How to Use Design Review in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To use Design Review in AutoCAD, first export your drawing as a DWF or DWFx file. Then open this file in Autodesk Design Review to add markups, comments, and measure elements without altering the original drawing.

Syntax

Design Review in AutoCAD involves exporting your drawing to a DWF or DWFx file format and then opening it in Autodesk Design Review software. The basic steps are:

• Export Drawing: Use EXPORT or PUBLISH command to create a DWF/DWFx file.
• Open in Design Review: Launch Autodesk Design Review and open the exported file.
• Add Markups: Use markup tools like text, clouds, arrows, and stamps to review the design.
• Save and Share: Save the marked-up file and share it with your team for collaboration.

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EXPORT
  Select objects or entire drawing
  Choose DWF or DWFx format
  Save file

Open Autodesk Design Review
  File > Open > Select DWF/DWFx file

Use markup tools to add comments

Save the reviewed file

Example

This example shows how to export a drawing to DWF and add a markup in Design Review.

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1. In AutoCAD, type <code>EXPORT</code> and press Enter.
2. Choose <code>DWF</code> as the file type and save the file.
3. Open Autodesk Design Review.
4. Click <code>File > Open</code> and select the saved DWF file.
5. Use the <code>Markup</code> toolbar to add a cloud around an area and add a text note.
6. Save the file with your markups.

Output

A DWF file with visible markup clouds and text notes highlighting design changes.

Common Pitfalls

• Not exporting to DWF or DWFx format, which Design Review requires.
• Trying to edit the original DWG file in Design Review, which only supports markup and review.
• Forgetting to save the marked-up file, losing comments and annotations.
• Using outdated versions of Design Review incompatible with your AutoCAD export.

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Wrong:
Open DWG file directly in Design Review (not supported).

Right:
Export DWG to DWF/DWFx, then open in Design Review for markup.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Export Drawing	Use EXPORT or PUBLISH command to save as DWF/DWFx.
2	Open in Design Review	Launch Autodesk Design Review and open the DWF file.
3	Add Markups	Use markup tools like text, clouds, and arrows.
4	Save & Share	Save the marked-up file and share with team.

Key Takeaways

Always export your AutoCAD drawing to DWF or DWFx before using Design Review.

Design Review allows markup and comments but does not edit the original DWG file.

Use markup tools like clouds and text to clearly communicate design feedback.

Save your marked-up files to preserve comments and share with collaborators.

Ensure your Design Review version matches your AutoCAD export format for compatibility.