Basics · CAD files

DXF vs DWG: what is the difference, and which should you send?

6 min read · updated 3 Nov 2026

DWG is AutoCAD's native file: it holds the most information but is a closed Autodesk format. DXF is the exchange format whose structure Autodesk publishes, so almost every CAD program, cutting machine and CAM package can read it. In short: inside a team that all uses AutoCAD, use DWG; when a drawing leaves the team — especially to a cutting shop or a machine — use DXF.

Comparison table

Topic	DWG	DXF
Stands for	Drawing	Drawing Exchange Format
Format defined by	Autodesk; structure not officially published	Autodesk; structure documented in the DXF Reference
File type	Binary, compact	Mostly plain text (ASCII) you can open in Notepad; several times larger than DWG
Programs that open it	AutoCAD and programs licensing a DWG library (some paid)	Nearly every CAD and CAM program, laser, plasma and CNC software, graphics programs
Completeness	Everything, including AutoCAD-specific features	Geometry and layers fully; some advanced features may be lost in conversion
Best for	Master files, teamwork in AutoCAD	Sending to outsiders, cutting shops, machines and other CAD brands

DXF has versions — which one?

DXF changes with AutoCAD releases: R12, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2018 and so on. Newer versions support more object types, such as SPLINE, LWPOLYLINE, MTEXT and detailed HATCH, but older programs and some cutting-machine software cannot read them.

DXF R12 is the most widely compatible. Curves are stored as polylines made of many short segments. Good for cutting shops and older machines.
DXF 2000–2013 keeps SPLINEs and compact polylines. Good when the receiver will edit the drawing in a current CAD program.

If unsure, ask the shop which version it accepts; with no answer, R12 almost never causes trouble. That is why DXCAD2D Online exports DXF R12 in millimetres.

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What usually breaks when files are converted or passed on

Units. DXF numbers are not forced to be millimetres or inches; the receiving program may guess wrong and the part comes out 25.4 times too big or small. State the unit in the email or on the drawing every time.
Text. Thai or special fonts are often missing at the other end. Text to be cut or engraved should be converted to outlines before sending.
Blocks and Xrefs. Drawings that reference other files (Xrefs) lose them unless they are bound into the file before sending.
Doubled and open lines. Not a file-format issue, but they make a cutter go over lines twice or compute the wrong path. Check before sending — see preparing drawings for laser cutting.
3D objects or layouts. A cutting shop wants only the outline in model space, on one plane. Remove frames, dimensions and text that is not to be cut.

You received a DWG but have no AutoCAD

Ask the sender to Save As DXF (R12 or 2000) and send it again — the most reliable route.
If that is not possible, use a free converter such as ODA File Converter (installed on your computer) to turn the DWG into DXF.
Open the DXF in DXCAD2D Online with File → Open file… and measure one line whose size you know to confirm the units.

Tip: when sending to a customer who may have no CAD at all, always send a PDF together with the DXF: the PDF is for looking and printing, the DXF for making.

Try it right now — a free 2D CAD in your browser. Nothing to install, no sign-up.

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