/ Opening DXF Files

Opening DXF Files

I can’t seem to open any DXF files. Which program in Windows Vista could be used to open DXF files? Celeste Stewart

What are DXF Files?

DXF files are “Drawing Exchange Format” files. These are vector image files often used in conjunction with computer aided design programs. In fact, the DXF format was developed by AutoDesk, a leading computer aided design software developer. This is a text based format that was designed to make AutoCAD documents more compatible with other programs.

Opening DXF Files

Obviously, if you had AutoCAD software from AutoDesk, you’d be able to easily open the DXF files. However, this isn’t the case and AutoCAD software isn’t exactly cheap. You have several other good choices, though.

AutoDesk Design Review

This free viewer from AutoDesk also allows you to print, measure, and markup the DXF documents. This product is compatible with Windows Vista.

SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer

This viewer is free and is capable of opening DXF files. However, according to the SolidWorks Web site, Windows Vista is not listed as a system requirement. In your case, I’d skip this option but for those readers who have Windows XP, the eDrawings Viewer would be a good choice.

OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice.org’s Draw application is compatible with DXF files. The Open Office suite is similar to Microsoft Office in that it has a word processor, spreadsheet application, and a presentation program. The difference is that it is open source software and therefore it is free. Download OpenOffice from OpenOffice.org and use the Draw program to open your DXF file.

DXF File Converters

Several DXF converters are also on the market including the DWG to PDF Converter which converts DWG and DFX files to the PDF format. This product offers a free trial version which may be enough for your immediate needs. However, if you have long term DXF conversion needs, you’ll need to buy the full version.

Professional Image Editing Software

If you already have an image editing program such as Corel Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Illustrator installed on your computer, use that to open the DXF files.