The "QCAD DWG plugin" is essentially the core feature that distinguishes QCAD Professional from the free QCAD Community Edition
In this post, we are going to break down everything you need to know about this plugin: what it is, why you need it, how to install it, and whether the price tag is worth it for your workflow.
- DWG File Support: Read, write, and edit DWG files with ease.
- AutoCAD Compatibility: Compatible with AutoCAD files from version 2.5 to 2018.
- Entity Support: Supports a wide range of entities, including lines, arcs, circles, and more.
- Layer and Block Support: Supports layers and blocks, making it easy to organize and manage complex designs.
"ODA (Teigha) Import/Export"
Open QCAD. Go to Edit > Application Preferences > File Handling > DWG Import . If the plugin is active, you will see a tab labeled with configurable version settings (e.g., "Save as DWG 2018").
- Plugin documentation and QCAD Professional feature list (check your QCAD installation for local docs).
- Conversion library docs: LibreDWG and ODA/Teigha (consult respective project sites for API and licensing).
- Community forums and mailing lists for QCAD users where DWG-specific issues are discussed.
Audit the File:
Open it in the original software (if possible) and run the AUDIT or RECOVER command.
So, what are the benefits of using the QCAD DWG plugin? Here are a few: