DXF File Type

- The quick facts

What are DXF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DXF file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a DXF file?

DXF files have multiple uses, and AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format is one of them.

AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format

DXF stands for Drawing Exchange Format. Files that contain the .dxf file extension contain CAD vector image files. The DXF file format is similar to the DWG file format, but DXF files are ASCII text-based and compatible with other computer applications.

The DXF file format was developed as an exchange format for the CAD files created by computer-aided design software applications. The file format was initially introduced in December of 1982 as a part of AutoCAD 1.0 and was meant to provide an exact representation of the data in the standard AutoCAD file format.

How to open DXF files

We have identified 5 DXF openers that are compatible with this specific type of DXF file.

Programs that open AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format files

Last updated: June 29, 2022

More file formats using the DXF extension

Through our research of DXF files, we know that the following formats exist. However, we have not yet analyzed them in detail, and we would love to hear from you if you have information about either of them.

APL Transfer File Format

Various apps that use files with this extension

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