2010 DWG file format change

Issue

You want to know why the file format was changed in AutoCAD® Architecture 2010 and AutoCAD® MEP 2010 and what effect this has on saving your drawings.

Solution

Since the release of the 2007 products, the AutoCAD® DWG file format has not been changed. This has allowed our customers great flexibility when implementing new versions of our software and exchanging files with clients and partners. Because of the value that this stability provides, we seek to preserve the file format whenever possible from release to release.

However, in order to deliver customer-requested feature improvements or additions, it is occasionally necessary to update the file format. This is the case with AutoCAD 2010 and related products. We have introduced a new DWG format that has allowed us to add enhancements to AEC objects (for example, walls, spaces, windows, doors, and so on).

There are two ways of sharing your new data with others:

• You can save the files in a format that is compatible with previous versions of AutoCAD by using the Export to AutoCAD feature. The Architectural Desktop or Building Systems 2007 file will be saved in a common AutoCAD format. The AEC objects can no longer be represented or manipulated because they are exploded to primitive 2D elements.
• You can convert your objects to proxy objects, which is done automatically when you use the Save As command and select a previous version of AutoCAD. This converted data is useful for people collaborating with others who are using a previous release of the product.

Note: When using files in previous versions of AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP after the Save As command has been used you will also be restricted from adding additional AEC objects to the file.

Autodesk is committed to working with our customers to make sure that they benefit from the exciting new features in our releases while minimizing the inconvenience a file format change may introduce.