The file extension DXF is associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The programs and applications include Autodesk AutoCAD, Micrografix Picture Publisher, and XMap 8. DXF files contain data and information related to the program that created the file.
If a DXF file is related to Autodesk AutoCAD, it is categorized as a CAD file type which contains three dimensional drawings, lines, objects, mathematical calculations, measurements, and other elements which are used for Computer Aided Design. The contents of a DXF file can also include vector images which are in ASCII plain text and binary files which are used with AutoCAD as well as other CAD applications.
DXF stands for Drawing Exchange Format and is a format which is created by Autodesk for the purpose of easily exchanging Computer Aided Design data from the AutoCAD application to other types of CAD programs. The format was established with the 13th release of the AutoCAD application and has been used right up to the release of the 2012 version of AutoCAD.
DXF files which are created with Micrografix Picture Publisher are a various data file type which stores special effects for graphics that are created or modified using Picture Publisher. The file extension DXF is created with the version 8 of Picture Publisher. Micrografix created the Picture Publisher software application prior to company acquisition by Corel Corporation. Since Corel acquired Picture Publisher, the application has been renamed to Corel Photo Paint.
If the DXF file is associated with XMap 8, it is a vector image file type which is used with digital mapping tools included with the XMap 8 software application. XMap 8 is GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping software which is created by DeLorme and offers GIS, GPS connectivity as well as data collection tools that are used by energy, natural resource, and rail transportation professionals.
How to Open DXF Files
Since the file extension DXF can be opened using multiple programs and applications, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. DXF files can consist of different file types, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If the file extension DXF is associated with AutoCAD, the file can be opened using the AutoCAD Computer Aided Design software application. AutoCAD is available as a paid download on the Autodesk website and is designed for use with the Windows operating system and Mac OS X. Other Autodesk applications which will open DXF files include DWG TrueView and Design Review which are available for download on the Autodesk website as well. Both applications are compatible with the Windows operating system.
AutoCAD DXF files can also be opened using TurboCAD Deluxe, which is a Computer Aided Design application available as a free trial on the IMSI Design website. If you are using the Windows operating system, you can use the version 19 of TurboCAD and for Mac OS X, you should use the version 6 of TurboCAD.
If you are using Windows or Mac OS X, TurboCAD DXF files can be opened using Adobe Illustrator CS6 which is part of the Adobe CS6 Creative Suite of applications. Adobe Illustrator can be downloaded as a 30-day free trial on the Adobe website.
For the Linux operating system, you can use CADEMIA-Professional to open the file extension DXF. CADEMIA-Professional is a Computer Aided Design software application available for download on the CADEMIA.org website.
DXF files which are part of Picture Publisher can be opened using Corel Photo Paint or PaintShop Pro. Both applications are available for download on the Corel website and are designed for use with the Windows operating system.
If the DXF file extension is associated with XMap 8, the file can be opened using XMap 8 GIS which is offered on the DeLorme website. XMap 8 GIS is designed for use with Windows 7 with .NET 3.5 framework and Service Pack 1 installed and Windows Server 2008 R2 or later.
