CAD File Format

• CAD stands for "Computer Aided Design".
• It holds the information of 2-D and 3-D designs which are created in AutoCAD.
• Common CAD file extensions include .DWG, .DXF, .DGN, and .STL.

Types of CAD File Format :

  .DWG

• DXF File stands for "AutoCAD Drawing Database File".
• A DWG file is database of 2D or 3D drawings created with AUTOCAD.
• It contains vector image data and metadata that describes the contents of the file.
• DWG files are related to .DXF files, which are ASCII versions of DWG files.
• DWG files can be viewed on Windows using Autodesk's free DWG TrueView program.

  .DXF

• DXF File stands for "Drawing Exchange Format File".
• A DXF file is a datafile saved in a format developed by Autodesk and used for CAD(computer aided design)vector image files, such as AutoCAD documents.
• DXF files are similar to .DWG files, but are more compatible with other programs since they are ASCII (text) based.
• The DXF format was developed as a universal format so that AutoCAD documents could be opened more easily with other programs.

  .DGN

• DXF File stands for "MicroStation Design File".
• This file format versions are Intergraph Standard File Format (ISFF) or the newer V8 DGN standard;
• The DGN format is used in many large projects, including buildings, highways, bridges, process plants, shipbuilding
• This files can be converted to the more universal .DWG format by AutoCAD LDT.

  .STL

• STL File stands for "Stereolithography File".
• This file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems.
• Design format used for stereolithography, a rapid prototyping technology used for producing three-dimensional parts;
• contains a 3D design used as a master model for creating numerous prototypes.It is used to save CAD files in a standard format that can be read by multiple CAD applications.