Why convert DWG to DXF?

DWG is the native binary format of AutoCAD. It’s powerful, but proprietary. When you need to share drawings with partners who use SolidWorks, BricsCAD, FreeCAD, LibreCAD, or any non-Autodesk CAD tool, the proprietary DWG container becomes a bottleneck. DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) was designed specifically to solve this: it’s an open, documented interchange format that virtually every CAD program can read and write.

Common real-world scenarios where DWG → DXF conversion is essential:

• Cross-platform collaboration with partners who use SolidWorks, BricsCAD, FreeCAD, or other non-Autodesk CAD tools.
• CNC and laser cutter pipelines that accept only DXF input.
• Archival and compliance requirements where an open format avoids vendor lock-in.
• Automated production workflows where DWG files must be converted before entering a review or manufacturing system.

If you’re converting one or two files, an online tool might do. But when the job involves hundreds of drawings on a recurring basis, you need batch automation that runs offline, keeps your intellectual property on your hardware, and doesn’t require an expensive AutoCAD seat.

That’s where reaConverter comes in.

DWG vs DXF — quick reference

What you’ll need

• reaConverter Standard edition is enough for GUI batch conversion. For Watch Folders and command-line automation, you’ll need Pro. See the DWG to DXF conversion page for a quick overview of what’s supported.
• Your .dwg files. reaConverter supports all AutoCAD versions from R12 through the latest releases.
• No AutoCAD installation is required at any point.

Method 1 — Batch conversion in the GUI

This is the fastest way to convert a folder of DWG files interactively.

Step 1. Add your DWG files

Launch reaConverter and load your drawings. You can:

• Drag-and-drop files or entire folders from Windows Explorer.
• Use the Add Files or Add Folder buttons on the toolbar.
• Right-click DWG files in Explorer and choose Convert with reaConverter from the context menu.

reaConverter reads DWG natively, no CAD software needed. The file list shows previews, page count, and size for every drawing.

Step 2. (Optional) Configure DWG loading settings

Before converting, you can fine-tune how drawings are read:

• Layout selection: convert Model Space only, all Paper Spaces, or all layouts. Look for the DXF/DWG/DGN loading settings in the Settings panel on the left side of the main window.
• Grayscale: render the drawing in grayscale if color is not needed downstream.
• Layer extraction: split each layer into a separate output file.

These settings are especially useful when your DWG files contain multiple layouts and you only need the Model Space geometry.

Step 3. Choose DXF as the output format

In the bottom panel, set Save as → DXF. Click the gear icon next to DXF to open format-specific settings:

• DXF version: choose from AutoCAD 12, 13, 14, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, or 2013. If unsure, AutoCAD 2000 offers the best balance of compatibility and feature support.
• Units: millimeters or inches.
• Text handling: save as text or convert to polygons (useful when downstream tools have font substitution problems).
• Splines: enable or disable spline output.

Step 4. Set the destination folder

Choose where converted DXF files should be saved. You can keep the same folder structure as the source, save everything to a flat folder, or use reaConverter’s subfolder naming options.

Step 5. Click Convert

Hit Convert and reaConverter processes every file in the queue. The conversion log shows the status of each drawing. When done, click Show converted files to jump straight to the output folder.

Install reaConverter

Method 2 — Watch Folders (fully automated, zero clicks)

Watch Folders turn any Windows directory into a self-converting hot folder. Drop a DWG file in → a DXF file appears in the output directory. No interaction needed.

This is the ideal setup for:

• Engineering offices where designers save DWG files to a shared network folder and downstream teams need DXF.
• CNC / fabrication pipelines where an operator drops files for cutting.
• Any recurring workflow where manual conversion is a bottleneck.

How to set it up

1. Open reaConverter and go to Menu → Watch Folders → Add new folder…
2. Set the Source folder — this is the directory reaConverter will monitor, for example C:\CAD\DWG_inbox\.
3. Set the Output folder — for example C:\CAD\DXF_ready\.
4. Choose DXF as the output format and configure version, units, and other settings as described in Method 1.
5. Click Start Watching.

