Whether in mechanical engineering, architecture, the automotive sector or other related industries: opening a CAD file (CAD = Computer-Aided Design) is a central part of everyday work. Modern design and production processes are no longer conceivable without CAD engineering and the corresponding CAD files.
It is therefore important to keep an eye on all scenarios that can arise when working with a CAD file, especially in the frequent case of a large amount of CAD engineering data:
- Open and view CAD files – even without the software for editing / creating them, because this is usually not available or necessary at every workstation
- Manage CAD files economically and intelligently – for example in an ECM (Enterprise Content Management System) or DMS (Document Management System)
This article provides an overview of various ways to open and view a CAD file, even without a full CAD application. In addition, typical challenges that companies have with the management of CAD files are highlighted.Power tip: In our article “MicroStation vs AutoCAD – Current comparison (as of 2025)” we compared the two most popular CAD solutions.
The basics: Which programs open and use which CAD file type?
CAD-FILE | INFOS | SOFTWARE |
DWG (Drawing) | native format of AutoCAD, widely used in construction and architecture | e.g. AutoCAD, DraftSight, BricsCAD, GstarCAD, Bentley Systems |
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) | A file format developed by Autodesk for the exchange of CAD data between different programs | e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CorelCAD, QCAD, Bentley Systems |
DGN (Design) | native file format of Bentley Systems, primarily used in infrastructure planning and construction | e.g. MicroStation, Bentley Navigator, OpenRoads Designer |
STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) | an ISO standard format for the exchange of 3D models between different CAD systems | e.g. SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Bentley Systems |
IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) | another standard format for the exchange of 2D and 3D CAD data | e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Bentley Systems, Siemens NX |
STL (Stereolithography) | a format primarily used for 3D printing and additive manufacturing | e.g. SolidWorks |
Open, edit, manage, save: classic challenges when dealing with CAD files
Companies that use both a large amount of CAD data and different CAD formats are faced with particular challenges:
- Variety of formats: CAD systems generate different file formats, which makes compatibility difficult
- Data management: large quantities of CAD files can only be managed efficiently with powerful data management systems (DMS)
- Versioning: correct tracking of changes and versions is crucial to avoid design errors
- Access rights: sensitive design data must of course also be protected from unauthorized access
Opening a CAD file in a professional environment is anything but a banal process. But with the right tools and software solutions and with strict consideration of industry-specific requirements, an efficient and smooth process is possible.
Open CAD file without a full CAD application
Editing CAD files is not always necessary; in the work process, the correct representation in a preview or view is often sufficient. There are various alternatives for easy opening, viewing and commenting:
- Free viewer software such as Autodesk Viewer or SolidWorks eDrawings
- Cloud-based viewers such as Onshape or Fusion 360 enable access from internet-enabled devices
- Plug-ins and extensions for office programs such as Autodesk Inventor View enable a CAD file to be viewed directly in the document
- Integration tools such as BElink2ELO from Corporate Montage, which integrates CAD data management into the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system ELO and thus enables a CAD file to be easily opened within the ELO environment
Would you like to manage your CAD engineering data intelligently and particularly economically? Then CME BElink2ELO is the most recommended solution because it enables intelligent drawing management with full ECM functionality and is also an important market leader in terms of cost-effectiveness.