

If a DWG file is provided, and it is not possible to ask for the provider to provide a DXF instead, you have a few options. Most BIM projects currently specify IFC as an OpenBIM format, but neglect to also specify DXF as an open format. It is also usually a good idea to specify DXF as a digital deliverable in contracts. Almost all CAD software has the ability to read and write DXF, so it is simply a manner of making it a habit to use one instead of the other. In general, DXF is much more widely supported and has much better cross-platform support. The second is by switching from AutoCAD to another software entirely.ĭrawing Exchange Format (DXF) is an open format that provides many similar features to Drawing (DWG).

The first is by requesting and producing the open DXF format instead of the proprietary DWG format.

To make the switch away from proprietary software and file formats, there are two key ways in which you can make a difference in the industry. In contrast open formats support users freedom. Heavy reliance on AutoCAD, along with the tight control that parent company Autodesk exerts over the proprietary DWG file format, both stifles innovation and perpetuates proprietary software in our industry. Work with layers, easily add or remove blocks, scale, rotate, round, view attributes and many other built in functions are available.Īlthough does not work with DWG files (which are more popular), you can save DWG files to DXF format because this application supports it and can be a reliable free replacement for AutoCAD or other similar programs.The field of 2D CAD within the AEC industry is currently dominated by AutoCAD, and in particular, the proprietary DWG file format. Set dimension to whatever you want: linear, radial, angular, horizontal etc. Supports grids, change draw order, zoom in or out, draw different types of shapes categorized in line, arc, circle, ellipse, polyline, add text and insert images. It has a very intuitive and friendly interface, translated in more that 20 foreign languages, and provides different types of tools to create your layouts and objects. Was released for the first time in 2011 and is available for all major platforms. Is one of Autocad alternatives for Mac, together with DraftSight (supports DWG format), but also works on Windows and Linux. LibreCAD is a completely free 2D CAD application that works with DXF (drawing exchange format) files created by AutoCAD or other similar programs.
