How to Compare Two AutoCAD Drawings Quickly and Accurately
Use the
DWG Compare feature in AutoCAD to compare two drawings by selecting them and viewing highlighted differences. This tool visually shows added, removed, or changed objects between the two files for easy review.Syntax
The basic syntax to start comparing two drawings in AutoCAD is:
COMPARE- Command to launch the DWG Compare tool.- Select the
First Drawing- the base drawing to compare. - Select the
Second Drawing- the drawing to compare against the first. - Review the
Comparison Results- AutoCAD highlights differences in colors.
autocad command
COMPARE
Output
AutoCAD prompts to select the first and second drawings and then displays the comparison results with highlighted differences.
Example
This example shows how to compare two drawings named FloorPlan1.dwg and FloorPlan2.dwg using the DWG Compare command.
autocad steps
1. Type <code>COMPARE</code> in the AutoCAD command line and press Enter. 2. When prompted, select <code>FloorPlan1.dwg</code> as the first drawing. 3. Select <code>FloorPlan2.dwg</code> as the second drawing. 4. AutoCAD opens a new drawing showing differences highlighted in colors: green for additions, red for deletions, and blue for changes.
Output
A new drawing window opens showing the compared drawings with color-coded differences for easy identification.
Common Pitfalls
- Not saving both drawings before comparison can cause outdated results.
- Comparing drawings with different units or scales may show misleading differences.
- Ignoring layer visibility can hide some differences; ensure all relevant layers are visible.
- Using older AutoCAD versions without the DWG Compare feature requires manual comparison or third-party tools.
autocad steps
Wrong way: 1. Compare unsaved or outdated drawings. 2. Ignore layer visibility. Right way: 1. Save both drawings. 2. Make sure layers are visible. 3. Use <code>COMPARE</code> command for accurate results.
Quick Reference
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open AutoCAD | Launch AutoCAD software. |
| 2 | Type COMPARE | Start the DWG Compare command. |
| 3 | Select First Drawing | Choose the base drawing file. |
| 4 | Select Second Drawing | Choose the drawing to compare. |
| 5 | Review Results | View highlighted differences in new drawing. |
Key Takeaways
Use the COMPARE command in AutoCAD to quickly find differences between two drawings.
Ensure both drawings are saved and layers visible for accurate comparison.
Differences are color-coded: green for additions, red for deletions, blue for changes.
Older AutoCAD versions may require manual or third-party comparison methods.
Review the comparison results carefully to understand design changes.