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Known Participant
October 23, 2017
Answered

Illustrator 2018 error loding Autocad DWG

  • October 23, 2017
  • 6 replies
  • 13416 views

I used to load Autocad DWG files sent by my clients to do conversions and export hi res images from them, last night I've updated to illustrator 2018 and now I can't load DWGs anymore, there is an error saying that is an unknown format...

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

2013 will not work.

2010 is the highest version Illustrator can handle.

6 replies

sharp_hands16B8
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 20, 2018

If you're only using it to generate a high res image I would ask your clients to send you a PDF of the file. You then have a variety of options for exporting them as high res images. From Acrobat, or placing them in PS or AI.

Participant
June 18, 2018

Having the same issue here opening dwg files. My client sent a 2013 version and I still got the same error. I was able to open these files before. Any solution?

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 18, 2018

2013 will not work.

2010 is the highest version Illustrator can handle.

Participant
June 19, 2018

Thank you. They finally stepped it back to the 2007 version and it worked.

Participant
February 19, 2018

You could also ask your clients to save the file as a .dxf from CAD. Then you should be able to open in Illustrator.

Participant
January 16, 2018

I am trying to open an Autocad 2004 version file but I just open a blank page. Placing doesn't work either. Anyone know if CC 2018 is able to work with .dwg files at all? I need this capability and its why I use Illustrator.

Thanks, Susan

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 16, 2018

That version should work.

ryanm47857546
Participant
December 12, 2017

I am getting the same error message.  Oddly, .dwg is a valid extension in the "file types" menu. Is this a 2018 update bug??

Srishti Bali
Community Manager
Community Manager
October 23, 2017

Hi juvelez,

Would you mind sharing a sample file on which you are getting this error?

Regards

Srishti

juvelezAuthor
Known Participant
October 23, 2017

I'm getting this error with every AutoCAD file that loaded fine with the previous version, I work all days with those files, yesterday I was able to load them, today, after the update to 2018, I can't load them anymore.

You can try with this simple file: Dropbox - AutoCAD Import Testing File.dwg

If you're able to load this file, so the problem is with my installation...

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 13, 2017

I'm not sure what my file is.  A customer sent us a DWG file, I'm trying to open in AI CC 2018.  I get the same error as she did...


You will need to ask for the version.

Or maybe just ask for a version 2010 file.