From now on, every DWG file that lands in the source folder will be automatically converted to DXF and placed in the output folder. It doesn’t matter how the file got there: copied manually, saved by a CAD tool, or synced from the network.

reaConverter keeps running in the background and can monitor multiple folder pairs simultaneously.

Tip: Use “Subfolder of source folder” output option combined with “Read subfolders” to maintain your directory structure while keeping originals separate from converted files.

For a detailed walkthrough, see the dedicated guide: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to reaConverter’s Watch Folders.

Method 3 — Command-line conversion

reaConverter Pro includes cons_rcp.exe, a full-featured command-line tool. It accepts the same parameters as the GUI and can be called from batch scripts, CI/CD pipelines, PowerShell, or Task Scheduler.

Basic single-file conversion

cons_rcp.exe -s "C:\Drawings\floorplan.dwg" -o "C:\Output\floorplan.dxf"

Batch convert an entire folder

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Drawings\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "C:\Output\" -dest_ext dxf

This converts every .dwg file in the source folder and saves each one as .dxf in the output folder.

With subfolders

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Drawings\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "C:\Output\" -dest_ext dxf -read_subfolders 1

Set the output DXF version

Use -dxf_version to target a specific AutoCAD version:

Convert to AutoCAD 2000 DXF format:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Drawings\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "C:\Output\" -dest_ext dxf -dxf_version 4

Control layout output

Use -dxf_dwg_layout to specify which layout to convert:

Export only Model Space:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Drawings\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "C:\Output\" -dest_ext dxf -dxf_dwg_layout 1

Additional useful parameters

• -dxf_text 1 — preserve text as editable text (use 0 to convert text to polygons).
• -dxf_spline 1 — include splines in the output DXF.
• -dxf_units 1 — set output DXF units to millimeters (2 for inches).
• -dxf_dwg_gray 1 — convert the drawing to grayscale.
• -dxf_dwg_extract_layers 1 — extract each layer as a separate DXF file.
• -overwrite 1 — overwrite existing files instead of skipping them.
• /hide — run silently (no console window), ideal for scheduled tasks.

Full production example

Convert all DWG files (including subfolders) to AutoCAD 2000 DXF, Model Space only, with splines, millimeters as units, and overwrite existing output:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "D:\Projects\2026\CAD\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "D:\Projects\2026\DXF\" -dest_ext dxf -read_subfolders 1 -dxf_version 4 -dxf_dwg_layout 1 -dxf_spline 1 -dxf_units 1 -dxf_text 1 -overwrite 1

Automate with Windows Task Scheduler

Save the command above as a .bat file and schedule it to run nightly, weekly, or at any interval. Add /hide to suppress the console window. Use > log.txt to capture the conversion log:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "D:\Projects\2026\CAD\" -source_ext dwg -dest_path "D:\Projects\2026\DXF\" -dest_ext dxf -dxf_version 4 /hide > "D:\Logs\dwg_to_dxf_log.txt"

For the full CLI reference, see: Command-line Interface for Developers.

Troubleshooting

Layers missing after conversion? Check the layout setting. If you’re exporting only Model Space (-dxf_dwg_layout 1) but your geometry lives in a Paper Space layout, switch to All Layouts (0) or All Paper Spaces (2).

Text looks wrong or is replaced by boxes? The target system may not have the fonts used in the DWG. Two options: set -dxf_text 0 to convert text to polygons (preserves appearance but loses editability), or install matching SHX / TTF fonts on the receiving machine.

File size significantly larger than original? This is expected. DXF (especially ASCII DXF) is less compact than binary DWG. If size matters, check whether your downstream tool accepts binary DXF. reaConverter outputs ASCII DXF by default for maximum compatibility.

Which reaConverter edition do I need?

Conclusion

Converting DWG files to DXF doesn’t require AutoCAD, doesn’t require uploading your proprietary drawings to the cloud, and doesn’t have to be a manual file-by-file task. reaConverter handles the job in three ways: GUI batch, Watch Folders, and command line. Whether you need a one-off conversion or a fully automated 24/7 pipeline, you’re covered.

