DWGbased

DWG format is the native file format for CAD software products developed by Autodesk. It is used for 2D and 3D drawings and designs, accommodating a wide variety of data types, including geometry, curves, and entities.

Developed in the early 1970s, the DWG format was designed to provide a specific, binary representation of CAD data, as opposed to other formats like AutoCAD's PRN (plot file) format, which contain ASCII data. DWG files contain a header with metadata such as file type and version, followed by the main data structure, including binary and ASCII data.

Autodesk essentially owns the DWG format, enforcing patents on the format, which has generated significant controversy throughout the years. Several competing CAD companies, like IntelliCAD vendors, developed their own proprietary formats. Despite this, DWG remains the de facto standard in the CAD industry.

Key features of the DWG format include:

* Extensive compatibility with a wide range of CAD software platforms and revisions

* Preservation of data integrity through its proprietary binary format

* Highly developed support for 2D and 3D geometric entities and curves

* Multi-platform compatibility for a range of operating systems

Along with its widespread usage and formal recognition as an industry standard, Autodesk licenses the DWG file format to developers allowing wide adaptations.