What are the most common CAD file format conversion tools you need to know?

1 DWG to PDF

One of the most popular CAD file formats is DWG, which stands for drawing and is used by Autodesk products like AutoCAD. DWG files contain 2D or 3D vector data, metadata, and sometimes raster images. However, DWG files are not widely supported by other software and can be difficult to view or print. That's why converting DWG to PDF is often a good option. PDF, or portable document format, is a universal file format that preserves the layout, fonts, and graphics of any document. PDF files can be easily viewed, printed, or shared by anyone with a PDF reader. To convert DWG to PDF, you can use the built-in export function in AutoCAD or other Autodesk products, or you can use a third-party tool like Zamzar, Online-Convert, or CloudConvert.

2 STEP to STL

Another common CAD file format is STEP, which stands for standard for the exchange of product model data. STEP files are used to exchange 3D models between different CAD software, such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX. STEP files contain geometric, topological, and dimensional information about the 3D model, as well as metadata and assembly structures. However, STEP files are not suitable for 3D printing, which requires a different file format called STL. STL, or stereolithography, is a file format that represents the 3D model as a series of triangles or facets. STL files are simple and easy to process by 3D printers, but they do not contain any color, texture, or metadata information. To convert STEP to STL, you can use the built-in save as function in your CAD software, or you can use a third-party tool like FreeCAD, MeshLab, or Online CAD Converter.

3 DXF to SVG

A third common CAD file format is DXF, which stands for drawing exchange format. DXF files are used to exchange 2D or 3D vector data between different CAD software, especially those that do not support DWG files. DXF files are plain text files that follow a standard format and can contain layers, blocks, dimensions, and other entities. However, DXF files are not ideal for web or graphic design purposes, which require a different file format called SVG. SVG, or scalable vector graphics, is a file format that uses XML to describe 2D or 3D vector graphics. SVG files are compatible with web browsers and can be scaled, animated, or styled without losing quality. To convert DXF to SVG, you can use the built-in export function in your CAD software, or you can use a third-party tool like Inkscape, Convertio, or Vector Magic.

4 IGES to OBJ

A fourth common CAD file format is IGES, which stands for initial graphics exchange specification. IGES files are used to exchange 3D models between different CAD software, such as Pro/ENGINEER, Solid Edge, or Rhino. IGES files contain geometric, topological, and attribute information about the 3D model, as well as metadata and parameter data. However, IGES files are not optimal for rendering, animation, or game development, which require a different file format called OBJ. OBJ, or object, is a file format that represents the 3D model as a collection of vertices, edges, faces, and materials. OBJ files are widely supported by various 3D software and can contain color, texture, and normal information. To convert IGES to OBJ, you can use the built-in export function in your CAD software, or you can use a third-party tool like Blender, SketchUp, or AnyConv.

5 BIM to IFC

A fifth common CAD file format is BIM, which stands for building information modeling. BIM files are used to create and manage 3D models of buildings and infrastructure, such as Revit, ArchiCAD, or Tekla. BIM files contain not only geometric and visual information, but also functional and semantic information, such as materials, properties, schedules, and costs. However, BIM files are often proprietary and specific to each software vendor, which limits their interoperability and collaboration. That's why converting BIM to IFC is often a good solution. IFC, or industry foundation classes, is a file format that defines a common data schema and exchange format for BIM data. IFC files are open and standardized and can be used by various software and stakeholders in the construction industry. To convert BIM to IFC, you can use the built-in export function in your BIM software, or you can use a third-party tool like BIMserver, BIM Vision, or BIM Surfer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?