DWG vs DXF: which file to use for a CAD block
DWG is AutoCAD's own file format. DXF is the exchange format that Autodesk publishes so that other programs can read and write drawings. For a CAD block, either works: AutoCAD opens a DXF directly and can save it as a DWG, and Revit, SketchUp Pro, Vectorworks, Archicad and Rhino all import DXF. CAD Blocks (cadblocks.app) gives you a DXF for that reason: one file opens in all of them.
The difference
A DWG is a compact binary file, and each AutoCAD release can bring a new version of it. A DXF holds the same drawing in a documented format, so many more programs can read it. A DXF is larger, but for a block of one piece of furniture the difference is small.
Both keep blocks, layers, line types and attributes, so a block from a DXF behaves like one from a DWG once it is in your drawing.
Turning a DXF into a DWG
In AutoCAD, open the DXF and choose Save As, then pick a DWG version. You can also insert the DXF into an existing DWG drawing. Without AutoCAD, the free ODA File Converter turns DXF files into DWG.
Getting a block as a DXF
Add the product
Paste a link to the product page, or drop in a photo, a screenshot from the maker's website or a PDF spec sheet. You can add up to four images of the same item.
Give the size
Type the width, depth and height from the spec sheet. Every view is fitted to those three sizes, so the plan and both elevations agree.
Download the DXF
The plan, front and side arrive as three named blocks, drawn true size in millimetres or inches. Insert them into your drawing.
Importing the DXF
Each program imports DXF in its own way. The free block library has import steps for AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Vectorworks, Archicad, Chief Architect and Rhino.
Questions
Can AutoCAD open a DXF?
Yes. Choose Open and set the file type to DXF. Save it as a DWG if you want to keep it in that format.
Is DXF lower quality than DWG?
No. A DXF holds the same lines, blocks, layers and attributes. It is a different way of storing them.
Can I get a DWG file from CAD Blocks?
Not yet. The DXF opens in every major CAD program, and you can save it as DWG from there.
More guides
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