which programs open dwf?

This article explains what a DWF file is, how to open one on your computer or phone, and how to convert one to a different file format.

A file with the DWF file extension is an Autodesk Design Web Format file created in computer-aided design (CAD) programs. It's a highly compressed version of a CAD file that's useful for viewing, printing, and transmitting the design without the need for the recipient to understand how to use the software that created the original drawing.

The file can be really simple and include just a single sheet or have multiples and be complex to the point of having fonts, color, and images.

Similar to the PDF format, DWF files can be opened regardless of the hardware, software, or operating system that was used to create it. They're also useful in that they can be created in a way that masks part of the design from the recipient, effectively sharing only what the creator wants to be seen.

Autodesk's AutoCAD and Inventor software, ABViewer from CADSoftTools, and likely many other CAD programs are able to open, create, and edit DWF files.

Autodesk has several free ways you can view the file without the need for their AutoCAD software. This can be done through their Design Review program, the free online Autodesk Viewer, and their A360 mobile app (available for iOS and for Android).

The free Navisworks 3D Viewer opens this format as well, but it, too, can't edit the file. The same is true for the viewer at ShareCAD.org.

Revit can export to the DWF format, so it might be able to open these files as well.

Having been created with ZIP compression means you can open one with a file zip/unzip program like 7-Zip. Opening one this way lets you see various XML and binary files that make up the drawing, but it won't let you view the design like you can with the programs mentioned above.

Using AutoCAD is, of course, the easiest way to convert a DWF file to another format. Look for the option in the File menu, or an Export or Convert section.

AnyDWG's Any DWF to DWG Converter does just what you'd think—it converts the file to DWG or DXF, and can even do so in batch to convert several folders of drawing files at once. Also supported is the ability to extract images from the DWF file.

You might also be able to convert to DWG using nothing but the Design Review program linked to from above. See this post at JTB World Blog for details.

Another converter from AnyDWG saves DWF to the PDF format. AutoCAD and Design Review should have the ability to save to PDF as well, but if not, you can install a free PDF printer that lets you "print" files to PDF.

If none of those programs are helpful, try Filestar. It's a desktop app, so you install it to your Windows or Mac computer. It can convert from DWF to over 10 formats.

It's possible that you have a file that isn't actually an Autodesk Design Web Format file but, instead, just appears to be. Some file types use an extension that's spelled a lot like DWF, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they can open with the same tool or can be converted in the same way.

For example, a WDF file shares all three of the same file extension letters as DWF, but is instead used for formats such as Workshare Compare Delta and Windows Driver Foundation.

Three other examples are BWF, WRF, DRF, and DVT. The former is used for special WAV audio files called Broadcast Wave files.

Another file format that actually is similar to Design Web Format is Design Web Format XPS, which uses the DWFX file extension. However, even this file type isn't compatible with every program mentioned above. It's usable with AutoCAD, Design Review, and Microsoft XPS Viewer (and possibly other XPS file openers).

The idea here is that if your file won't open even after trying all the DWF openers and converters above, double-check the file extension and then research those letters/numbers to learn more about the format it's in. From there, you shouldn't have any problem finding a compatible opener or converter.

In the following table, you can find a list of programs that can open files with .dwf extension.This list is created by collecting extension information reported by users through the 'send report' option of FileTypesMan utility.The product name, description, and company name are taken from the version information of the .exe file.The 'Actions' list is taken from the context menu items added to Explorer by the specified program.The 'Popularity' column displays one of the following 4 values: Low, Medium, High, and Very High, which is determined according to the number of users that sent the specified record.

In the following table, you can find a list of file types information that is associated with .dwf extension.

If you are looking for information about another extension, you can try to find it in the following alphabetic list:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Others |

• Create a new drawing in AutoCAD.
• Use the DWFATTACH command and attach the DWF/DWFx file.
• Plot or export the drawing to PDF.
• Start a new drawing and use the PDFIMPORT command to import the PDF.

How to Open a DWF File. Autodesk's AutoCAD and Inventor software, ABViewer from CADSoftTools, and likely many other CAD programs are able to open, create, and edit DWF files.

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 standardized and extremely accessible. You can open, view, and mark them up without any specialized 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 programs. The updated name, Design Web Format, references this wider usage.

Today, Autodesk programs 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 specialized 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 markups 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.

Discover more vector file types

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.

Introduced under the name Drawing Web Format in 1995, the format was  a way of sharing design files (such as DWG files), which were previously only available on AutoCAD systems. DWFs were initial created purely for AutoCAD drawings, but later adapted  for other design programs too. The updated name Design Web Format references this wider usage.

Today, DWF files are versatile for both 2D and 3D drawings and models — making them a handy collaboration tool in industries ranging from architecture to product design.

DWF files have various specific uses for different industries.

DWFs simplify, reduce, and compress CAD files so they can be shared with people who don’t necessarily have specialist design software. Creators can share multi-page designs in a single file. They can also hide certain design elements if needed.

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 be used to add markups and comments. This data can then be reintroduced to convert the DWF file back into its original format — making for a useful review and collaboration tool.

Discover more vector files

There are many advantages and disadvantages of the DWF format to consider before using the format.

Follow these easy steps to open a DWF file.

Follow these easy steps to create a DWF on AutoCAD: