Now generally available: Explore CAD drawing files in OneDrive powered by Autodesk AutoCAD
Published Sep 23 2019 08:59 AM 50.4K Views
Microsoft

For those working in architectural, engineering, and manufacturing spaces, ubiquitous access to computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and tools is key to staying productive. As we announced in March, we’re working with the Autodesk team to better connect the industry-leading capabilities of AutoCAD with DWG files in Microsoft OneDrive.

 

Today, we’re pleased to announce the general availability of AutoCAD-based previews of DWG files in OneDrive and SharePoint. As you work with files across OneDrive and SharePoint, views of those files will use AutoCAD technology to display rich previews inline. With these AutoCAD-powered previews, see all the extended detail as you focus and zoom on different facets of CAD drawings. Because the AutoCAD previews are built with the original AutoCAD engine, it displays drawings with the precision and fidelity of AutoCAD – consistent across the web and in the native AutoCAD application.

 

Autodesk CAD File Previews in Microsoft OneDriveAutodesk CAD File Previews in Microsoft OneDrive

 

When you need to further explore or edit these drawings, use the built-in links to the AutoCAD web app to open files directly from OneDrive. The AutoCAD web app features familiar drafting tools and commands, making it easy perform common actions straight from your browser. Because AutoCAD works with these files in OneDrive and SharePoint using the Microsoft Graph, it doesn’t require making a separate copy of your files – ensuring a simple and compliant experience for managing and tracking your important files. Of course, you can also edit DWG files in OneDrive directly from the powerful AutoCAD native applications available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Taken together, you get the best experiences of AutoCAD across native and web applications, coupled with the integrated and compliant file management capabilities of OneDrive.


With support for previewing and working with over 300 file types, OneDrive in Microsoft 365 provides a great foundation to store and manage files that are critical to your work. With deep previews and quick links to industry-leading applications like AutoCAD, you can spend less time searching and more time focusing on the documents critical to your work. We look forward to continuing to partner with Autodesk to further streamline common workflows across applications.

7 Comments
Copper Contributor

Great stuff. Why then is working with PDF documents in OneDrive and SharePoint still so painful?

Iron Contributor

Hi @Mike Ammerlaan , is there something special you need to do with the DWG file in AutoCAD (enable preview or something) for this to work?

 

I tested with 5 different DWG files and only 1 of them opened. The rest show a fuzzy rendition of the image while loading and after about 10-20 seconds I get shown a screen stating 'Hmmm.....looks like this file doesn't have a preview we can show you'.

 

Cheers

Copper Contributor

Same result, tried a few dwg's. But it cannot open any of them. It would be great if it is possible...

Copper Contributor

Looks good.  Tested with some drawings from alternate programs, works as expected for sharing purposes.

 

One thing....no print option.  This would benefit as we usually send drawings out via email but if we can send a link and they print as required to pdf or a printer would be great.

 

Options?

Copper Contributor

@Mike Ammerlaan is this CAD support only for DWG? It doesn’t seem to support the more broadly used AutoCAD interchange format DXF. Is there a plan to support DXF as everyone we work with only files in DXF for compatibility purposes. 

Copper Contributor

Wonderful content or information, I learned a lot of new things from your blog but can you please tell me, is it working with eps file or not?

thanks.

Copper Contributor

Hi, reviving an old thread but I also have to report that I cannot get any preview for my .dwg files on SharePoint Online.

 

Any update on this?

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