DWG vs DXF: what's the difference?
DWG is AutoCAD's native, compact binary CAD format. DXF is an open, text-based interchange format Autodesk created to move CAD data between programs. Both store the same 2D and 3D vector geometry — lines, arcs, layers — but DXF is more universal, while DWG is smaller and preserves advanced AutoCAD features more completely.
What is DWG?
DWG ("drawing") is the proprietary format AutoCAD saves to by default. It's binary, which keeps files small and lets it store the full richness of a CAD drawing, including some AutoCAD-specific objects. Because it's native to Autodesk software, DWG is the format most professional CAD work is authored and archived in.
What is DXF?
DXF ("Drawing Exchange Format") was created by Autodesk as an open format so CAD data could travel between different programs. Its structure is documented and often plain text, so almost any CAD or BIM tool can read and write it. That openness is exactly why DXF is the go-to format for sharing a drawing with someone who might not use AutoCAD.
The key differences
| DWG | DXF | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Binary (native AutoCAD) | Open interchange (often text) |
| Openness | Proprietary | Documented / open |
| File size | Smaller | Larger for the same drawing |
| Compatibility | Best in Autodesk tools | Opens almost everywhere |
| Best for | Authoring & archiving | Sharing & interoperability |
Which one should you use?
- Working inside AutoCAD/Revit? DWG keeps everything native and compact.
- Sending a plan to someone else, or unsure what they use? DXF is the safe, universal choice.
- Handing geometry to a non-CAD workflow (a fabricator, a 3D artist, a script)? DXF's openness makes it easiest to parse.
How to get a DWG or DXF from a floor plan
If you're starting from a plan image or PDF rather than a CAD file, you don't have to redraw it. Extruda detects the walls and rooms and exports clean, layered DXF or DWG directly — see how to convert a PDF floor plan to DXF, or the full 2D-to-3D workflow.
Export your plan as DXF or DWG
Upload a 2D plan and get production-ready, layered CAD files — no AutoCAD license required.
Get early access →Frequently asked questions
Is DXF as good as DWG?
For most floor-plan geometry, yes. DXF stores the same lines, arcs, and layers as DWG. DWG is more compact and preserves some advanced, AutoCAD-specific objects more faithfully, but for exchanging and editing plans, DXF is the more universal choice.
Can any CAD program open a DXF file?
Almost all of them. Because DXF is an open, documented format, AutoCAD, Revit, and virtually every CAD and BIM tool can import it — which is why it's the safest format for sharing a drawing between different programs.
Which is smaller, DWG or DXF?
DWG. It's a compact binary format, while DXF (especially the ASCII version) is text-based and larger for the same drawing. The tradeoff is that DXF's openness makes it more portable.
Can I convert between DWG and DXF?
Yes. Most CAD tools export to both, so you can save a DWG as DXF or vice versa. When you generate a floor plan with Extruda, you can export DXF or DWG directly.