Blog
Long-form articles and step-by-step operation guides for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and BIM coordinators — also in our Resource Center.
How to Convert DWG to DXF Without AutoCAD
Walk through upload, preview, and DXF download — plus what to verify before you send the file downstream.
DXF to DWG Workflow — Save As Step-by-Step Guide
Open DXF locally, confirm layers and text, export for desktop Save As — without guessing whether the exchange file is intact.
How to Batch Rename CAD Layers Before Submittal
Standardize FP-, FIRE-, and discipline prefixes in bulk, then export a cleaned DXF for the owner or AHJ package.
How to Overlay PDF on CAD for Revision Checks
Load CAD, add the PDF underlay, match scale — a field workflow for comparing AHJ PDFs to your working model.
How to Analyze & Audit CAD Layers Before Review
Combine analysis summary with layer visibility toggles — present a clean sheet for AHJ screen shares or internal walkthroughs.
How to Inspect & Validate DWG/DXF Before Import
Open contractor attachments in seconds — catch corrupt DWG, empty drawings, and broken DXF exports before your team wastes import time.
How to Count Blocks and Symbols in CAD
Build a frequency table from block names, click legend rows to flash every instance — faster than manual PDF counting.
How to Export CAD Text & BOM Inventory to Excel
Search device tags, filter by layer, and download one spreadsheet for annotation audits and BOM-style inventory deliverables.
How to Build a Symbol Legend From Your CAD Drawing
Skip generic symbol PDFs — read the blocks and layers actually used on this job and navigate the drawing from the legend panel.
How to Review PDF Drawings Locally
When the package is PDF-only, run element counts and keyword search here before you request the native DWG from the engineer.
How to Measure Distances on a CAD Drawing in Your Browser
Pick two points on the model — not a scaled print — and read distance in drawing units for fitter and inspector sign-off.
How to Share a CAD Drawing With Clients and Inspectors
Stop versioning chaos in inboxes — send one URL with pan, zoom, layers, and text search for GC, owner, or AHJ review.
How to Open a DWG File Without AutoCAD (2026 Guide)
Received a DWG file but don't have AutoCAD? Here are the best free ways to open and review CAD drawings in 2026.
Fire Protection Drawing Symbols Quick Reference Guide
A practical guide to reading fire protection drawing symbols in CAD files sprinklers, detectors, pull stations, and more.
NFPA Sprinkler Plan Review Checklist for Contractors
A field-ready checklist for reviewing sprinkler shop drawings head spacing, pipe sizes, design criteria, and common mistakes.
DWG vs DXF for Fire Protection Drawings Which to Use?
Should you send fire protection drawings as DWG or DXF? We explain the differences and when each format makes sense.
Fire Alarm CAD Layer Naming Conventions Explained
Understanding fire alarm layer names in AutoCAD drawings helps you review device layouts faster. Here's what to look for.
How to Share Fire Protection Plans with Clients & Inspectors
Stop emailing DWG files. Learn how to share fire protection drawings with a simple link that anyone can open in their browser.
Articles cover opening DWG without AutoCAD, symbol references, layer naming, measure workflows, and sharing CAD with owners — each with links to try the tools in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes CadPeek blog articles?
- Our team publishes practical guides for contractors, inspectors, and BIM coordinators focused on opening and reviewing CAD files without desktop software.
Can I reuse article content?
- You may link to any article. Do not republish full text without permission excerpts with attribution and a link back are welcome.
How do blog posts relate to tools?
- Each article links to relevant free tools e.g. DWG opening guides link to File Inspector and DXF Validator for hands-on next steps.
Is there an RSS feed?
- RSS is planned. Subscribe via the Resource Center or check back new posts appear on /blog and /resources.
Do you cover non-English drawing standards?
- Yes. Several articles and guides reference bilingual layer naming, GB standards context, and Chinese font rendering in the viewer.
How long are typical articles?
- Most posts are 50 minute reads with actionable steps, checklists, and links to the live viewer or tool pages.