For engineering firms, architecture studios, fabrication shops, and anyone working with CAD drawings at scale, this is the workflow that eliminates the bottleneck. Already know what you need? Head straight to the DWG to DXF converter page to download or try online.

Download reaConverter

Ready to automate your DWG → DXF workflow? Grab the free trial and convert your first batch in under a minute.

Download reaConverter

reaConverter can easily transform complex 3D models into clean 2D projections. This powerful feature
converts three-dimensional CAD files into flat technical drawings or illustrations, perfect for
documentation, manufacturing, and presentation purposes.

Download reaConverter

What are 2D Projections?

A 2D projection is a flat image of a 3D object, such as a machine part, building, or product. It works like a shadow on the ground or a sketch of a 3D scene on paper. This makes it easy to show the shape and details of a model without needing special 3D software.

reaConverter can easily and automatically generate standard engineering views from your 3D models:

• View 1 – Isometric: 3D perspective showing width, height, and depth
• View 2 – Top: Plan view looking down from above
• View 3 – Front: Elevation view from the front
• View 4 – Side: Profile view from the right side

You can also choose whether hidden edges should be displayed as dashed lines for a technical look, or removed for a simpler, cleaner result.

How to Convert 3D Models to 2D Projections

Easily generate 2D projections from your 3D models using reaConverter. Follow these steps:

1. Add Files

Drag and drop your 3D model files into reaConverter. You can process even large batches at once to quickly create multiple 2D projections.

2. Configure 3D Settings

Configure how your 3D models will be converted into 2D projections by choosing view types and display options.

• Go to Loading settings → 3D formats loading settings
• Enable “Create 2D projection”
• Choose projection type (Views 1-4)
• Set hidden line visibility

Preview result:

3. Select Output Format

Choose the output format for your 2D projections. reaConverter supports many options, including JPG and PNG for images, or DXF and DWG for CAD drawings, giving you the flexibility to use and share your files however you need.

You can also set quality options, adjusting resolution, DPI, or vector precision to get the results you want.

4. Convert

Convert your 3D models into 2D projections with a single click. Just hit Convert, and reaConverter quickly generates your images or CAD drawings, ready for use or sharing.

Practical Use Cases

reaConverter turns 3D models into 2D visuals for technical drawings, CNC/laser cutting, e-commerce product images, educational graphics, and design documentation.

Technical Documentation and Manufacturing

Convert 3D CAD models into standard orthographic projections for technical drawings, assembly
instructions, and manufacturing documentation. Generate front, top, side, and isometric views
automatically – the same views typically created manually in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.

Laser Cutting and CNC Machining

Extract 2D cutting profiles from 3D parts for manufacturing processes. DXF output provides precise
toolpaths for laser cutters, waterjet machines, and CNC routers. The vector format preserves exact
dimensions and geometric relationships required for accurate manufacturing.

Product Marketing and E-commerce

Create clean product illustrations for catalogs, websites, and marketing materials. Generate consistent
product views without complex 3D rendering software. Particularly useful for technical products, furniture, machinery, and consumer goods where clear geometric representation is more important than
photorealistic rendering.

Educational Materials

Develop technical drawings for engineering education, showing cross-sections, elevations, and standard
views that help students understand 3D geometry through traditional 2D engineering graphics principles.

Design Documentation

Integrate into CAD workflows where 3D models need accompanying 2D documentation. Automatically
generate drawing views for design reviews, client presentations, and regulatory submissions.

Automation

reaConverter makes 2D projection creation even easier with automation. Use command line options or Watch Folders to automatically generate 2D projections from 3D models, perfect for batch processing or integrating into production workflows. With simple command parameters, you can enable 2D projection mode, choose the view type, and decide whether to show hidden lines – all without manual intervention.

Conclusion

The 2D projection feature in reaConverter makes it easy to turn 3D CAD models into traditional 2D technical drawings. It automatically generates standard orthographic and isometric views, removing the manual effort usually needed to create professional technical illustrations.

Whether you need manufacturing drawings for CNC machining, product illustrations for marketing, or
educational diagrams for training materials, the 2D projection feature provides professional results with
minimal setup. The combination of multiple projection angles, industry-standard output formats
(DXF/DWG), and command-line automation makes this tool valuable for both individual designers and
production environments processing hundreds of models.

