How do I open a DWG file in Google Drive?

Install DWG Viewer or CAD Viewer from Google Workspace Marketplace, then right-click the DWG file in Google Drive, choose Open with, select the viewer app, and sign in with Google when prompted. The drawing opens in your browser without downloading AutoCAD.

Do I need AutoCAD to view DWG files in Google Drive?

No. Thingraph DWG Viewer and CAD Viewer render DWG files in the browser using WebGL. You only need a modern browser and a Google account with access to the file.

Why is DWG Viewer not showing in Open with?

You must install the app from Google Workspace Marketplace first and authorize it with the same Google account. Refresh Google Drive, then right-click the DWG file again. Only DWG and DXF files show the DWG Viewer option.

Google Drive™ · DWG

How to Open a DWG File in Google Drive™

You can view AutoCAD DWG drawings stored in Google Drive™ directly in your web browser — no AutoCAD installation, no manual download. This guide walks through installing Thingraph DWG Viewer or CAD Viewer, opening a file with Open with, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Video walkthrough

DWG Viewer for Google Drive on YouTube — install from Marketplace, then open a DWG with Open with.

What you need before you start

A Google account that can access the DWG file in Drive (you own it or it is shared with you).
A modern browser with WebGL enabled (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
The DWG Viewer or CAD Viewer app installed from Google Workspace Marketplace — the app must be authorized once per Google account.
A file with the .dwg extension (AutoCAD Drawing). DXF files follow the same steps.

Step-by-step: open DWG from Google Drive

Install the viewer (first time only). Visit our Install page, choose DWG Viewer for Google Drive or CAD Viewer for Google Drive, and click Install. Sign in with Google and approve the requested permissions. The app only needs access to files you explicitly open with it (drive.file scope) — it cannot browse your entire Drive.
Open Google Drive. Go to drive.google.com and find your DWG file.
Right-click the file (or select it and open the ⋮ menu). Choose Open with → DWG Viewer or CAD Viewer.
Sign in if prompted. A browser tab opens the Thingraph viewer. Allow Google sign-in if this is your first open in this browser.
View and navigate the drawing. Use the toolbar to zoom, pan, switch layouts (model/paper space), toggle layers, measure distances, and export screenshots — all in the browser.

DWG Viewer vs CAD Viewer — which should I use?

Both apps open DWG and DXF files from Google Drive™:

DWG Viewer — focused on 2D CAD only (DWG, DXF). Choose this if you only work with AutoCAD drawings.
CAD Viewer — opens 2D CAD and 3D models (glTF, GLB, OBJ, FBX, STL, IFC, STEP, IGS, etc.). Choose this if you also view 3D files from Drive.

For DWG-only workflows, either app works. Pick the one you installed from Marketplace.

Is my DWG file uploaded to your servers?

No. When you open a file from Google Drive™, the content is downloaded to your browser and rendered locally with WebGL (@x-viewer/core / Three.js). Thingraph does not store or process your drawings on backend servers. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Troubleshooting

DWG Viewer does not appear in “Open with”

Install the app from Install and complete Google authorization.
Use the same Google account in Drive and during install.
Refresh the Drive page and try again.
Confirm the file extension is .dwg or .dxf — 3D-only apps will not list DWG files.

Sign-in popup blocked or stuck on “Authorize”

Allow pop-ups for cad.thingraph.site in your browser.
Try an incognito/private window with extensions disabled.
Revoke and re-authorize at Google Account permissions.

File fails to load or shows an error

Verify you have permission to view the file in Drive (not view-only link expired).
Very large or heavily corrupted DWG files may fail — try opening a smaller sample from Examples to confirm the viewer works.
Check DWG Viewer Support or email thingraph@outlook.com.

Alternative: open a local DWG without Google Drive

If the file is on your computer, use DWG Viewer (local upload) — drag and drop a DWG or DXF file into the browser. No Google account required; rendering still happens locally.