As the name suggests, in a 2 dimensional system you are operating under 2 axes only. CAD files hold information for these processes, as well as drafting information.Īs mentioned above, there are 2 dimensional (2D) and 3 dimensional (3D) file formats. For a CAD file, that means the design itself.Įach CAD system has its own method of describing geometry, both mathematically and structurally. Moreover, it informs about the content of the document. This document is then saved as a specific type of file format.ĬAD file format apprises which program you can use to view the document. When using programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, you are creating a digital document. This file contains all the necessary information related to the document as well as the way it should be processed and visualized.ĬAD file formats are also extremely important when considering CAD design. While creating any kind of document using a computer, you must save the same as a file. CAD files hold information for these images 2D CAD files are often referred to as drawings, whereas 3D files are called models, parts, or assemblies. Such as, ‘.pdf’ extension deals either with, ‘portable Document Format,’ or a ‘a printer description type.’ This is the reason the two terms, file extension and file format, are often used interchangeably.ĬAD is an image file format used by AutoCAD, which is generated by CAD software programs and also creates 2D and 3D designs for models or architecture plans. Most often, an extension is associated with only one type or a more popular file format. For example, if you have an extension, ‘.docx’ or ‘.doc,’ you must be dealing with Microdoft Word. Typically file extensions are used to determine the file format or file type.

Here, extension ‘.docx’ should be open with Microsoft Word.Įvery file in a computer is created as a particular type ort format. This file extension, ‘.docs’ lets Windows know that which program on your computer the file, ‘article’ can be open with. if there is a file in Windows named ‘article,’ and you find it as ‘article.docx,’ then ‘.docx’, is the file extension. What is a file format actually? Is a file format different than a file extension? If you are lost with such kinds of questions, this article is for you.Ī file extension is a group of characters after a file name, e.g.

In fact, there are some formats that many people are not entirely familiar with. These aren’t the only file extensions and formats used with AutoCAD, though. Have you ever worked with CAD? If yes, you’re already likely to be familiar with some of AutoCAD’s most common file format, such as DWG and DXF.

(To learn about how to convert from one CAD format to another, click here.) Some formats can only be viewed in specific CAD applications.

CAD file formats are important because not all formats are interchangeable.

Autocad file types