For CAD professionals already working with STEP, IGES, and other 3D formats, this feature integrates
seamlessly into existing workflows while dramatically reducing the time required to generate 2D
documentation from 3D designs.

Install reaConverter

DWG and DXF are two of the most widely used graphics formats in the construction and engineering industry. They are usually created via AutoCAD, the popular software for drafting 2D and 3D computer-aided design projects, and they store large layered files with detailed building plans, maps, model designs etc. DXF represents the interchange version of DWG and both formats are scalable vectors storing images as polygons.

Converting a graphics file to DWG or DXF normally implies saving all its embedded images and texts as polygons. But with reaConverter’s latest edition this feature can be customized, allowing you to save text not as polygon, but as editable text. This not only helps decrease file size, but also offers easier editing options. And it can be done with only a few clicks!

Install reaConverter

Load your files

Add all the images you intend to convert to DWG or DXF. They can be added one by one or in groups using the drag-and-drop tool, or they can be selected automatically according to file size / extension using the Advanced file select option.

Set saving settings

Go to Menu → Saving settings → Format saving settings and then to the DWG or DXF tab. Here you only have to untick the box next to Convert text to polygons.

This window can also be reached via a handy shortcut: place the pointer over the DWG or DXF button, from the lower part of the screen, and click the Settings icon appearing in its upper left corner. You can also choose a particular Autocad version here to ensure compatibility of the resulting images.

Choose destination and output

Finally, in the Saving options tab decide where you want to save the output files. Before starting the conversion process, don’t forget to select the DWG or DXF button from the Convert to section, in the lower part of the window.

Then press Start and your new DWG/DXF files with embedded text will soon be ready!

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can create DWG/DXF files from command line interface or using DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

Are you an architect or a designer? Then DWG (Drawing) is probably a format you use very often. Highly popular in the construction and engineering business, DWG files store sketches and building projects, maps and geometric data. They represent the native format of AutoCAD, which is probably the best known computer-aided design software.

One of the advantages of using the DWG format is the possibility to attach referenced drawings or XREFs. These are linked to the main drawing, but the best part is they are not actually inserted into it, which means they do not add to its file size. However, when an editing or update is made to the xref drawing, it also appears in the main DWG file.

This feature is particularly useful when more than one person works at a particular drawing, and the editing of everyone involved can be coordinated in real time. Moreover, drawings can function as xrefs to more than one DWG file at the same time, and one DWG file can have multiple xrefs, which makes work easier and more productive.
As DWG files tend to be quite large and difficult to access by people who don’t have a CAD program installed, architects and designers usually convert them to PDF or other popular formats before sending them to clients or other parties involved in a project.

With reaConverter’s latest edition, this conversion also covers xrefs by default, i.e. without activating any additional setting.

Install reaConverter

How does it work?

Add one or more DWG files into reaConverter’s main window. Their attached xrefs will automatically be processed as well. Files can be added to reaConverter directly from an open window, using the drag-and-drop tool. Or they can be selected manually by browsing the hard-drive.

Start conversion

In the Saving options tab, choose the destination folder for the output files. They can be saved both offline and online, using one of supported storage cloud services.

And don’t forget to click the appropriate button in the Convert to section from the lower part of the screen. reaConverter currently supports 58 output formats, so pick the one that best fits your needs. Then simply press the Start button and soon enjoy your converted DWGs together with their linked xrefs.

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can process DWG drawings with external reference files using command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

DWG is one of the most commonly used formats in the construction industry. Created in the 1980s as a proprietary extension of AutoCAD — probably the best known software in this business — DWG is perfect for storing design and geometric data, building project and sketches, detailed maps etc. So if you are an architect, engineer, designer or have another profession connected to constructions, you probably use this format a lot.

Though extremely practical for storing detailed representations of building details, DWG files have the downside of being extremely large and offering a relatively limited compatibility with other software. That’s why most professionals in the industry choose to convert DWG vector files to PDF — which offers significantly wider accessibility options — when sending them to clients or partners who don’t have AutoCAD installed, for example.

