Is DXF the same as DWG?

Same family, different on-disk format. DXF is ASCII/binary and open-spec; DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary. Modern CAD tools generally write both. Use DXF for interchange with non-CAD software (laser cutters, GIS, scripting).

Best free DXF editor?

LibreCAD and QCAD are excellent free options. Inkscape can also read DXF for vector-illustration work.

Software That Opens & Edits DXF Files (14 Tools, 2026)

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is the open-spec sibling to DWG, designed in 1982 specifically for moving CAD data between applications. As an ASCII text format (binary DXF also exists), it's the lingua franca for laser cutters, plasma cutters, CNC routers, and any toolchain that needs to read CAD geometry without an AutoCAD licence. Every serious 2D CAD tool reads and writes DXF cleanly.

Full read & write support (14)

AD
Altium DesignerRead & Write
from $3850 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The professional standard for PCB and electronics design.
O
OnshapeRead & Write
from $1500 · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R
RevitRead & Write
from $355 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).
R3
Rhino 3DRead & Write
from $995 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead & Write
from $1295 · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
A
ArchiCADRead & Write
from $1800 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8
The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.
A
AutoCADRead & Write
from $255 · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
F3
Fusion 360Read & Write
from $85 · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
PC
PTC CreoRead & Write
from $2430 · Windows · ★ 4.8
The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.
SN
Siemens NXRead & Write
from $6000 · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead & Write
from $315 · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
C
CATIARead & Write
from $4500 · Windows · ★ 4.7
The high-end PLM standard for Aerospace and Automotive engineering.
S
SketchUpRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.7
The world's most intuitive 3D design tool for architecture and interiors.
F
FreeCADRead & Write
Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2
The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.

Frequently asked

Is DXF the same as DWG?: Same family, different on-disk format. DXF is ASCII/binary and open-spec; DWG is Autodesk's proprietary binary. Modern CAD tools generally write both. Use DXF for interchange with non-CAD software (laser cutters, GIS, scripting).
Best free DXF editor?: LibreCAD and QCAD are excellent free options. Inkscape can also read DXF for vector-illustration work.

Full read & write support (14)

Frequently asked

Other file formats