IGES is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) programme file format. Engineers and designers use CAD software to create different types of images, like drafting and blueprints. Find out more about IGES, its strengths and limitations and how to open an IGES file.
The IGES drawing file saves vector image data to transfer 2D and 3D information between different CAD applications. Manufacturers and designers use CAD to help plan, price and specify construction and design projects details. With the .igs file extension, the IGES file can store different types of information for a blueprint, like wireframes, solid models and circuit diagrams.
IGES stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, a standard that saves information in the ASCII format.
In 1980, a United States Air Force project called ICAM (Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing) brought together all the disparate software pieces and processes involved in its aerospace manufacturing to improve efficiency and cut costs. The result was IGES, which soon went beyond military applications to other types of manufacturing.
Despite its age, many people still use IGES today — even though it hasn’t changed a lot since 1996. Newer formats like STEP are also popular.
Decades ago, IGES was one of the first computer-aided breakthroughs for US military design. Here’s how you can use it today:
IGES files specify the geometry needed to construct components. Drafters use IGES to create technical drawings with multiple views and their given dimensions.
For simpler designs, engineers use IGES to share surface translations of a particular file, as opposed to a solid model. This works well for 2D components, although it can be limiting compared to other CAD file types — like DWG or STL.
Discover more vector file types
Get to know the IGES advantages and disadvantages before deciding to use them in your next project.
Most CAD programmes and any text editor will open an IGES file, both on Windows and Mac. Locate and double-click your file. Then, choose the programme you want to use to open the IGES file from the list of options.
You can’t use a web browser to open an IGES file, although Android and iOS offer some apps that can help.
IGES and IGS are relatively interchangeable. IGES references both the file type and the wider format, while .igs is a specific file extension.
There are many CAD programs available, some paid, some free, which you can use to open an IGES file.
IGES files define surface models, whereas STEP files display solid models. For that reason, CAD users tend to prefer STEP files when a project is a little more complex. IGES is still widely used within manufacturing because the files tend to be smaller.
IGES is a vector file — that is, it’s based on mathematical equations that allow for infinite scalability. The other primary image file type is raster, which creates images based on pixels.
Learn more about one of the early CAD file formats.
JT files
Find out more about this flexible 3D model format with ISO standardisation.
IGES vs. STEP
Compare these two file formats and see which will work better for your next project.
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