Open a DXF file in three steps
- Open the viewer. The viewer at the top of this page loads in your browser. There is nothing to install.
- Drop in the DXF file. Drag the .dxf file onto the viewer, or click “Open DWG” and choose it. The button says DWG, but DXF drawings open the same way.
- Inspect it. Zoom with the mouse wheel, pan with the middle button, filter layers, search the text, click an object to see its properties, or measure with object snap.
What is a DXF file?
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD file format created by Autodesk so that drawings can be exchanged between different CAD programs. Many CAD, CAM, laser-cutting and engraving tools can read or write it, which is why it is the usual choice when a drawing has to leave AutoCAD and be used somewhere else.
DXF vs DWG
DWG is AutoCAD's native format. DXF carries much of the same drawing information in an open, documented form so other software can read it. If you have a choice, send DWG to people who use AutoCAD and DXF to people who use other CAD or manufacturing software.
A viewer that opens both lets you check either one without caring which program produced it.
Checking a DXF before you use it
Before sending a DXF to a cutter or another CAD user, it helps to look at it first: are all the layers there, are the dimensions right, did the text come through? Use the layers panel to show or hide layers, the measure tool to check a distance, and the properties panel to confirm an object's layer and geometry.
Turn a DXF into a PDF
To share a DXF with someone who has no CAD software, use the PDF button to export the drawing, a layout or the current view as a vector PDF. See how to convert a DWG to PDF online for the options; they work the same for DXF.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this DXF viewer really free?
- Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark.
- Is my DXF file uploaded?
- No. It is opened and drawn by your own browser and never leaves your computer.
- Does it open DWG files too?
- Yes. The same viewer opens DWG and DXF drawings.
- What is the difference between DXF and DWG?
- DWG is AutoCAD's native drawing format. DXF is an open exchange format that lets other CAD and manufacturing software read the same kind of drawing.
- Can I edit a DXF in the viewer?
- No. It is for viewing, measuring and exporting to PDF; it does not edit or save drawings.