If you are one of those professionals who need to handle a large number of DWG to PDF conversions on a regular basis, we have some great news for you! reaConverter offers a handy solution that helps avoid repeating the same set of operations over and over again, thus saving time and effort. Using the Watch Folders feature, you can now automate your conversions in no more than 4 easy steps.

Install reaConverter

Activate the Watch Folders

First, go to the Menu button and activate the Watch Folders option by ticking ON in the dropdown menu.

Create System Folders

Next, open Windows Explorer and create an input folder and an output folder. In the first one you will store the DWG files that need to be converted, and in the second one — the resulting PDFs.

After you go through all the steps listed below, the input folder will become a “watch folder”, which means all files stored in it will automatically undergo conversion.

Set Conversion Configuration

Set your desired conversion configuration in reaConverter — i.e. click the PDF button in the lower part of the window and put the output folder you created as location for the converted files in Saving options tab.

Then go to the Menu button and click Save configuration as…

Then save your .cfg (configuration) file. In addition to the actual conversion, you can add here a series of security options related to the output PDF file.

To do so, go to Menu → Saving Setting → Format Saving Settings → PDF (or click on the upper left icon from the PDF button) and choose a password for opening the document, or grant permissions connected to editing, printing or copying the PDF.

Start the Watch Folder

Last but not least, go to the Menu button again and click Watch folders → Settings

Then load the .cfg file and assign the input folder. Now all the DWG files you drop to input folder will automatically be converted to PDF and placed in the output folder!

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can convert DWG to PDF with command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

DWG is a proprietary format of Autocad — one of the most widely used pieces of software in the architecture, engineering and design industry. DXF is its interchange variant, meant to ease transfer, print and interoperability with other software. Converting to DWG or DXF greatly increases the amount of editing options, allowing you to handle the image using lines, points, curves and layers. And now the process no longer requires a computer-aided design program installed on your computer, but the fast and user-friendly reaConverter.

Install reaConverter

Load Raster Images

Load one or more raster files you intend to convert. From BMP, PNG and JPG to GIF and TIF, reaConverter supports an impressive number of input formats. Pick the files manually, add entire folders or add selected extensions automatically, using the Advanced file select tool.

Set Default Units

Go to the Menu button and then to Saving settings → Raster to vector conversion

Here you can pick the vectorization algorithm you intend to use and set the default unit for the output DWG/DXF files: millimeters, inches or pixels.

Apply Image Editing

Optionally, you can use the Edit images tab to increase vectorization quality with one or more options.

For example, you can turn your images into Black&White and Remove Black&White Noise. This two options can dramatically increase vectorization quality.

Save the Result

In the Saving options tab, choose the location and format of the output files. reaConverter lets you save either locally, in the source folder or another desired location. Next, pick DWG or DXF from the buttons placed in the lower part of the window. In case you don’t see them there, click the Plus button and you will see a list with all output formats supported by reaConverter.

Choose your format from the list and then simply press Start

Video Tutorial

Command Line Tool and DLL

Developers can include this feature when creating a customized solutions by operating it via command-line, using the following code line:

cons_rcp.exe -s "source_file.png" -o "output_file.dwg" -dxf_dwg_units 1

Where

-dxf_dwg_units = DXF/DWG units (1 - mm, 2 - inches, 3 - pixels (scale = 1))

You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

However, not all enjoy a lot of popularity and some provide more advantages than others. For this reason, converting between 3D extensions might be a great way to improve the accessibility of your files while at the same time preserving their quality content intact. And it can be done in no more than a few clicks using reaConverter’s latest edition.

For example, conversion from STL to DWG formats can not only be done fast and easy, but also includes a series of handy customizable features. STL is a computer-aided design (CAD) 3D format used in model prototyping through stereolitography, 3D printing and computer-aided manufacturing. While supported by several software packs, STL enjoys less popularity than DWG, which is probably the most widely used format for CAD modeling. A native format for Autodesk software, DWG is supported by most CAD programs, including AutoCAD, Caddie, IntelliCAD and many others.

reaConverter’s latest edition offers several options for customizing both input and output images when converting between 3D formats, including features such as 3D image rotation or selecting the desired release of AutoCAD for the resulting image.

