---
title: ".dxf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .dxf file is a Drawing Exchange Format. The open interchange format for CAD drawings, published by Autodesk. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/dxf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .dxf files

**.dxf file: Drawing Exchange Format**

The open interchange format for CAD drawings, published by Autodesk.

## What opens a .dxf file

- **Windows:** Autodesk AutoCAD, LibreCAD, QCAD, DWG TrueView
- **macOS:** LibreCAD, QCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac
- **Linux:** LibreCAD, QCAD, FreeCAD, Inkscape
- **In a browser:** Autodesk Viewer

## What a .dxf file is

Autodesk created DXF so drawings could move between CAD programs, and published the specification, which is why nearly every CAD and CNC tool reads it. Standard DXF is plain ASCII text, so a file is readable in an editor and diffs cleanly, at the cost of larger files than DWG. It is the practical way to hand a drawing to someone who does not run AutoCAD.

## Converting it

A .dxf file is commonly converted to .dwg, .pdf, .svg or .stl. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .dxf
- **Full name:** Drawing Exchange Format
- **Category:** CAD
- **MIME type:** image/vnd.dxf
- **Created by:** Autodesk
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .dxf file?

On Windows use Autodesk AutoCAD; on macOS use LibreCAD; on Linux use LibreCAD. The open interchange format for CAD drawings, published by Autodesk.

### What is a .dxf file?

Drawing Exchange Format. Autodesk created DXF so drawings could move between CAD programs, and published the specification, which is why nearly every CAD and CNC tool reads it. Standard DXF is plain ASCII text, so a file is readable in an editor and diffs cleanly, at the cost of larger files than DWG.

### Can I convert a .dxf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .dwg, .pdf, .svg or .stl, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.dwg — AutoCAD Drawing](https://atoneplace.net/file/dwg/)
- [.step — STEP 3D Model](https://atoneplace.net/file/step/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)