Autodesk Design Review is a free, standalone desktop application that allows team members to view, print, measure, and mark up 2D and 3D design files without needing the original complex CAD software. It was specifically engineered by Autodesk to loop non-CAD users—such as project managers, clients, and procurement teams—directly into the digital engineering and architecture review cycle. Core Capabilities
File Support: Built natively around the secure DWF and DWFx formats. It also opens DWG and DXF files if the free Autodesk DWG TrueView is installed concurrently.
Markup & Annotation: Includes comprehensive redlining tools like text callouts, clouding, shapes, and custom stamps.
Accurate Measurement: Computes exact lengths, angles, areas, and surfaces across 2D drawings and 3D models.
Version Comparison: Compares two versions of a 2D sheet side by side, color-coding additions in green and deletions in red.
3D Manipulation: Allows users to section, orbit, pull apart assembly structures, and view part properties within 3D design models. The Round-Trip Design Workflow
Autodesk Design Review accelerates project velocity via a closed-loop system integrated with software like Revit, AutoCAD, and Inventor:
[CAD Designer] Exports Model to DWF ➔ [Reviewer] Adds Markups & Sets Status ➔ [CAD Designer] Imports DWF Back to Original CAD Software
Because markups saved in Design Review carry metadata (the requester’s name, timestamp, and status like “For Review” or “Done”), a designer can overlay the DWF file directly over their active CAD canvas. This eliminates paper-based revision errors and enables seamless, contextual adjustments. Autodesk Design Review | DWF Viewer
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