What is the DVG file format?
.dvg files are proprietary binary 2D vector drawing files created by Data Becker Graphic Works, a Windows-based illustration application developed by Data Becker GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) in the mid-1990s.
The format stores vector objects - shapes, lines, curves, text and fill patterns - in a binary layout specific to Graphic Works. It has no publicly documented specification and no stable magic-byte signature. Files may range from a few kilobytes for simple sketches to several megabytes for complex drawings, and may include multiple layers depending on the application version.
Data Becker closed in 2014, making Graphic Works abandoned software and the .dvg format effectively orphaned. No modern mainstream application supports .dvg natively. The primary recovery option is the ThouVis viewer and converter, which can open .dvg files and export them to standard formats such as .DXF or .SVG. Converting to one of those open formats is strongly recommended to preserve the drawing content in a usable form.
For users who cannot open a .dvg file, contacting the original author to request re-export from the legacy Graphic Works software (if still accessible) is another option.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWDVG files are proprietary binary vector drawings with no scripting or macro capabilities documented. The main practical risk is the software required (ThouVis is paid), and ensuring you obtain it from an official, legitimate source rather than a dubious download site.
Format details
in a nutshell- DAZ Studio / various 3D tool exports - A few niche 3D and animation tools have used .dvg for their own data files; context depends on the software creating the file.
Programs that open DVG files
Windows2 apps
ThouVis
Paid Open the .dvg in ThouVis to view the drawing and use its export function to save as DXF, SVG or PDF.
Data Becker Graphic Works (legacy)
Paid The original application - software is discontinued (Data Becker closed 2014) and no longer obtainable through official channels. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary 2D vector drawing |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Little-endian |
| Container | Proprietary Data Becker Graphic Works binary container; no public specification |
| Magic bytes | None publicly documented |
| Compression | Not documented |
| Typical file size | 10 KB - 5 MB depending on drawing complexity |
| Internal content | 2D vector objects - shapes, lines, curves, text and fill patterns; may include multiple layers |
| Developer status | Abandoned - Data Becker GmbH & Co. KG closed in 2014 |
| Platform | Windows (originally Windows 3.x/9x; no current native support) |
| Recovery tool | ThouVis viewer/converter - opens DVG files and exports to DXF, SVG or PDF |
| Recommended migration | Convert to DXF (for CAD workflows) or SVG (for vector graphics) using ThouVis to preserve content in a supported open format |
| Released | Mid-1990s with Data Becker Graphic Works (Windows 3.x / 9x era) |
| Latest version | Last known version: Data Becker Graphic Works (Windows 9x/2000 era); no updates since Data Becker's closure in 2014 |
DVG conversions
Community Q&A
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