.DWF File Extension

Design Web Format File

Developer Autodesk
Popularity
3.8  |  31 Votes
 

What is a DWF file?

A DWF file is a 2D or 3D drawing saved in the Design Web Format (DWF) developed by Autodesk. It contains design data, which includes graphics and text. DWF files are saved in a Zip-compressed format to reduce their file size.

More Information

Screenshot of a .dwf file in Autodesk Design Review
DWF file open in Autodesk Design Review

The Design Web Format was developed as a device-independent and resolution-independent drawing format for distributing designs. It is not intended to replace popular CAD formats, but instead, is used to save designs in a more accessible, open format that can be opened without the need to purchase expensive CAD software. The format is based on the HOOPS Stream (HSF) 2D/3D format but is also Zip-compressed.

DWF files can include one or many design sheets. Because the files are highly-compressed, they're easy for engineers and designers to share over the Internet (thus the name Design Web Format).

How to open a DWF file

You can open a DWF file in many CAD applications, including Autodesk Design Review (Windows), IMSI TurboCAD (Windows, Mac), and CorelCAD (Windows, Mac). Note that you cannot open a DWF file in the desktop versions of Autodesk AutoCAD, though you can attach the file inside an AutoCAD drawing using the XREF or DWFATTACH commands.

How to convert a DWF file

You can use Autodesk Design Review (Windows) or ShareCAD.org (Web) to convert DWF files to the .PDF format, using the Print to PDF feature. You can use Any DWF to DWG Converter (Windows) to convert DWF files to the .DWG format.

Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open DWF files

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Design Web Format file format and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know.