Open DXF files

Full name

AutoCAD DXF Drawing Exchange Format
Developer

Autodesk
Popularity

Have you encountered a problem with a DXF file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a DXF file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your DXF file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is DXF file?

DXF stands for Drawing Exchange Format File and is an exchange format for CAD data. This format, developed by Autodesk, was introduced with the AutoCAD CAD program. DXF is in principle quite simple in structure, also open-source and quite well documented. Therefore, DXF is still a widely used data format for cross-platform data exchange.

More info

Unfortunately, with almost every new version of Autocad, Autodesk is also changing the DXF format. Therefore, it may happen that with a third-party software or a converter newer DXF files can not easily process and must wait for an adjustment of the software.
In addition to 2D data such as lines, circles or splines, DXF files can also contain 3D data. Since AutoCAD Version 10, AutoCAD supports not only the old ASCII but also a binary version of the DXF format. Unfortunately, newer, more complex object types introduced in AutoCAD were no longer or only partially documented. This hinders the support of the DXF format in other CAD programs.
In addition to many CAD and drawing programs, some 3D applications can also handle DXF files. It should be noted that many programs can only load DXF files up to a certain, often unknown, version number.

Programs which can open a DXF file

Windows

Linux

Mac OS

Android

iOS

Autocad WS for iOS

How to open file with DXF extension?

In order to open a file with DXF extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening DXF file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with DXF files, follow the instructions below.

Install AutoCAD or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening DXF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DXF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DXF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set AutoCAD as the default program for opening DXF files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DXF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the AutoCAD applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where AutoCAD has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with DXF files

Sometimes problems with opening DXF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
DXF files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open DXF files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
DXF file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)