to apply the changes. Going forward, double-clicking on a DWG file will now open it with your specified AutoCAD version.
Reducing DWG File Size for Compatibility
If a DWG file is large or complex, it may be worthwhile to optimize it before converting to a lower version.
Detach Unused Xrefs: Open the drawing in AutoCAD, then enter the XREF command. Here, detach any unnecessary external references.
Use the OVERKILL Command: Select all objects in the drawing, and type the command OVERKILL. This command helps remove duplicate elements and simplifies the drawing.
- Cleanup with PURGE: Run the -PURGE command and choose to purge Regapps and any unused objects. Following this with the regular PURGE command and selecting all options will help streamline the file.
Viewing DWG Files Without AutoCAD
If you need to view or print a DWG file without using AutoCAD, Autodesk offers a free utility called DWG TrueView.
Download DWG TrueView: Visit the Autodesk website and download the latest version of DWG TrueView.
Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions provided. Once installed, you can open DWG files with this viewer.
- Convert and Print: DWG TrueView also allows you to convert files between different DWG versions and provides plotting capabilities.
FAQ
1. Can I convert multiple DWG files at once?
Yes, using the DWG Convert feature in AutoCAD, you can select and add multiple DWG files to convert them simultaneously.
2. What happens if I open a newer DWG file in an older AutoCAD version without converting?
If you try to open a newer DWG file directly in an older version of AutoCAD, you may receive an error message indicating that the file cannot be opened due to its format.
3. Is it necessary to reduce the file size before converting?
While it is not strictly necessary to reduce file size before converting, optimizing the file can prevent potential issues related to file complexity and size, especially when working with older versions of AutoCAD.
