ZWCAD is widely respected for its ability to read and write native .dwg files.

ZWCAD offers a "Perpetual License" model, which is a massive breath of fresh air compared to the mandatory subscription model of AutoCAD. For freelance engineers and small firms, this is a major selling point.

To create a true portable instance on a USB drive:

ZW CAD Portable is a portable version of ZWCAD, a CAD software that is compatible with AutoCAD. The portable version allows users to carry the software with them on a USB drive or other portable storage device, making it easy to use on multiple computers without the need for installation.