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Understand the Conversion Process

You can choose the file format, several conversion options, and the type of output you want.

With DWG TrueView, you can convert AutoCAD DWG files between the following data formats:

  • AutoCAD 2018
  • AutoCAD 2013
  • AutoCAD 2010
  • AutoCAD 2007
  • AutoCAD 2004
  • AutoCAD 2000
  • AutoCAD R14

The releases of AutoCAD-based products between the drawing file format changes listed above are based on the previous format.

Overview of Converting Drawing Files

The major steps in the conversion process are as follows:

  1. Click Home tab Files panel DWG Convert.

    The DWG Convert dialog box is displayed.

    Note: You do not have to open a drawing file first to convert it.
  2. Identify one or more drawing files to be converted. To save and restore lists of drawing files, see Save Lists of Files for Batch Conversions.
  3. Specify a conversion setup.

    Conversion setups control a variety of settings including the target DWG version, the output method, and several other options. For information about saving these settings, see Save Conversion Settings for Later Use.

  4. Click Convert to start the conversion.
  5. Review the conversion report for notes and errors.

Specify the Output of the Conversion

The conversion setup controls the output for the converted drawing files. In the Modify Conversion Setup dialog box, under Conversion Package Type, you can choose from the following:

  • Replace (overwrite) the existing files
  • Create the drawing files in a specified folder
  • Combine the drawing files in a self-extracting executable file
  • Combine the drawing files in a ZIP file

The conversion package type you choose controls access to several other options in the dialog box.

Procedures

To specify conversion setup options

  1. Click Home tab Files panel DWG Convert.
  2. In the DWG Convert dialog box, click Conversion Setups.
  3. In the Conversion Setups dialog box, do one of the following:
    • Click a previously saved conversion setup from the list and click Close.
    • Click New to open the New Conversion Setup dialog box. After you enter a new name, click Continue. The Modify Conversion Setup dialog box is displayed.
    • Click a previously saved conversion setup and then click Modify. The Modify Conversion Setup dialog box is displayed.
  4. (Optional) In the Modify Conversion Setup dialog box, specify all options that you want to change. Click OK. Then click Close.

To convert an AutoCAD-based drawing to a different release format

  1. Click Home tab Files panel DWG Convert.
  2. In the DWG Convert dialog box, near the bottom, click the Add File button.
  3. In the Select File dialog box, navigate to the folder of the drawing file that you want to convert.
  4. Click the drawing file name and click Open.
  5. (Recommended) In the DWG Convert dialog box, click Conversion Setups. In the Conversion Setups dialog box, create a new conversion setup, modify an existing conversion setup, or select a previously created conversion setup. Click Close.
  6. In the DWG Convert dialog box, click Convert.
  7. If the conversion setup specifies an EXE or ZIP file, navigate to the desired destination folder and then double click it. Click Save.
Parent topic: Convert Drawing File Formats

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