Install reaConverter

Start reaConverter and Load Your STL Images

Load one or more STL images into reaConverter. When dealing with lots of images, you can avoid the hassle of picking them one by one from a folder and use the “Advanced file select” option. This way you can automatically select all files with the STL extension from a folder which consists of several others as well. reaConverter also allows you to add entire folders, browse manually or use the drag-and-drop tool.

Tune 3D Formats Loading Settings

Go to the Menu button and select Loading settings → 3D formats loading settings

Here you can opt for rotating the 3D image by a desired number of degrees for each of the 3 axes. X is the horizontal axis, Y is the vertical one, while Z allows you to move the object clockwise or counterclockwise.

Choose DWG Saving Settings

Next, go back to the Menu button and select Saving settings → Format saving settings

Then pick the DWG tab and decide which release of AutoCAD you would like your output 3D files to be compatible with.

Save Your Result

Go to Saving options and decide on the destination of the output DWGs. Pick one of the handy choices for offline storage — same as source folder, subfolder or customized folder. Finally, don’t forget to select DWG as the desired output format from the buttons conveniently placed in the lower part of the window.

Then simply press Start and your newly converted 3D images will soon be ready!

Command-line interface and DLL

If you are a developer interested in including STL to DWG conversion as part of a customized software solution, reaConverter allows you to operate this feature via command-line, using a tool called cons_rcp.exe. For example, for automated batch conversion of STLs to DWGs, using different source and output folders, you can use this code line:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Path_to\input_folder\" -source_ext stl -dest_path "C:\Path_to\output_folder\" -dest_ext dwg


A full list of configuration parameters is available on Command Line Interface Reference Guide

Video Tutorial

You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

DWG is a proprietary format of AutoCAD — probably the most popular software for drafting 2D and 3D models in the construction industry. Widely used by engineers, architects, designers and other professionals in this branch, the DWG extension is also compatible with several other computer-aided design programs, including IntelliCAD or Caddie.

Most CAD programs offer users 2 types of drafting environments. One is “model space”, where a draft model is initially sketched according to a defined representation scale, and the other is “paper space”, to which users can switch to when preparing a model for printing. The latter allows you to create several layouts, offering different views of the model. Multipage DWG files can contain both “model” pages and “paper” pages.

For easier access, storing and transferring options, DWG files will often be converted to PDFs. reaConverter’s latest edition not only allows you to process this conversion fast and easy, but also to customize the conversion of multipage DWGs to multipage PDFs, by picking one of the 3 available options: all layouts, only model space or only paper space. The feature is also available for the DXF format, which represents DWG’s interchange version, and can be operated from command-line as well.

Install reaConverter

This software can also help save a lot of time and effort by avoiding repetitive operations. Here is how to convert batch of multipage DWG images into multipage PDF documents:

Load DWG Images

Select all the multipage DWG or DXF vector files you intend to convert and drop them into the reaConverter window. You can also use the Add files button and opt for the Advanced file select option, which allows you to pick a particular type of extension only, from a source folder containing several others.

Loading Settings

Go to the Menu button and click Loading settings → Vector formats loading settings.

Here you can tick one of the available options for the multipage DWG or DXF output layout. reaConverter allows you to process all pages (all layouts), only “model” pages (model space) or only “paper” pages (all paper spaces).

Multipage Saving Settings

Go to the Menu button, click Saving settings → Multipage files…

Click Convert each multipage file to another if you want to create a multipage PDFs.

Choose PDF as Output Format

In the Saving options tab, decide where you will store the resulting images. You can use one of the available destination options — source folder, subfolders, a customized folder.

Finally, pick PDF as an output extension from the buttons placed in the lower part of the window.

PDF Settings

You can also set PDF specific settings from Menu → Saving settings → Format saving settings menu. PDF Security Settings section allows you to enter a password for opening the output PDF files and one for allowing various actions applied to it — printing, editing or copying. When you’re done, don’t forget to click OK to save your options.

