Drawing file format compatibility in AutoCAD

How to fix the drawing format compatibility in Autocad step by step instructions.

Issue:

This article describes the compatibility between AutoCAD drawing file formats and AutoCAD versions.

Solution:

Drawing (. dwg) files are the native data files that are created when using AutoCAD-based products. 

• Each AutoCAD-based product uses by default a specific file format when saving to a file, which is important to know when sharing files.
• DWG files can be opened using any AutoCAD or AutoCAD product of the same version number or later. 
• For example, AutoCAD 2017 will not be able to open DWG files from newer versions such as AutoCAD 2020.

The following table outlines the native file format for AutoCAD or AutoCAD products: