Opening a DWS File

The DWS file type is primarily associated with AutoCAD.

DWS	File extension: DWS
	File type:	drawing standards

What is a DWS file?

DWS files mostly belong to AutoCAD by Autodesk. A DWS file contains standards for the layers, styles, dimensions, and line types used in a drawing (DWG) created with AutoCAD computer-aided design and modeling software. A standards (DWS) file is saved in the same format as a DWG file but it only contains information used to prevent design violations in an actual drawing (DWG). Another type of DWS file is the cache or definition of a website project created with Dreamweaver website development program. Dyalog APL-based development environment saves a workspace in a DWS file.

How to open a DWS file

You need a suitable software like AutoCAD to open a DWS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your DWS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a DWS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online DWS Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert DWS files:

AutoCAD by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. DWS files are often referred to as AutoCAD cads because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Creator (waveform) by Tufts University
Creator is a discrete fault simulation program for electronic devices. It saves waveform information in a DWS file. This file format is classified as Data.
Dreamweaver (site definition/cache) by Adobe
Dreamweaver is a low code responsive web development program compatible with Windows and macOS. Dreamweaver saves a website's cache or definition in a DWS file. This file format is classified as Data.
Dyalog (workspace) by Dyalog
Dyalog is an APL-based software development environment. A Dyalog workspace is saved in a DWS file. This file format is classified as Developer.
Remote Control (script) by NetOp
Remote Control is a secure remote network access program that is mainly used to provide system support, user administration, and centralized network management. A DWS file used by Remote Control contains a script. This file format is classified as Developer.

DWS file format:

To find out what program is needed to open DWS files, you need to determine the file format. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. So a detailed analysis of a file is vital in order to determine the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the DWS files produces the following result:

The DWS file extension mainly uses a defined DWS format. However, the following two file formats are common:

85% of all DWS files use the same file format, which have the signature AC10. These are binary files, so they do not contain words or text. The average file size is 320 KB with most files being between 41 KB and 5 MB in size. The file type was developed 10 years ago and is still in use today. Several words can almost always be found in the files, e.g. AC1032. Such DWS files store data about drawing, plan, layout, standards, autocad, layers, logo and site.
3% of all DWS files start with the bytes 07 00 00 00 crucial for this file format. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. The average file size is 290 KB with most files being between 100 KB and 340 KB in size. Such DWS files store data about person-related data.

The remaining 12% of all DWS files are different files with different signatures, the following 4 formats exist: Dyalog APL WorkSpace. Sometimes used for standard or export. If you want to find out what your DWS file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.

Technical Data for DWS File Extension

File classification:

CAD

Related files:

dwg, dsw, webp, dwl, dwl2, dxf, ifc

Mime type:

application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: AutoCADDrawingStandardsFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\AutoCAD 2002\acad.exe %1

ProgramID: AutoCADDrawingStandardsFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\acad.exe %1

ProgramID: UleadDVDWorkshop.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Workshop 2 Trial\DVDWS.exe %1

ProgramID: AutoCADDrawingStandardsFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Autodesk Building Systems 3\acad.exe %1

ProgramID: UleadDVDWorkshop.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Workshop 2 SE\DVDWS.exe %1

ProgramID: AutoCADDrawingStandardsFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Autodesk Map 6\acad.exe

ProgramID: UleadDVDWorkshop.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Workshop 2\DVDWS.exe

Show all 7 listings To Top

a dws drawing standard is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with DWS files

Associate the DWS file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open drawing standards. Because only the current version supports the latest DWS file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Autodesk manufacturer website after an available AutoCAD update.
To make sure that your DWS file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .DWS file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.