LibreCAD free DXF viewer for Windows, Mac, and Linux ( source )

However, higher versions support both binary and ASCII DXF forms.įigure 1. AutoCAD versions are lower than Release 10 only accepted ASCII forms of DXF files. The DXF was developed to provide an exact representation of the DWG file format, which is the native file format of AutoCAD. The first AutoCAD version that was compatible with the DXF file format was AutoCAD 1.0.

And you do not need to purchase AutoCAD to view a DXF file since there are several free DXF viewers available for download online that you can use to view DXF files without using a penny.ĭXF (Drawing Exchange Format) file was developed by Autodesk and introduced in December 1982 to allow for interoperability of data files between AutoCAD and other CAD programs. For interoperability purposes, Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD and one of the largest names in the field of drafting and 3D CAD design, developed DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) to allow for interoperability between AutoCAD and other CAD programs. However, it is relatively expensive since it costs $1,575 a year.

AutoCAD is one of the most used CAD software around the globe.

Autodesk dwg