It’s easy to display 2D and 3D design drawings with the DWF file format. DWF files support detailed vector graphics and text without the large file sizes found in Computer Aided Design (CAD) files. Explore the pros, cons and history of the DWF format — plus, how you can create and edit them.
DWF is short for Design Web Format (DWF). This file format helps designers and engineers share their CAD drawings, data, graphics, text and 3D models in a zip-compressed file.
Like PDFs, DWF files are standardised and extremely accessible. You can open, view and mark them up without any specialised software programs. Creators can choose which parts of the design they share and which they don't.
Also, DWF files are vector-based. This means they’re built using mathematical formulas rather than pixels, which means they can clearly display images at any scale.
Autodesk introduced the DWF format as Drawing Web Format in 1995 to share design files that were previously only available on AutoCAD systems. The company initially created DWFs purely for AutoCAD drawings, but later adapted them for other design programmes. The updated name, Design Web Format, references this wider usage.
Today, Autodesk programmes like Inventor and Navisworks use DWF files. They're versatile for both 2D and 3D drawings and models — making them a handy collaboration tool for industries ranging from architecture to product design.
A wide variety of industries use DWF files to:
DWFs simplify, reduce and compress CAD files so you can share them with people who don’t have specialised design software. Creators can share multi-page designs in a single file. If needed, they can also hide certain design elements.
DWF files allow any user to view drawings in an open format. The DWF format includes complex metadata from the original design and can also include mark-ups and comments. You can reintroduce the data when you convert the DWF file back into its original format. This makes the DWF file a flexible tool for reviews and collaboration.
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Before using the DWF file format, consider its advantages and disadvantages.
Follow these four easy steps to open a DWF file.
Follow these three easy steps to create a DWF on AutoCAD:
Follow these four steps to convert a DWF to PDF:
Or you can convert a DWF to PDF online with Adobe Acrobat.
Adobe Illustrator doesn’t support the DWF format — but you can convert your DWF files to a compatible format like a PDF or DWG file.
Follow these five simple steps to convert your DWF file to DWG in AutoCAD:
DWF files are vector files built from mathematical formulas and algorithms, making them scalable without losing resolution. On the other hand, raster file formats use pixels instead of algorithms. Learn more about the differences between raster and vector files.
Both DWF and DXF are used to change DWG files into new formats. However, DXF is generally used to share information between other CAD-based programmes.
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