DXF files use the open-source .DXF extension. Users can access AutoCAD files without Autodesk programs. This makes them different from DWG files used in CAD file sharing. The DXF vector file was launched by Autodesk in 1982. The open-source format enabled sharing drawings across CAD apps. The concept met with success. It allowed DXF files to establish themselves as the go-to format for exchanging designs.
The data format of a DXF is a “tagged data” format. Each data element is preceded by a group code. The group code value indicates the data element type that follows. It also indicates the meaning for a given object. Virtually all user-specified information can be represented.
To create a DXF file with AutoCAD, File → Save As….Then choose the DXF format. You can open a DXF file with CAD apps like AutoCAD, CorelCAD and Adobe Illustrator. AutoCAD and CorelCAD can convert DXF files to other formats.
DXF may not be a common format. But if interacting with design, architecture or engineering you may need to use it. So let’s find out what it’s about. A DXF file stores 2D and 3D design data and metadata.
AutoCAD
LibreCAD
Adobe Illustrator