DWG FastView

Overview

DWG FastView is cross-platform CAD software for viewing, editing, measuring and sharing drawing files. It supports DWG, DXF, DWF and DWFx, offers 2D drawing viewing and editing, and can display 3D formats such as RVT, STEP and IFC. Its listed tools include measurements, annotations, dimensions and file conversion.

For construction and renovation work, that combination can help homeowners and contractors inspect drawing files, take measurements and share review material. The product is available on Android, iOS, web and Windows, with a self-hosted option also listed. Its enterprise CAD SDK is a separate route for organizations that want CAD capabilities within their own systems.

Key features

Drawing formats and controls

The maker lists support for DWG, DXF, DWF and DWFx files. Users can view and edit 2D CAD files; 3D formats including RVT, STEP and IFC are described for viewing. Layer and layout controls help organize work within a drawing, while length and area measurement tools can assist with checking dimensions in plans.

Annotations and dimensions are available for adding information to drawings. DWG FastView also lists PDF-to-DWG conversion, and says DWG files can be exported to PDF, JPEG, PNG and BMP.

Sharing, browser access and integration

Drawings can be shared by link, group or email, with permission controls described for sharing. The web viewer can open local drawings in the browser without uploading them, according to the homepage. That offers an option for viewing a local file without first transferring it to an online service.

The CAD SDK page lists integrations with web disks, office automation, ERP, file and archive managers, and project or engineering management systems. The enterprise SDK is described as supporting private deployment on Windows and Linux servers. These are organization-oriented capabilities rather than ordinary drawing tools.

Security and support

The privacy policy says DWG FastView uses encryption, firewalls and secure socket layer technology, while also cautioning that these measures cannot guarantee protection from breaches. The maker describes a professional technical support team and says local customer service is available through partners.

Pricing

DWG FastView uses a freemium model, with a free plan and a free trial. The subscription page says subscriptions are available monthly or yearly, but does not state the trial duration in the opened content. It also says expired subscribers can continue using the software, but premium features are no longer available.

The listed starting price is $7.99/user/mo. The subscription page also presents the two plans above with different prices and included features; check the applicable subscription details before choosing a plan.

Platforms

DWG FastView is listed for Android, iOS, web and Windows, and has a self-hosted option. Its web viewer can open local drawings in a browser without uploading them. The enterprise CAD SDK's private deployment support is described for Windows and Linux servers.

Who it's for

Homeowners planning a build or renovation may find the viewing, measurement and sharing tools useful when reviewing CAD drawings with a contractor. Contractors can use the listed 2D editing, layer and layout controls, markups, dimensions and export options as part of drawing review and coordination. The software's range of file formats may also suit teams receiving drawings and models in different formats.

Organizations seeking to add CAD functions to existing systems may want to consider the CAD SDK, its listed integrations and private deployment option. Those enterprise capabilities are distinct from the standard app and web viewer use cases.

Pros and cons

• Pros: DWG, DXF, DWF and DWFx support; 2D viewing and editing; 3D format viewing; measurement and annotation tools; multiple sharing methods; and a web viewer that can open local drawings without uploading them.
• Pros: A free plan and free trial are listed, and enterprise SDK information includes integrations and private deployment options.
• Cons: The stated 3D capability is viewing, not editing.
• Cons: The trial duration is not specified in the subscription information provided.
• Cons: The privacy policy cautions that its security measures do not guarantee against breaches.

Alternatives

Explore other CAD viewers if you want to compare drawing-viewing options. Alternatives listed in this category include CAD Reader, CAD Pockets, DWGSee, eDrawings Viewer, Glovius, Autodesk Viewer, 3D-Tool and ViewCompanion Premium.

Verdict

DWG FastView brings common CAD drawing formats, 2D editing, measurement, markup, sharing and export tools together across mobile, browser and Windows use. It also provides a way to view certain 3D formats and offers a separate SDK path for organizations with integration or private deployment needs. Its free access and paid options give prospective users different ways to approach the software, though the trial duration is unspecified and the listed starting price differs from the plan prices shown. It is worth considering when your work centers on viewing, reviewing or editing CAD drawings, with the distinction between 2D editing and 3D viewing kept in mind.