DRW files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Corel Drawing File
The DRW file extension was used by Micrografx Designer and Micrografx Windows Draw. It has been used in engineering, construction, and related fields while Windows Draw has been used in publishing. Mi...
General Information
| Title | DRW File Extension |
| Extension | .drw |
| Full Form | CorelDRAW Drawing File |
| File Type | Vector Graphic File |
| Developer | Corel Corporation |
| MIME Type | application/drw |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store vector images |
| Additional Functions | Contain text, bitmap images |
| Features | Scalable, Editable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High resolution |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | Yes |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Graphic Design | Yes |
| Print Media | Yes |
| Branding | Yes |
| Illustrations | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | File corruption |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Use trusted software |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1989 |
| Latest Version | CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cdr, .cmx, .svg, .ai |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 CorelDRAW Graphics Suite |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| XnView |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Adobe Illustrator |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
Type 2: Drawing File
A DRW file is a drawing format file developed by Corel for their graphics software. It is a vector image file viewed on Windows systems. Popular programs are CorelDraw Graphics Suite, CADS Planner Vie...
General Information
| Title | DRW File Extension |
| Extension | .drw |
| Full Form | Drawing File |
| File Type | CAD Drawing File |
| Developer | Varies |
| MIME Type | application/drw |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store CAD drawings |
| Additional Functions | Visualization, Printing |
| Features | Vector graphics, Scalability |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Engineering | Yes |
| Architecture | Yes |
| Manufacturing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | File corruption |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Depends on software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dwg, .dxf, .svg, .cdr |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| CorelDRAW |
Paid | Windows, Mac |
| Adobe Illustrator |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
| Micrografx Designer |
Discontinued | Windows |
Type 3: Personal Designer Drawing File
A DRW file contains an ANVIL drawing. It stores a 2D CAD drawing. You can open it in ANVIL-1000MD, EXPRESS, or Viewer. Export to AutoCAD or image formats is possible. Other DRW details: vector drawing...
General Information
| Title | DRW File Extension |
| Extension | .drw |
| Full Form | Personal Designer Drawing File |
| File Type | Vector Image File |
| Developer | Computervision |
| MIME Type | application/drw |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store vector graphics |
| Additional Functions | Store design data |
| Features | 2D design, CAD drawings |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Technical Drawing | Yes |
| Mechanical Design | Yes |
| Engineering | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Data backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Discontinued | Late 1990s |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dwg, .dxf, .svg |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| IMSI TurboCAD |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
| CorelDRAW Graphics Suite |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
| Adobe Illustrator |
Subscription | Windows, Mac |
Type 4: ANVIL Drawing File
General Information
| Title | DRW File Extension |
| Extension | .drw |
| Full Form | ANVIL Drawing File |
| File Type | CAD Drawing File |
| Developer | Manufacturing and Consulting Services Inc. (MCS) |
| MIME Type | application/drw |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store CAD drawings |
| Additional Functions | 3D modeling data |
| Features | Vector-based, 2D/3D designs |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Mechanical Design | Yes |
| Engineering Drafting | Yes |
| Manufacturing Processes | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | File corruption |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Varies by software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dwg, .dxf, .iges |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| ANVIL-1000MD |
Commercial | Windows |
 ANVIL Express |
Commercial | Windows |