DWG-compatible CAD software: which one suits whom?
A DWG-compatible CAD program is computer-aided design software that opens, edits and saves drawings directly in DWG format. This guide compares the DWG-based programs most often evaluated in Turkey in one table, based on their vendors’ own pages, and lists the questions to ask when choosing.
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What does “DWG-compatible” mean?
DWG is the most widely used file format for technical drawings; most architecture, construction, mechanical and building services projects are shared in it. A program being “DWG-compatible” can mean three different things:
- Using DWG as its own format (native DWG): the program opens, edits and saves the drawing directly as DWG, with no intermediate format or conversion. BricsCAD, AutoCAD, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, IntelliCAD-based programs, DraftSight and nanoCAD describe themselves this way.
- Reading and writing DWG through a library: most programs other than AutoCAD handle DWG with the Open Design Alliance (ODA) libraries or an engine built on them. In everyday drafting there is no visible difference; differences can appear in custom objects and data belonging to add-ons.
- Importing/exporting: some design programs only bring DWG in or out by converting it. For teams working in DWG these do not count as “DWG-compatible”; layer, block and dimension information can be lost on every transfer.
The safest way to judge compatibility is to open and save large, complex drawings from your own archive (external references, dynamic blocks, tables, text styles) in the trial, then reopen the saved file in your partner’s program. For details of the DWG and DXF formats, see our post What is DWG?
DWG-based CAD software compared
The table below summarises what each vendor states on its own pages. Edition names and licence options change often, so confirm the current details with the vendor or an authorised reseller before you buy.
| Program | Vendor | Editions (2D/3D) | Operating system | Licence model | Programming | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BricsCAD | Bricsys (Ghent, Belgium; part of Octave) | Lite (2D), Pro (2D and 3D), Mechanical, BIM, Ultimate | Windows, macOS, Linux | Perpetual licence and annual subscription; network licence | LISP (AutoLISP/Visual LISP), BRX | 30 days (Ultimate) |
| AutoCAD | Autodesk (USA) | AutoCAD (2D and 3D), AutoCAD LT (2D) | Windows, macOS | Subscription only (perpetual licence sales ended January 2016) | AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET, JavaScript, ObjectARX | Ask the vendor |
| ZWCAD | ZWSOFT (China) | Standard (2D), Professional (2D and 3D), MFG (mechanical, 2D) | Windows (Linux version only in the Chinese market) | Perpetual, subscription, network licence | LISP; VBA, ZRX, .NET in Professional | 30 days |
| GstarCAD | Gstarsoft (Beijing, China) | Standard (2D), Professional (3D), Premium | Windows, Linux (since 2024) | Perpetual, 1-year subscription, upgrade | LISP, VBA, .NET, GRX | 30 days |
| progeCAD (IntelliCAD-based) | progeSOFT | progeCAD Professional (2D and 3D) | Windows; separate iCADMac product for Mac | Perpetual licence | AutoLISP, Visual LISP, SDS, ARX, COM, .NET | 30 days |
| CADian (IntelliCAD-based) | Wizcore (Seoul, South Korea) | CADian Pro, CADian 3D | Windows | One-off purchase (perpetual) | LISP and API support | Available (length not stated) |
| ActCAD (IntelliCAD-based) | Jytra Technology Solutions | Standard (2D), Premium (2D and 3D), Map Drafter | Windows 10/11 | Perpetual licence; key, network, cloud or USB dongle | LISP, Visual LISP, SDS, DCL, .NET | 15 days |
| DraftSight | Dassault Systèmes (France) | Professional (2D), Premium (3D workspace), Network, Enterprise | Windows, macOS | Annual licence; perpetual only through resellers. No free edition any more | AutoLISP and API | 30 days (Premium) |
| nanoCAD | Nanosoft AS (Norway) | Platform + modules (3D, Mechanica, Construction, Raster, Topoplan) | Windows | 1- or 3-year subscription (3-year can become permanent); free nanoCAD Free v5 for non-commercial use only | LISP, .NET, C++ (NRX), COM, JavaScript | 30 days |
Sources: BricsCAD (Octave), Wikipedia, “AutoCAD”, progeCAD Professional, CADian, ActCAD, IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, DraftSight, “How to buy”, nanoCAD; for ZWCAD and GstarCAD, the sources in our respective guides. Accessed 30 October 2026. The table contains no prices; pricing varies by region, edition, licence type and number of users.
Where do the differences show?
Licence model
The clearest difference is the licence model. AutoCAD has been sold by subscription only since 2016. BricsCAD, ZWCAD and GstarCAD offer both perpetual licences and subscriptions; IntelliCAD-based programs (progeCAD, CADian, ActCAD) are sold mainly with perpetual licences. nanoCAD is subscription-based; DraftSight offers annual licences and has dropped its free edition. With a perpetual licence, updates and support usually come with a separate maintenance fee, which is why comparing the three-year total cost is more accurate.
Operating system
If your team uses macOS or Linux distributions such as Pardus, the options narrow. In the table, BricsCAD is the only program that runs the same product on all three of Windows, macOS and Linux; AutoCAD and DraftSight offer macOS versions and GstarCAD offers a Linux version.
