DXF files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.dxf file type #1: AutoCAD CAD exchange drawing
dxf files are 2D CAD drawings saved in the AutoCAD exchange format, one of the most common CAD formats.
Further details:
Files with dxf extension are almost always CAD files in AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
DXF was originally introduced as part of the original AutoCAD 1.0, and was intended to provide an exact representation of the data in the AutoCAD native file format, DWG (Dwg stands for drawing), which is a proprietary format for AutoCAD.
DXF files are built under a standard format that has several parts. It can begin with a header containing meta-data, followed by classes, tables, entities, blocks and thumbnail image section. This format is useful for storing and transferring 2D and 3D drawings between applications.
Open file with:
AutoCAD
Leading 2D and 3D CAD development software from Autodesk
DWG TrueView
A DWG and DXF viewer with DWG TrueConvert software included
AutoCAD for Mac
A Mac version of popular Autodesk AutoCAD software
.dxf file type #2: Micrografx Picture Publisher special effect file
Files with dxf extension were associated with Micrografx Picture Publisher. Now this project is discontinued.
Further details:
The dxf file extension was used by Micrografx Picture Publisher version 8. The company was later acquired by Corel and the product line was discontinued some time after.
The .dxf files contain special effects.
Open file with:
Micrografx Picture Publisher
An older painting application for Windows