DXF File

What are DXF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DXF 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 DXF 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 ten DXF openers that are compatible with this specific type of DXF file.

Programs that open AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format files

Last updated: January 22, 2025

All known file formats using extension .DXF

While AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format is a popular type of DXF-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .DXF file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

APL Transfer File Format

We know that one DXF format is APL Transfer File Format. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

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

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.

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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.