If you’re looking for a clear, step‑by‑step guide to using the 3ddwf command in AutoCAD, this article explains what the command does, how to use it, why it sometimes fails, alternative workflows, practical tips to optimize exports, and a helpful FAQ.
What is the 3ddwf command?
The 3ddwf command in AutoCAD creates a 3D DWF or 3D DWFx file from your 3D model and (depending on settings) opens it in a DWF viewer. A DWF/DWFx is a compact, shareable container that preserves geometry, layers, colors, and some metadata so others can review and navigate the 3D model without having AutoCAD.
Key benefits:
- Lightweight format for sharing 3D models.
- Preserves layers, colors, and basic object properties.
- Can be viewed in Autodesk Design Review, the Autodesk web viewer, or other DWF-capable viewers.
How to use the 3ddwf command (Step by step)
Quick shortcut
- Type 3DDWF in the AutoCAD command line and press Enter.
- Or use the ribbon: Output tab → Export (look for DWF/DWFx export options).
Detailed steps
- Prepare your model: ensure the objects you want to export are present in Model Space, visible (not frozen/off), and cleaned up (purged temporary layers if needed).
- Type 3DDWF and press Enter.
- In the Save dialog that appears, choose a filename and select .dwf or .dwfx as the file type.
- Review export options when prompted (see the Options section below). Typical choices include whether to include layers, background color, level of detail / quality, and which view extents to export.
- Click Save (or OK). AutoCAD will generate the DWF/DWFx file.
- If configured, AutoCAD may automatically launch your default DWF viewer so you can orbit, zoom, and inspect the exported 3D model.
Notes:
- If you need to export only part of the model, temporarily isolate the objects (Isolate, Hide, or move unwanted objects to a frozen layer) before running 3DDWF.
- For batch or automated exports, consider using the EXPORT command or scripts (see Alternatives).
Typical export options and what they mean
When exporting a 3D DWF/DWFx, AutoCAD may expose several common options. Exact dialog wording can vary by version:
- File format: Choose .dwf (older, widely supported) or .dwfx (XML-based, newer, sometimes more compatible with some viewers).
- Include layers: Export layer names and visibility so reviewers can toggle layers in the viewer.
- Quality / Level of detail: Higher quality increases fidelity but also file size. Use High for presentation and Medium/Low for sharing drafts.
- Background color: Choose whether to export with white/black/background color consistent with your AutoCAD visual style.
- Model extents / selection: Export entire model extents, current view, or selected objects (if supported).
- Metadata: Optionally include title, author, and other metadata.
Always preview or open the generated DWF to confirm the visual result meets expectations.
Why 3ddwf might not work — common problems and fixes
Problem: Command reports no 3D objects or produces an empty file.
- Fix: Confirm you have 3D solids, surfaces, or meshes in Model Space. If only 2D objects exist, a 3D DWF may be empty.
Problem: The exported file won’t open in the viewer.
- Fixes:
- Install or update a compatible viewer (e.g., Autodesk Design Review or use the Autodesk Viewer online).
- Verify file extension (.dwf/.dwfx) and file association.
- Check file permissions and save path (avoid network paths with restricted access).
Problem: Exported geometry looks wrong, clipped, or low quality.
- Fixes:
- Increase quality/level of detail in export options.
- Ensure no objects are on frozen or turned-off layers.
- Use REGEN or AUDIT/PURGE to clean the drawing before export.
- If the model uses custom objects from third‑party apps, convert them to basic solids/surfaces first.
Problem: Command not found or greyed out.
- Fixes:
- Verify your AutoCAD version supports the 3DDWF command (older or highly specialized vertical products may differ).
- Check workspace/ribbon: the command may be moved or not loaded. Use the command line to run 3DDWF directly.
- Repair or update AutoCAD if core export modules are damaged.
Problem: File size too large.
- Fixes:
- Reduce the quality/LOD, simplify meshes, remove unnecessary details, and purge unused objects/layers.
- Export only necessary views or object subsets.
