Free Tool · CAD symbol legend
CAD Symbol Legend Builder
Stop guessing what symbols mean. CadPeek builds a legend from block definitions and layer names in your drawing click any entry to highlight all matching symbols.
Parsed locally · not uploaded by default · no AutoCAD required
Free
Price
DWG / DXF
Formats
None
Install
Not required
AutoCAD
What this tool includes
Full CAD symbol legend functionality search text, toggle layers, measure distances, and export labels. Built for AEC CAD review workflows worldwide.
- Upload DWG/DXF
- Open Legend
- Click to highlight
Legend that matches your sheet
Generic symbol keys don't match project-specific block names. This tool reads actual block geometry and layer conventions from the uploaded file.
How to use CAD symbol legend
Three steps no training, no AutoCAD license, no IT install.
- 1
Upload DWG/DXF
Blocks and layers indexed.
- 2
Open Legend
Legend panel bottom-right.
- 3
Click to highlight
All matching symbols flash on drawing.
Operation guide
How to Build a Symbol Legend From Your CAD Drawing
Step-by-step tutorial · 6 min read
Used worldwide for CAD review
Use our free CAD symbol legend from any country — no AutoCAD license required. CadPeek is built for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and building owners who receive DWG/DXF files by email and need instant browser access. Popular in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and international projects with bilingual layer naming.
United States
NFPA, AHJ, MEP contractor, shop drawing review, IBC
Canada
CAN/ULC, building submittal, code review, MEP drawings
United Kingdom
BS 5839, MEP drawings, BIM exchange DXF
Australia
AS 2118, services drawings, hydraulic plans
Global / Asia
bilingual CAD layers, DXF exchange, imported drawings
CAD symbol legend vs AutoCAD
For viewing and reviewing CAD drawings — not editing geometry.
Built for these roles
- ·Contractors
- ·Engineers
- ·BIM coordinators
- ·Reviewers
FAQ CAD symbol legend
Common questions about our free online CAD symbol legend tool.
- Where does the legend appear?
- Open the Legend panel at the bottom-right of the viewer. Entries are built from blocks and layers in your file.
- Can I click legend items to find symbols?
- Yes. Clicking a legend entry highlights every matching block insert on the drawing canvas.
- Do I need AutoCAD installed?
- No. All tools run in your browser with WebAssembly CAD engines. Upload DWG or DXF and work immediately on Windows, Mac, Linux, or tablet.
- Is my drawing uploaded to your servers?
- By default, files parse locally in your browser. Upload only happens when you explicitly create a Share link or use cloud features.
- What is the free file size limit?
- Free accounts can open files up to 15MB. Starter ($8.8/mo) supports 50MB, Pro 100MB, and Team 200MB per drawing.
- Which DWG versions are supported?
- AutoCAD DWG R12 through 2024 and DXF (ASCII and binary). Most 2D shop drawings open cleanly.
- Can I use these tools on iPad or Android?
- Yes. The viewer and all tool pages work in modern mobile browsers — useful for field review with the measure tool.
Try CAD Symbol Legend Builder now
Free CAD symbol legend for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and building owners. Launch the tool above or open the full-screen viewer.