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Migration guide

Switch from AutoCAD to progeCAD

progeCAD uses the same DWG files, the same commands, and the same folder structure as AutoCAD. The only real work is copying your custom files over — everything else just works.

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1

Install progeCAD.

Download and run the installer. progeCAD installs independently of AutoCAD — both can live on the same machine during your trial period. No conflict, no clash.

System requirements
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
4 GB RAM minimum · 8 GB recommended
2.2 GHz+ 64-bit processor
4 GB free disk space
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2

Point progeCAD at your support files.

progeCAD uses the same support files as AutoCAD — fonts, linetypes, hatch patterns, plot styles, templates. The fastest way to bring them over is to link your existing AutoCAD folders rather than copy anything. One setting, done.

Recommended — link your folders

Open progeCAD → Options → Files → Support File Search Path and add your AutoCAD support folders. progeCAD will find fonts, linetypes, hatch patterns, and plot styles automatically. No duplication, no maintenance — any updates you make to those folders apply to both apps instantly.

This also works for network shares — point multiple workstations at the same folder to keep everyone in sync.

If you're uninstalling AutoCAD — copy the files first

Once AutoCAD is gone, so are its support folders. Before you uninstall, copy these into a permanent location progeCAD can point to:

Fonts & shapes
  • SHX fonts (.shx)
  • TrueType fonts (.ttf, .otf)
  • Shape files (.shp)
  • Big font files (Asian scripts)
Plot styles & printers
  • Color-dependent plot styles (.ctb)
  • Named plot styles (.stb)
  • Plotter configurations (.pc3)
  • Paper size definitions (.pmp)
Templates & standards
  • Drawing templates (.dwt)
  • Drawing standards (.dws)
  • Title blocks and borders
  • Layer and dimension standards
Linetypes, hatches & automation
  • Linetype files (.lin)
  • Hatch patterns (.pat)
  • AutoLISP routines (.lsp, .vlx, .fas)
  • Command aliases (acad.pgp)
3

Open your drawings.

With your support files in place, open any AutoCAD DWG and it will look exactly as it did in AutoCAD — same fonts, same line weights, same plot output. No conversion, no manual fixes, no surprises. progeCAD reads the native DWG format, so nothing is translated or changed.

DWG versions
2.5–latest
All AutoCAD versions
File conversion
None
Native DWG format
Commands
1,000+
Same as AutoCAD
Ready to go?

Start with the 30-day free trial — full progeCAD Professional, all features unlocked. Run it alongside AutoCAD during the transition.

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Already a progeCAD customer? Use the Migration Tool.

progeCAD includes a built-in Migration Tool that carries over your settings, support files, and customizations from the immediately preceding version — for example, from 2026 to 2027. After installing, run the Migration Tool from the Start menu and it handles fonts, plot styles, templates, and custom commands in one step. If you are upgrading across multiple versions (for example, 2023 to 2027), the Migration Tool will not reach back that far — use the manual steps above instead.