Alternative commands and workflows
If 3DDWF doesn’t fit your needs, consider these alternatives:
- DWFOUT / DWFXOUT: Export tools that may offer different options for 2D and 3D DWF/DWFx export depending on your AutoCAD version.
- EXPORT: Use for other formats (e.g., STL, OBJ, FBX) if your recipients need formats for 3D printing or rendering.
- PUBLISH: Useful for batch exporting multiple sheets or views to DWF/PDF (mostly 2D workflows).
- Autodesk Viewer (web): Upload DWG or exported files to share interactive 3D views without requiring recipients to install software.
- Design Review: Free viewer from Autodesk for advanced DWF/DWFx review and markup (check compatibility with your file type).
- Convert model to STEP/IGES for CAD-to-CAD exchange when receiving software requires native CAD formats (use EXPORT or third-party converters).
Choose the workflow based on recipient needs: for review and lightweight viewing use DWF/DWFx; for manufacturing or rendering, prefer STL/OBJ/FBX/STEP.
Practical examples (before and after)
Example 1 — Sharing a design for review:
- Before: Complex 3D solids in AutoCAD, reviewers do not have AutoCAD.
- Action: Clean the drawing, type 3DDWF, select .dwfx, include layers, set Quality to Medium, save.
- After: Reviewers open the DWFx in Design Review, orbit the model, toggle layers, and add markups without AutoCAD.
Example 2 — Reducing file size for email:
- Before: High-detail assembly 150 MB DWG.
- Action: Isolate required components, simplify meshes, choose Low/Medium quality, export with 3DDWF.
- After: A lightweight DWF file (e.g., 5–20 MB) suitable for emailing while preserving reviewable geometry.
Tips to optimize 3D DWF exports
- Always clean the drawing: use PURGE, OVERKILL, and AUDIT.
- Use layers intentionally — export with layers enabled so recipients can toggle visibility.
- For presentation-quality images, export at High quality; for sharing drafts, lower the quality to save file size.
- If only a portion of the model is needed, isolate or copy the subset into a new file before exporting.
- Test the exported file on the target viewer before sending to stakeholders.
- Use .dwfx when you want better XML compatibility and sometimes better compatibility with newer viewers.
- Keep a small naming convention for exported files (project_model_view_YYYYMMDD.dwf) to help version control.
FAQ
What is the difference between .dwf and .dwfx?
.dwf is the original binary DWF format; .dwfx is a newer XML-based container. DWFX can be more interoperable with modern viewers and may include additional metadata. Both are supported by Autodesk viewers, but check the receiver’s tools for compatibility.
Can a 3D DWF include layers and object properties?
Yes — you can usually export layer information and basic object properties so reviewers can toggle layers and see colors. Complex custom properties may not always transfer.
Can I export only part of my drawing with 3ddwf?
Yes. Best practice is to isolate the objects you want to export (or copy them to a clean file) and then run 3DDWF so the export contains only the desired geometry.
Why does the exported DWF look lower quality than my AutoCAD view?
The export quality/level of detail controls tessellation (how curves and surfaces are approximated). Increase the quality in the export options or simplify the visual style before export to improve fidelity.
My recipient can’t open the DWF — what should I do?
Ask which viewer they are using. Recommend Autodesk Design Review or use the Autodesk Viewer (web) for browser-based viewing. Also ensure you sent the correct extension (.dwf/.dwfx) and that the file wasn’t corrupted during transfer.
Is DWF suitable for 3D printing?
No — DWF is for review and visualization, not direct 3D printing. For 3D printing, export to STL, OBJ, or other manufacturing formats.
Can others measure and mark up the model in a DWF?
Yes — many viewers (like Autodesk Design Review) allow measuring, markups, and comments on DWF/DWFx files, which is useful for collaborative review.
Which AutoCAD versions support 3DDWF?
Most modern AutoCAD releases include DWF export capabilities. If 3DDWF is unavailable, check for alternative export commands (DWFOUT, DWFXOUT, EXPORT) or update/repair your AutoCAD installation.