CompareDWG Overview

Welcome to CompareDWG.

CompareDWG is available for all AutoCAD versions (except LT) and compatible releases.

Click Quick Start to get up and running immediately or read this page for an overview of CompareDWG.

CompareDWG enables you to find differences between two AutoCAD drawings. Drawings can be compared in two modes, Detailed Mode or Basic Mode (Technical details).

Detailed Mode

This is the most powerful mode, use it whenever possible. Entities are checked by comparing their complete AutoCAD database definitions. Symbol tables (linetypes, blocks, layers etc.) and drawing variables will also be compared. Two reports will be created.
To compare two drawings in Detailed Mode:

  • Tell CompareDWG which drawings it should compare. It scans through these drawings and finds the differences.
  • Inspect the results graphically. View the original drawings using markup colours, either separately or in combination. The display is customizable.
  • Inspect the reports. The Summary Report tells you how many entities were added, deleted, changed or unchanged.
    The Table Details Report explains the differences found in the symbol tables.
  • Finally, experienced AutoCAD users can manipulate temporary drawings with the differences. More info.

Basic Mode

This mode compares only the drawing graphics. The Old Drawing will be coloured red, the New Drawing green (or choose your own colours). Then the drawings will be shown on top of each other, which enables you to see the differences. Plotting the output will give the best result, since overlapping (unchanged) entities will then become black.
The Basic Mode is less powerful then the Detailed Mode, it should only be used if the Detailed Mode is not available (technically speaking: if handles are not usable, which is often the case with old AutoCAD R12 drawings). Technical info.


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