What Is An AutoCAD DWF File?

An AutoCAD DWF (design web format) file is a compact, lightweight, and efficient format created to share, view, and print AutoCAD drawings without exposing the original editable DWG data. DWF files preserve geometry, layers, lineweights, and metadata while making distribution faster and more secure for reviewers who do not have AutoCAD installed.

Table of Contents

What is a DWF file and why use it?

A DWF file stores a representation of AutoCAD drawings optimized for viewing, printing, and markup, not full editing. There is also DWFx, an XML/XPS-based variant compatible with Windows XPS viewers and some modern browsers.

Lightweight: smaller file size than DWG, faster to send by email or publish on the web.
Secure: shares read-only visual content without exposing editable CAD data (DWG).
Markup-friendly: supports annotations and review workflows when opened with supported viewers.
Web publishing: suitable for posting drawings online for clients or stakeholders.

Typical uses and examples

collaboration: Send DWF to clients/colleagues for design review and markup without requiring AutoCAD.
Web & public distribution: Publish design documentation on websites while protecting source files.
Reduced file size: Convert complex DWG to DWF to speed up transfer and reduce storage.
Printing: Provide reliable print-ready views that preserve layout and scale.

How to create a DWF from AutoCAD (step-by-step)

Follow these steps in AutoCAD to export drawings to DWF/DWFx:

Open your drawing (.dwg) in AutoCAD.
Clean up the file: purge unused layers/styles (use the PURGE command) and bind or detach unnecessary xrefs.
Choose one of these methods:
- Export method:
  - Click Application Menu (big A) > Export > Other Formats (or DWF/PDF) > select DWF (.dwf) or DWFx (.dwfx).
  - Configure options (include layouts, layers, scale). Choose output folder and click Save.
- Publish method (for multiple sheets):
  - Type PUBLISH or choose Output tab > Batch Plot / Publish.
  - Add the layouts you want and set Publish to DWF/DWFx as the output.
  - Set plot styles and page setups if necessary, then click Publish.
- Plot to DWF driver:
  - File > Plot. Select a DWF or DWFx plotter/printer in the printer/plotter list. Click OK to create the DWF.
Verify the exported DWF in a viewer to confirm layers, scale, and markups are preserved.

Tips: Use DWFx for better compatibility with Windows XPS viewers and some modern browsers.

How to open, view and markup DWF files

Tools and steps to view DWF:

Web viewer:
- Autodesk Viewer (web) — upload DWF/DWFx and view in browser, no install required.
Desktop viewers:
- Autodesk Design Review (legacy) — can view and markup DWF files (if available).
- Windows XPS Viewer — opens DWFx files because DWFx is XPS-based.
In AutoCAD:
- Use Attach or import plugins if you need raster snapshots; note: AutoCAD is primarily for DWG editing, not direct editing of DWF content.
Online converters/viewers:
- Third-party online services can preview DWF/DWFx or convert to PDF.

How to markup:

Open DWF in a viewer that supports annotations (e.g., Autodesk Viewer or Design Review).
Use markup tools to add comments, cloud revisions, measurements, and statuses.
Save or export the marked-up DWF to share feedback.

Converting DWF to other formats (alternatives)

DWF to PDF:
- Best method: Re-export the original DWG to PDF using AutoCAD or use an online converter. Some viewers can “print” DWF to PDF as well.
DWF to DWG (editable):
- Converting back to a full editable DWG is limited and unreliable. DWF is not meant to store full CAD intelligence. Options:
  - Request the original DWG from the sender (recommended).
  - Use third-party conversion tools — expect loss of layers, attributes, and editing capability.
DWFx to XPS:
- DWFx is XPS-based and may open in XPS-compatible viewers; you can print or export from there to PDF.

Common errors and fixes

Problem: “I cannot open the DWF file.”
- Fix: Ensure you have a compatible viewer. For DWFx, use Windows XPS Viewer or Autodesk Viewer. For DWF, use Autodesk Viewer or a DWF-capable desktop app.
Problem: “Text/labels show as gibberish or missing fonts.”
- Fix: When exporting, embed fonts or use TrueType fonts. Alternatively, convert text to geometry before export or send the original DWG with fonts.
Problem: “Scale or dimension sizes are incorrect when printed.”
- Fix: Verify page setup and plot scale before exporting. Use the Publish dialog to confirm sheet scales. Include scale annotation on the drawing.
Problem: “Markups are not visible to recipients.”
- Fix: Ensure the viewer supports markups and that the markup layer is visible. Save markups correctly and send the marked file or a summary report.
Problem: “Large DWF is still slow or crashes.”
- Fix: Break the drawing into smaller sheets, simplify geometry, purge unused objects, and bind xrefs or send xrefs separately with eTransmit.
Problem: “I need to edit geometry from a DWF.”
- Fix: Request the DWG source. If unavailable, try a conversion tool but expect limited editing capability and potential data loss.

Tips and best practices

Always keep the original DWG and export a DWF for distribution — DWF is for viewing and review, not long-term editable storage.
Use DWFx for better compatibility with modern Windows viewers.
For multi-sheet sets, use Publish (Batch Plot) to create a single packaged DWF.
Embed necessary fonts and include xrefs or use eTransmit to avoid missing resources.
Add document metadata (project name, revision, author) before exporting to make files easier to manage.
For web publishing, compress and optimize DWFs and consider also providing a PDF for users who prefer that format.
Maintain a consistent naming convention and versioning for distributed DWFs (e.g., ProjectName_Sheet_Rev.dwf).

FAQ

Can I edit a DWF file directly and save changes in AutoCAD?

No. DWF is intended for viewing and markup, not full editing. To edit the drawing, request the original DWG or use a conversion tool (limited results). The recommended workflow is to apply markups to the DWF and then update the DWG in AutoCAD.

What’s the difference between DWF and DWFx?

DWFx is the XML/XPS-based variant of DWF. It is more compatible with Windows XPS viewers and some browsers. Functionally both are for sharing and viewing drawings, but DWFx may open more easily on modern Windows systems.

Is DWF secure for sharing sensitive designs?

DWF provides a read-only representation which helps protect editable CAD data, but it is not a substitute for full encryption. For sensitive files consider additional protections (secure transfer methods, password-protected PDFs, or secure file-sharing services).

Can I convert a DWF into a precise, editable DWG?

Not reliably. Converting DWF to DWG typically loses editing intelligence (layers, blocks, attributes). Ask for the original DWG when edits are required.

How do I ensure fonts and annotations appear correctly in DWF?

When exporting, embed fonts or use widely available TrueType fonts. Preview the DWF in a viewer before distribution. If necessary, convert text to geometry for guaranteed appearance.

Which viewer should I recommend to clients who don’t use CAD?

Use the Autodesk Viewer (web) for no-install viewing and simple markups. For Windows users who have DWFx, the Windows XPS Viewer is an option. If available, Autodesk Design Review supports advanced markup workflows.

My DWF prints at the wrong scale — how do I fix it?

Check the plot scale and page setup used when exporting. In AutoCAD, confirm each layout’s page setup and use the Publish dialog to verify sheet scales before generating the DWF.

Are there good alternatives to DWF for distribution?

Yes. PDF is widely used and can embed fonts, lock pages, and be printed reliably. For editable exchanges use DWG with a secure transmittal (eTransmit or ZIP with password).