Start Conversion

Then simply press Start, sit back and wait for your new multipage PDFs to be ready!

Developers can include this feature when creating a customized software solution by operating it via command-line, using the following code line:

-dxf_dwg_layout = Output layout (0 - All layouts, 1 - Model space, 2 - All paper spaces)


Video Tutorial

Advanced users can convert convert multipage DWG to multipage PDF with command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

DXF and DWG are two popular file formats for professionals in the construction industry. Whether architects, designers or project managers, most of those involved in planning and erecting a building are familiar with these two extensions and with the software that creates them: Autocad — one of the most widely used computer-aided design program for drafting 2D and 3D building models.

DWG and its interchange version, DXF, are two of Autocad’s proprietary vector extensions and — for extended accessibility and ease of transfer or print — they might need to be saved in a grayscale version or as PDF documents. This can easily be done by most image editors and convertors, you might be thinking. Yes, that is true, but the problem is most regular editors will also rasterize the image during the process. And this will drastically limit the possibility of further editing applied to the image.

With reaConverter’s latest edition, DXF and DWG images can not only be converted to grayscale, but also maintained as vectors. This feature can be activated in no more than a few clicks and also operated via command-line.

Install reaConverter

Load Files

Add as many DXF or DWG vectors as you want into reaConvertor’s main window. You can easily use the drag-and-drop tool or find them by browsing the local hard drive.

Change Vector formats loading settings

Go to the Menu button and then click Loading settings → Vector formats loading settings.

In the newly opened window, tick the box that says Convert DXF/DWG to Grayscale. Thus the vector status of your image will be preserved and its layers will be available for further editing.

Save the Result

In the Saving options tab, pick the destination of your output images from one of the quickly selectable options — same as source folder, subfolder or another location of your choice. reaConverter also allows you to save directly online using one of the supported storage cloud services: Google Drive, Box.com, Dropbox, OneDrive. Finally, make sure the DXF or DWG are selected as output formats from the buttons placed in the lower part of the screen.

Then simply press Start and enjoy your new grayscale vectors.

In case you are a programmer looking to integrate conversion of DXF / DWG files to grayscale in a customized software solution, this feature can also be operated via command-line using the following code line:
-dxf_dwg_gray 1

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can convert convert DXF or DWG to grayscale vectors with command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

If you are an architect or an engineer, you probably use AutoCAD a lot. This popular computer-aided design (CAD) software is also used by project managers, designers and several other professionals involved in designing and constructing buildings.

Since its initial release in 1982, AutoCAD has launched a large number of subsequent upgraded versions throughout the years. Because of this, you may have encountered the situation where a DWG or DXF file — two of the extensions commonly used in association with AutoCAD — created with an older version of AutoCAD are not compatible with the current version you are using.

Converting DWG and DXF images from a particular AutoCAD version to a required one (newer or an older) is now possible with no more than a few clicks using reaConverter’s latest edition.

Download reaConverter

Download and install reaConverter from reaconverter.com and then follow the simple steps of the conversion process.

Install reaConverter

Load your AutoCAD files

Add one or more DWG or DXF files you intend to convert. Load them manually or use the drag-and-drop tool.

Choose AutoCAD version

Pick the preferred format for your output files from the buttons placed in the lower part of the screen. In case DWG and DXF are not there, click the Plus button and you will find the full list of supported output formats. Then click the Settings icon from the upper left corner of the selected button and pick the preferred AutoCAD version from the list that appears in the new window.

You can reach the same window by following this path: Menu → Saving Settings → Format Saving Settings

For example, if you want to convert a DWG created with AutoCAD 2004-2006 to Autocad 2010-2012, you will have the same input and output file format, and pick the last option from the list that appears in this window. Alternatively, if you want to convert a DWG to a DXF file, you will use a different input and output format, as shown in the video tutorial below.

Save the result

Finally, pick the location of the output files by selecting the Saving Options tab. You can save them locally, in an existing or a new folder, or to your cloud storage account.

Next, simply press Start and you are done!

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can convert AutoCAD documents using command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.