How to Open DXF Files

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Files that use the drawing exchange format, or have the DXF file extension, are a type of vector image document generated by computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as those from Autodesk (AutoCAD and Fusion, for example). Even though these files are created by CAD programs, they’re designed to be universal or can be opened using other graphic design programs for easier compatibility. To know how to open DXF files, scroll down to step 1.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4771594-v4-728px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can opt for either since DXF files are a universal type of vector format. Listed below are examples of applications you can use to open DXL files and where you can get them.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid4771594-v4-728px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’ve downloaded the installer, double-click on it to run its installation wizard. The installation process varies depending on the program of your choice. Hence, the installation steps may also vary.
    • In general, these applications are very easy to install and are provided with simple instructions.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid4771594-v4-728px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click on the program’s desktop icon to launch it, and finish any additional setup steps required before you can completely use the application.
    • Some software may require you to create an account first (as with Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD) before you can fully utilize it.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid4771594-v4-728px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you install a graphic or CAD software, it automatically detects any supported file on your computer, changing the file’s icon into something similar to that of the program.
    • The DXF file you have on your computer should now sport a different icon than it had before.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Open-DXF-Files-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid4771594-v4-728px-Open-DXF-Files-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The file will be opened on the software you’ve just installed, letting you view or edit it. Once the DXF file has been opened, you can save it in a different format that can be used on other applications on your computer.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Popularly used CAD and graphic design applications often come with a price. However, there are trial versions that you can use either with limited features or within a specific time span only.
        Thanks
      • The DXF file format was created by Autodesk, so the best way to open files using such a file format is by using Autodesk programs like AutoCAD or Autodesk Design Review.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Convert a DWG File to a PDF
      4 Easy Ways to Activate an AutoCad License
      How to Check an AutoCAD Serial Number and Product Key
      How to
      Scale in AutoCAD
      How to
      Use AutoCAD
      How to
      Open DGN Files in AutoCAD on PC or Mac
      How to Import X, Y, Z Coordinates from Excel to AutoCAD (in Just 10 Steps)
      How to
      Set up an AutoCAD Drawing
      The Best Way to Learn CAD Design on Your Own
      How to
      Load Furniture Into an Autodesk Revit Model/Project
      How to
      Make a Gear in Onshape
      How to
      Open IPT Files
      How to
      Create a New Command on Autocad
      How to
      Write and Load a Script File in AutoCAD
      Advertisement

      References

      1. https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,393 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement