What Is a DWF File?

This article explains what a DWF file is, how to open one on your computer or phone, and how to convert one to a different file format.

What Is a DWF File?

A file with the DWF file extension is an Autodesk Design Web Format file created in computer-aided design (CAD) programs. It's a highly compressed version of a CAD file that's useful for viewing, printing, and transmitting the design without the need for the recipient to understand how to use the software that created the original drawing.

The file can be really simple and include just a single sheet or have multiples and be complex to the point of having fonts, color, and images.

Similar to the PDF format, DWF files can be opened regardless of the hardware, software, or operating system that was used to create it. They're also useful in that they can be created in a way that masks part of the design from the recipient, effectively sharing only what the creator wants to be seen.

How to Open a DWF File

Autodesk's AutoCAD and Inventor software, ABViewer from CADSoftTools, and likely many other CAD programs are able to open, create, and edit DWF files.

Autodesk has several free ways you can view the file without the need for their AutoCAD software. This can be done through their Design Review program, the free online Autodesk Viewer.

The free Navisworks 3D Viewer opens this format as well, but it, too, can't edit the file. The same is true for the viewer at ShareCAD.org.

Revit can export to the DWF format, so it might be able to open these files as well.

Having been created with ZIP compression means you can open one with a file zip/unzip program like 7-Zip. Opening one this way lets you see various XML and binary files that make up the drawing, but it won't let you view the design like you can with these other programs.

How to Convert a DWF File

Using AutoCAD is, of course, the easiest way to convert a DWF file to another format. Look for the option in the File menu, or an Export or Convert section.

AnyDWG's Any DWF to DWG Converter does just what you'd think—it converts the file to DWG or DXF, and can even do so in batch to convert several folders of drawing files at once. Also supported is the ability to extract images from the DWF file.

You might also be able to convert to DWG using nothing but the Design Review program linked above. See this post at JTB World Blog for details.

Another converter from AnyDWG saves DWF to the PDF format. AutoCAD and Design Review should have the ability to save to PDF as well, but if not, you can install a free PDF printer that lets you "print" (i.e., save) files to PDF.

If none of those programs are helpful, try Filestar. It's a desktop app, so you install it to your Windows or Mac computer. It can convert from DWF to several formats.

Still Can't Open It?

It's possible you have a file that isn't actually an Autodesk Design Web Format file but, instead, just appears to be. Some file types use an extension that's spelled a lot like DWF, but it doesn't necessarily mean they can open with the same tool or can be converted in the same way.

For example, WDF looks similar, but is used for formats such as Workshare Compare Delta and Windows Driver Foundation.

Another file format that actually is similar to Design Web Format is Design Web Format XPS, which uses the DWFX file extension. However, even this file type isn't compatible with every program mentioned above. It's usable with AutoCAD, Design Review, and Microsoft XPS Viewer (and possibly other XPS file openers).

The idea here is that if your file won't open even after trying all the DWF openers and converters above, double-check the file extension and then research those letters/numbers to learn more about the format it's in. From there, you shouldn't have any problem finding a compatible opener or converter.