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CAD file formats explained
DWG, DXF, DWF and CAD files: what they are, versions, how to open and convert them.
Drop a DWG or DXF file hereor click to choose. Opens in the viewer on this site, nothing is uploaded.DWG R14–2018+, DXF ASCII or binary, up to 60 MB. Private: the file stays in this browser tab.
DWG versions: codes, years and compatibilityDWG versions are identified by a six-character code such as AC1032 stored in the first bytes of the file; each code covers a group of AutoCAD releases that share one file format.What is a CAD file?A CAD file is a drawing or 3D model saved by computer-aided design software, stored as precise geometry (lines, arcs, surfaces, solids) with units, layers and metadata rather than as pixels.What is a DWF file?A DWF file (Design Web Format) is a compressed, read-only package that Autodesk programs publish from a drawing so that others can view, print and mark it up without CAD software.What is a DWG file?A DWG file is a drawing saved in AutoCAD's native binary format, and it is the most common way 2D and 3D CAD drawings are stored and exchanged.What is a DXF file?A DXF file (Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD drawing stored as a documented, mostly plain-text list of group codes so that any program can read it, not only AutoCAD.