Compare AutoCAD Drawings Between Revisions

During the design process, we always need to modify our drawings. We can have numerous revisions until the design is finished. Sometimes we need to compare and look what the differences between two revisions are.

If you have AutoCAD (not AutoCAD LT), you can download and install DWG Compare from Autodesk App Store. This add-in is provided for free by Autodesk.

To Install DWG Compare

Download DWG Compare here:

1. For AutoCAD 2013-AutoCAD 2015.
2. For AutoCAD 2016-AutoCAD 2018.

Download and install the Add-ins. You need to close AutoCAD before running the installer.

Using DWG Compare

After you completed the installation, you can open DWG Compare Palette from Add-Ins tab> Compare panel.

Running DWG Compare

In DWG Compare Palette, you can select the drawings to compare. In (1) and (2) select the drawing that you want to compare. Then click (3) to start running the comparison.

The plugin will run and compare the two drawings.

Reading the Comparison Result in Your Drawing

After the plugin finishes comparing your drawing, you can see the difference in the drawing area. The plugin changes the colors to allow you compare them easily.

1. Gray color means the objects are the same.
2. Green color means they are new objects.
3. Yellow color means the objects are modified (moved, stretched, etc.)
4. Red color means the objects are deleted.

Reading the Comparison Result in DWG  Compare Palette

You can also see the differences in the DWG Compare Palette. You can find the object type, source (the drawing file), and the difference (New, Missing/deleted, and Modified).

If you click the item, the object is highlighted in your drawing. You can see the object properties in the palette. However, they are only informational. You can’t change the properties here.

Summary

You can compare drawing sheets from any Autodesk application using Design Review. Plot the model or drawing on a sheet to DWF. Then compare the sheets. However, it is more convenient to compare the drawings within the native application. It is easier to see the differences between our drawings with this add-in.

Have you visited Autodesk App Store? What are your favorite add-ins that you get from there?

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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