DXF File

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. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

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 nine DXF openers that are compatible with this specific type of DXF file.

Programs that open AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format files

Last updated: January 17, 2023

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.

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.

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 DXF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.