The "My First AutoCAD plug-in" training is using the .NET API environment, which can also be used with RealDWG. It may be of interest if you are just getting started. Remember that RealDWG is the database component of AutoCAD and uses the same programming constructs.
RealDWG Developer Center
Get to market faster and give your products a competitive edge with the RealDWG® software development kit (SDK) from Autodesk. It's the only software development toolkit that provides DWG™ file read/write capability from the source.
The RealDWG toolkit helps you share design data with confidence using the native DWG file format so you can create applications with 100 percent DWG read/write capability. Deliver your products with the latest DWG file technology and DWG viewers available from Autodesk.
The RealDWG software library allows C++ and .NET developers to read and write DXF™ and DWG™ files created with AutoCAD® software. The most current version of RealDWG provides compatibility with AutoCAD DWG files, including read and write support for AutoCAD releases since AutoCAD Release 14 and drawing enhancements available with the most current version of AutoCAD. RealDWG is also used internally by Autodesk to provide DWG support in non-AutoCAD-based applications, such as Autodesk® Revit® software-based products and Autodesk® Inventor® software products.
RealDWG licensing is handled globally by our partner Tech Soft 3D. To learn more about licensing RealDWG please go to the Tech Soft 3D RealDWG page.
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Get news, expert tips and insider resources directly from Autodesk software engineers
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Take part in active API discussion forums moderated by Autodesk software engineers. RealDWG is a subset of ObjectARX, and the discussion forum is here.
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Get easy access to APIs and documentation, tutorials, GitHub samples, support and more for Autodesk cloud-based software and components in your own web and mobile applications.
RealDWG Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RealDWG?
The RealDWG® developer toolkit is a software library that allows C++ and .NET developers to read and write AutoCAD® software DWG™ and DXF™ files.
- How do I license RealDWG?
RealDWG developer toolkit licensing is handled globally by our partner Tech Soft 3D. More information on licensing and pricing can be found on the Tech Soft 3D RealDWG page. Click here to test RealDWG.
- What is the difference between RealDWG® and ObjectARX® for AutoCAD?
RealDWG is a subset of the ObjectARX® programming environment and contains the APIs for reading and writing AutoCAD DXF and DWG files. RealDWG does not contain support for viewing and accessing the AutoCAD user interface.
Also, ObjectARX applications always require AutoCAD as their host application. RealDWG does not require the presence of AutoCAD software. RealDWG is used to create host applications, but ObjectARX is not.
- Is developer support or training available for RealDWG®?
Developer support for RealDWG® is available through the Autodesk public forums (choose the ObjectARX or .NET forum depending on which RealDWG API you are using) or through the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN).
- Is RealDWG® available for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems?
Starting with 2020, RealDWG® is only available for 64-bit operating systems.
Learning
DevTV: Introduction to RealDWG Programming
A short video tutorial to starting your first RealDWG .NET application
Getting Started | Deploying an Application
System Requirements
RealDWG® 2024
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 11 or Windows 10 version 1809 or above. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz or faster Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
Note: AutoCAD® software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks. - Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 4 GB free hard disk available not including installation requirements
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2022 version 17.2.6 with .NET 4.8 (with C++ option installed)
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2024 for Mac
- Operating System: macOS® Ventura 13.x.x; macOS Monterey 12.x.x; macOS Big Sur 11.x.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel; Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 1 GB free hard disk available for installation
- Development environment: Xcode 13.3.1 for developers running macOS 11 or later
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2023
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 11 or Windows 10 version 1809 or above. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz or faster Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
Note: AutoCAD® software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks. - Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 4 GB free hard disk available not including installation requirements
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2019 version 16.11.5 (with C++ option installed)
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2023 for Mac
- Operating System: macOS® Monterey 12.x.x; macOS Big Sur 11.x.x; macOS Catalina 10.15.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel; Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 1 GB free hard disk available for installation.
- Development environment: Xcode 12.4 for developers running macOS 10.15 or later
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2022
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz or faster
Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended.
Note: AutoCAD® software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks. - Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 4 GB free hard disk available not including installation requirements
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2019 version 16.7 (with C++ option installed)
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2022 for Mac
- Operating System: macOS® Big Sur 11.x.x; macOS Catalina 10.15.x; Mojave 10.14.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel; Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 1 GB free hard disk available for installation
- Development environment: Xcode 11.3.1 for developers running macOS 10.14.5 or later
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2021
- Operating system: See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz or faster
- Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 4 GB free hard disk available not including installation requirements
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2019 (with C++ option installed)
- Installation: Download only
RealDWG® 2021 for Mac
- Operating System: macOS® Catalina 10.15 or later; Mojave 10.14 or later
- Processor: 64-bit Intel
- Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
- Disk space: 1 GB free hard disk available for installation
- Development environment: Xcode 10.2.1 for developers running macOS 10.14.3 or later
- Installation: Download only
For 32-Bit and 64-Bit RealDWG® 2019
For 32-Bit and 64-Bit RealDWG® 2018
Licensing
Licensing and pricing inquiries for the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regions should contact Tech Soft 3D for details.
Autodesk’s partner, Tech Soft 3D is the worldwide exclusive reseller of the RealDWG software development kit (SDK). Payments will be made directly to Tech Soft 3D. To obtain a copy of the RealDWG software development kit (SDK) license application please contact Tech Soft 3D or test RealDWG.
Autodesk Developer Network
ADN OPEN
For more information on Autodesk desktop product customization and APIs please visit Autodesk Developer Network Open.
ADN MEMBERSHIP
If you need more professional customization support, consider joining the Autodesk Developer Network. that includes direct support, and development product licenses.
Resources
ACCESS AUTODESK SOFTWARE FOR FREE
Trial versions are available for most Autodesk products. Download your free 30-days trial version today. You can obtain Autodesk desktop software for development use on an on-going basis by joining ADN.
AUTODESK CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES
All the information and resources needed to use Autodesk cloud-based software and components in your own web and mobile applications can be found on the Autodesk Platform Services (formerly Forge) Developer Portal. Get easy access to APIs and documentation, tutorials, GitHub samples, support and more.
