DFW File

What are DFW files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DFW file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your DFW files.

What is a DFW file?

A .DFW file is a Derive Worksheet file.

Derive Worksheet files are the native workbooks created by the Derive for Windows (sometimes abbreviated DfW) mathematics software. They hold a complete worksheet that includes algebraic expressions, plots, annotations, text, and the definitions and assignments made during the session, along with baby settings such as precision and notation. These files let a user save a full Derive environment - state variables, declared functions, graph windows, embedded objects - and reopen it later exactly as it was.

Derive Worksheet files differ from Derive's simpler Math Expression files. While those capture only symbolic expressions and annotations in plain text (.mth), worksheet files store everything including graphics, 2-D and 3-D plots, embedded text, and OLE objects - that is, any object visible in the algebra/worksheet view is preserved. The file format is binary, so the contents cannot be edited as plain text. When reopened via Derive's File-Open command, all function definitions, assignments, domain declarations, and state variables (precision, notation, simplifying settings, etc.) are restored.

When saving a worksheet, Derive offers "Save As" and "Save" commands that use the worksheet file type. In Derive 6, state variable settings including precision, base, notation style, and simplification settings are saved inside the worksheet file rather than in a separate initialization file as in earlier versions.

Technical detail: Derive Worksheet files typically begin with a binary signature marking them as belonging to Derive for Windows. They include identifiable strings such as "Derive version", "Precision:=", "NotationDigits:=" among their internal metadata and headers.

How to open DFW files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DFW file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DFW file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested two different DFW openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DFW files. Remember, different programs may use DFW files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DFW file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.