Importing DWG Files Into SOLIDWORKS

Published on August 1, 2015
Updated on September 2, 2026
Mechanical Design

I have come across several customers having issues with bringing in DWG data into SOLIDWORKS. There a few different ways to handle the data and it depends on what you want in the end. So when you start the opening of the DWG file in SOLIDWORKS you are presented with a couple options.

One is to open this as a drawing file.

Placeholder graphic representing a DWG file converted for use in a SOLIDWORKS drawing — Importing a DWG into a SOLIDWORKS drawing is one way to reuse existing 2D data for modeling a part.

Another is to use the data for modeling a part.

SOLIDWORKS drawing sketch of a circular flange with bolt-circle dimensions — This flange sketch, built from imported DWG geometry, is covered in more detail in the linked video.

I do cover these and more in detail in the video below.

So if you are needing to use DWG files or DXF for that matter and you do not see what you are wanting in this post or run into issues. Please contact your support for SOLIDWORKS whether that is us or another reseller.