However, using the method below, users can ‘convert’ a DWF file into AutoCAD as an editable DWG using the following steps. DWF was intended to be a more secure format with additional properties like meta data and layers. What are the options if you need to edit the DWF file if the original DWG file gets lost or corrupted?ĪutoCAD 2017 introduced the PDF import and DWG conversion facility which enabled users to convert certain PDF files into vector-based DWG geometry, but we couldn’t directly import a DWF file. DWF files can be accessed by the free Design Review application, where they can be viewed, marked-up and printed. DWF is not intended to replace popular CAD formats, but instead is used to save designs in a more accessible, open format that can be opened in either a browser or similar free application without the need to purchase specific CAD software. This format was designed to be a device and resolution independent drawing format for distributing designs, whereas the PDF was more for general documentation. DWF files are saved in a Zip-compressed format to reduce their file size and was introduced back in 1995 to provide an alternative to Adobe's popular PDF format. It contains design data, which includes graphics and text. A DWF file is a 2D or 3D drawing saved in the Design Web Format (DWF) developed by Autodesk.
