Why convert DWG to SVG?
DWG is a proprietary binary CAD format introduced in 1982, storing 2D/3D geometry, layers, and blocks. SVG is an XML-based 2D vector format standardized in 2001, natively rendered by web browsers and editable in tools like Inkscape and Figma. Converting to .svg makes drawings embeddable in web pages and editable in graphic software without rasterization quality loss.
How to convert DWG to SVG
Adobe Illustrator APP
Go to File > Open and select the .dwg file, choose the layout and units in the DXF/DWG import dialog, then save as SVG via File > Save As; works best for simple 2D drawings.
Adobe Illustrator for Mac APP
Open the .dwg via File > Open, configure the import dialog, then export SVG via File > Save As; complex CAD drawings may import with missing or incorrect elements.
Inkscape OPEN-SOURCE
Convert the .dwg to .dxf first using ODA File Converter (free), then open the .dxf in Inkscape and save as SVG via File > Save As > Plain SVG.
Programs that convert DWG
About these formats
.DWG
AutoCAD Drawing Database
A DWG file is a CAD drawing, the native format of Autodesk AutoCAD, usually an architectural plan or engineering design. To view, measure, or print one for free, use DWG TrueView (Windows),…
Open .DWG details →
.SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics
An SVG file is a Scalable Vector Graphics image - a W3C open standard that stores 2D graphics as XML text, so it scales to any size without losing quality. Any modern web browser opens it…
Open .SVG details →Quality & what to watch
- 3D geometry cannot be represented in SVG - only the 2D projection of 3D solids will appear.
- Dimensions with live associativity are flattened to plain lines and text; hatches may export as filled polygons or be dropped depending on the tool.
- DXF carries the same geometry as DWG, so no geometry is lost in the DWG-to-DXF step using ODA File Converter.
