[GIS] Error when trying to import DWG file in QGIS 3.10.9

dwgerrorimportqgis-3

I am trying to import a DWG file (from Autodesk AutoCAD 2019) into QGIS using the Import tool (Project>Import/Export>Import files from DWG/DXF).

I have been following the steps as detailed in the QGIS user manual Ch 13.1.3.4 (https://docs.qgis.org/3.16/en/docs/user_manual/managing_data_source/opening_data.html?highlight=dwg#importing-a-dxf-or-dwg-file).

I create a geopackage file target package, specify the project CRS (epsg:3857) and select the DWG file. However when I select import I get a red error message that says the following: Drawing import failed (). Another time I tried to import it using British National Grid CRS and the error message read: Drawing import failed (unsupported version).

I have also tried selecting an existing geopackage as the target package but this results in a second error message appearing in addition to the first which reads: Could not open layer list ().

Does anyone know how to fix this? Is it because it is a newer version of AutoCAD that created the DWG or?

Drawing import failed error message
Could not open layer list error message

Best Answer

AutoCAD DWG file format is a proprietary file format of AutoDesk. therefor compatibility for the file format in most of the none AutoDesk applications are limited and buggy.

Do either of these,

  1. if you really need to use the DWG format try to save the DWG file in older version such as 2004 or 2000 and try it. (DWG is a proprietary binary file format used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata) But I am Skeptical
  2. the best option is the Autodesk Drawing Exchange File (DXF) format which have native support in QGIS and most of the none AutoDesk application. and better not to use the latest file formats here as well. (AutoCAD DXF is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs)

if you are having problems with converting the file formats, better to install Autodesk AutoCAD TrueView latest version to convert file formats under AutoCAD name.

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