DWL File Extension
TurboCAD Drawing Lock Format
- File Type dwl
- Developer IMSI
- Popularity
- Application AutoCAD
- Category Temporary Files
- Format Binary
What is a DWL file?
TurboCAD Drawing Lock Format, identified by the DWL extension, is a Temporary Files type and includes 241 files.
With the creation of the TurboCAD Drawing Lock Format (DWL), IMSI Design introduced file format along with 5 programs built for their use.
DWL files are supported by Windows and Mac OS. You can create a DWL file using one of 2 programs, for example AutoCAD and TurboCAD.
How to open a DWL file?
The most common reason why a DWL file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with DWL files are AutoCAD and TurboCAD. To get the latest version of AutoCAD, open the Autodesk website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign AutoCAD as the default app for DWL files.
Make AutoCAD the default DWL viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your DWL file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose AutoCAD as the application to associate with your DWL file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DWL file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to AutoCAD. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a DWL file?
To edit DWL files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify temporary files. Online DWL editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for TurboCAD Drawing Lock Format.
List of Top DWL editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended DWL editors.
Finding answers to DWL file problems
If you encounter issues with DWL files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my DWL file is damaged?
Corrupted DWL temporary files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in AutoCAD;
- Opening or processing the file in AutoCAD or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the DWL file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does AutoCAD quit or crash unexpectedly?
AutoCAD crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Autodesk products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged DWL file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged DWL file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged temporary files.