The IntelliCAD family
progeCAD, CADian and ActCAD use the shared engine developed by the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC), a non-profit founded in 1999. The ITC sells no end-user products; it licenses the engine to its members, and each member adds its own interface, tools and licence terms. Programs in the family therefore behave similarly in core drafting and differ in support, local representation and extra tools.
Programming interfaces and add-ons
LISP routines largely run in all of these programs. C++ add-ons, however, are compiled for a specific program: ObjectARX for AutoCAD, BRX for BricsCAD, ZRX for ZWCAD, GRX for GstarCAD, IRX for IntelliCAD and NRX for nanoCAD. Before you buy, ask the maker of your industry add-on whether a version exists for the target program.
Which program stands out for which need?
If the team depends on the AutoCAD ecosystem
For teams tied to Autodesk’s vertical products and to add-ons written only for ObjectARX, AutoCAD is the natural choice; plan for the subscription model and total cost accordingly.
Perpetual licence and mainly 2D drafting
Teams that mainly draft in 2D and do not want a subscription look at BricsCAD Lite, ZWCAD Standard, GstarCAD Standard and IntelliCAD-based programs. Local support, training and upgrade terms then become decisive.
If you will grow from 2D into 3D, mechanical and BIM
If you want to move from 2D into 3D modelling, sheet metal and assemblies or BIM on the same platform, BricsCAD’s Pro, Mechanical, BIM and Ultimate editions offer that path on a single DWG platform. For the BIM concept, see our post What is BIM?
Mixed operating systems
For teams mixing Windows, macOS and Linux, BricsCAD stands out for working with the same licence and drawing behaviour; AutoCAD and DraftSight for macOS and GstarCAD for Linux are also options.
If you are looking for a free option
All the commercial programs in the table are paid; nanoCAD Free v5 is free only for non-commercial use and supports DWG up to the 2013 version. When using free software on commercial projects, always read the licence terms.
Questions to ask when choosing CAD software in Turkey
Whichever program you evaluate, the answers to these questions decide how easy the switch is and the total cost.
- Does it open and save DWG files natively, without conversion? Do your archived drawings and blocks look the same?
- Are the commands, shortcuts and menus close to what the team is used to? Do your LISP routines and templates run?
- Can you stay on the same platform as you move from 2D to 3D, mechanical design or BIM?
- Is the licence perpetual or a subscription? Is a network licence available? How are updates and support provided?
- Which operating systems does it run on: Windows, macOS, Linux (including Pardus)?
- Where are your drawings stored? With desktop CAD, files stay on your own computers and servers; if a cloud sharing service will be used, ask in which country the data is stored and whether KVKK, Turkey’s data protection law, would require a transfer abroad.
- Is there an authorised partner in Turkey providing installation, training and support in Turkish?
- What is the three-year total cost including licences, maintenance, training and adaptations?
Answering these questions with BricsCAD
MechSoft is an Octave BricsCAD Premium Partner. We can evaluate BricsCAD against these criteria together, on your own drawings.
Native DWG
BricsCAD uses DWG as its own file format, so you work with your archive, templates and partners’ files without conversion.
A familiar way of working
A familiar command structure, menus and LISP support make switching easier and keep the team’s habits.
One platform from 2D to BIM
The Lite (2D), Pro (2D and 3D), Mechanical, BIM and Ultimate editions share one platform; you move up an edition as needs grow.
Windows, macOS and Linux
BricsCAD runs on Windows, macOS and supported Linux distributions.
Your files stay with you
BricsCAD is desktop CAD software; your drawings are kept on your own computers and servers.
Support in Turkish, in Turkey
Installation, training, migration and support are provided in Turkish by the MechSoft team; you can start with a 30-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions about DWG-compatible CAD software
Which CAD programs are DWG-compatible?
The main programs that use DWG as their own format are BricsCAD, AutoCAD, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, the IntelliCAD-based progeCAD, CADian and ActCAD, DraftSight and nanoCAD. Among free options, nanoCAD Free is available for non-commercial use.
What is a DWG-based CAD program?
A DWG-based CAD program opens, edits and saves drawings directly as DWG without converting them to an intermediate format, so archive drawings, templates and partners’ files are used without conversion loss.
Will a file drawn in AutoCAD open in another program?
Yes. All the programs in the table open and save DWG files created in AutoCAD. Custom objects and add-on data may behave differently between programs, so test with your own drawings before switching.
Which DWG-compatible programs are sold with a perpetual licence?
According to the vendors’ pages, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, progeCAD, CADian and ActCAD offer perpetual licences; DraftSight provides perpetual licences only through resellers. AutoCAD has been sold by subscription only since 2016.
Is there DWG-compatible software for macOS and Linux?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. AutoCAD and DraftSight also offer macOS versions, and GstarCAD a Linux version. The other programs are mainly for Windows.
Which CAD software does MechSoft sell?
MechSoft is an Octave BricsCAD Premium Partner and handles BricsCAD sales, training and support in Turkey. If you are evaluating other programs, we can help you compare BricsCAD against the same questions on your own drawings.
Continue with CAD selection
Let’s assess your CAD needs together
Let’s talk through the drawings you produce, your DWG archive and how your team works, and show BricsCAD on your own files.