How To Set AutoCAD As Default Program?

Setting AutoCAD as Your Default Program

When working with CAD files, particularly DWG files, it’s essential to have AutoCAD set as your default application. This ensures that double-clicking a DWG file will open it directly in AutoCAD, streamlining your workflow. Here are detailed steps for setting AutoCAD as your default program, whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac.

For Windows Users

1. Access My Computer: Start by clicking on the Start menu. From there, navigate to "My Computer" or "This PC" to open the file explorer.

2. Open Folder Options: On the menu bar, click on "Tools." In the dropdown, select "Folder Options."

3. File Types Tab: Within the Folder Options window, locate and click on the "File Types" tab. This will list all file types recognized by your system.

4. Find the DWG File Type: Scroll through the list until you find the entry for .DWG files. Click to highlight this entry.

5. Set Default Program: You will see the current program associated with the DWG file type. Click the "Change" button next to it.

6. Choose AutoCAD: In the dialog that appears, select AutoCAD from the list of programs. If it’s not visible, you can browse your computer to locate the AutoCAD executable.

7. Always Use This Program: Make sure to check the option that states "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file." This ensures that all DWG files will open with AutoCAD in the future.

8. Confirm Changes: Click "OK" to save your settings, and then close the window.

For Mac Users

1. Find a DWG File: Open Finder and locate any DWG file. If you don’t have one, you can create a simple DWG file or download a sample.

2. Get Info: Right-click (or Control-click) on the DWG file and select "Get Info" from the context menu.

3. Open With Section: In the Info window, find the section labeled "Open with:" This section will display the current default application for this file type.

4. Select AutoCAD: Click on the dropdown menu within the "Open with:" section and select the AutoCAD application.

5. Change All: After choosing AutoCAD, click the "Change All…" button. This will set AutoCAD as the default program for all DWG files.

6. Confirm Your Choice: A prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to change all similar documents to open with AutoCAD. Confirm by clicking "Continue."

Troubleshooting Default Program Issues

If you have followed the steps above and AutoCAD is still not recognized as your default program for DWG files, consider these actions:

• File Associations: Revisit the file type settings and ensure that the changes have been applied correctly.
• Reinstall AutoCAD: If the problem persists, it may be helpful to reinstall AutoCAD to ensure that it registers correctly with your operating system.
• Check Updates: Ensure that your version of Windows or macOS and AutoCAD is up to date, as updates may resolve compatibility issues.

FAQ

Q1: How can I open a DWG file without AutoCAD installed?
A: You can use Autodesk’s freeware tool, DWG TrueView, which allows you to open and view DWG files. Additionally, it offers plotting and conversion features.

Q2: What should I do if DWG files keep opening in the wrong program?
A: Return to the file type associations as described in the Windows instructions or the Mac "Get Info" approach. Make sure AutoCAD is selected and that you check the option to apply this selection to all similar files.

Q3: Is it necessary to install the latest version of AutoCAD to set as default?
A: While it’s not obligatory to have the latest version, using the most recent release, such as AutoCAD 2025, ensures access to the latest features and improved compatibility with your operating system.