Guide

AutoCAD DWF (Design Web Format) : A file format for sharing CAD data

If you’re looking for a clear, complete guide to dwf (Design Web Format) in AutoCAD, this article explains what DWF is, why and when to use it, step‑by‑step instructions for exporting/opening/converting, editing options, common errors and fixes, and practical tips for workflows.

What is the DWF (Design Web Format)?

DWF (Design Web Format) is a lightweight, secure file format created by Autodesk to publish and share CAD data without sending full DWG files. A DWF file can contain 2D drawings, 3D models, layers, object properties, and metadata while keeping the file size much smaller than the original DWG. DWFx is the XML‑based variant compatible with the XPS standard.

Key characteristics:

  • Read‑only by design (intended for review and markup rather than full CAD editing).
  • Supports layers, plot settings, object data, and measurements.
  • Ideal for sharing with stakeholders who need to view and mark up designs but not alter DWG geometry.

Why use DWF? Purposes and benefits

  • Shareability: Smaller files that are easy to email or publish on project portals.
  • Security: Keeps the original DWG geometry safe; recipients see and markup but don’t get the editable source.
  • Review & collaboration: Compatible with Autodesk Design Review for viewing, measuring, and applying markups.
  • Preserve drawing intent: Includes plot styles, layers, and sheet sets so reviewers see the drawing as intended.
  • Cross‑platform viewing: DWFx can be opened on systems that support XPS viewers.

Common use cases:

  • Client or contractor reviews
  • Internal QA/approval cycles
  • Archiving published design sets
  • Field teams viewing drawings without CAD software

When and how to use DWF in AutoCAD

When to choose DWF over PDF or DWG

  • Use DWF when you want a compact, CAD‑aware exchange format that supports layers and object properties.
  • Use PDF when you need universal viewing/printing with guaranteed layout fidelity but less CAD metadata.
  • Use DWG when the recipient needs to edit geometry.

How to export (publish) a DWF from AutoCAD — step‑by‑step

  1. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
  2. Prepare your sheets/layouts: set viewports, scales, layers, and plot styles as you want them to appear.
  3. Use one of these commands:
    • Type EXPORT and choose DWF or DWFx, or
    • Use the PUBLISH command and choose DWF as the output format to publish multiple layouts/sheets at once.
  4. Configure DWF options:
    • Select sheet set or individual layouts.
    • Include object data and layers if you want recipients to access metadata.
    • Choose DWFx for better compatibility with Windows XPS if needed.
  5. Save the DWF file and verify by opening it in a DWF viewer (see next section).

Tips: use PUBLISH for batch export of multiple sheets; use DWFx if recipients use Windows XPS viewers or if you need increased compatibility.

How to view and markup DWF

  • Recommended viewer: Autodesk Design Review (free). It supports:
    • Viewing 2D/3D content
    • Measuring and markup tools
    • Stamp and revision management
  • Other options: some third‑party viewers and web‑based viewers support DWF/DWFx.
  • Typical workflow:
    1. Open the DWF in Design Review.
    2. Use Markup tools to add comments, measurements, and stamps.
    3. Save the DWF with markups and return to the author.
    4. The author can review markups in the DWF and implement changes in the DWG.

How to bring DWF content back into AutoCAD (edit workflows)

DWF is not intended as an editable CAD master. To work with geometry from a DWF in AutoCAD, use one of these methods:

Method A — Underlay and trace (recommended, most reliable):

  1. In AutoCAD, insert the DWF as an underlay (use the DWFUNDERLAY or ATTACH command if available).
  2. Create new layers and trace the visible geometry to rebuild editable DWG objects.
  3. Import object data manually if needed.

Method B — Convert with third‑party tools:

  • Use a DWF-to-DWG converter tool (third‑party). Results vary; expect cleanup and verification.
  • There is no guaranteed direct, lossless DWF→DWG converter; vendor tools may help but always check accuracy.

Method C — Request original DWG:

  • Ask the sender for the original DWG or an exported DWG rather than a DWF if you need full editing.

Editing DWF: tools and limitations

  • Autodesk Design Review: excellent for viewing and marking up, but it does not produce editable DWG geometry.
  • AutoCAD: can attach DWF as an underlay; you must manually trace to create editable entities.
  • Third‑party converters: can attempt direct conversion to DWG/DXF but often require cleanup.
  • DWFx/XPS viewers: good for simple viewing and printing.

Limitations to remember:

  • DWF is designed for review, not for full editing.
  • Some data (complex 3D parametrics, certain object types) may not convert cleanly back to DWG.
  • Layer names, lineweights, and text may need manual correction after conversion.

Common errors, causes and fixes

  • Error: “DWF file won’t open”

    • Fix: Install or update Autodesk Design Review or a compatible DWF viewer. Try opening DWFx with an XPS viewer if appropriate.

  • Error: “Missing fonts or wrong text display”

    • Cause: Fonts used in the DWG weren’t embedded or are not installed.
    • Fix: Request that the sender embed fonts in the DWF or install the needed fonts on your system.

  • Error: “Measurements incorrect”

    • Cause: DWF may not preserve scale if it was exported without proper plot scale settings.
    • Fix: Verify export settings in AutoCAD (include scale, paper space vs model space options). Re-export with correct scales.

  • Error: “Layers/metadata missing”

    • Cause: Export options excluded object data or layers.
    • Fix: Re-export ensuring Include layer and object data is enabled.

  • Error: “Cannot convert DWF to DWG accurately”

    • Fix: Use underlay + trace approach in AutoCAD, or request original DWG. If using a converter, expect manual cleanup.

  • Error: “File corrupted”

    • Fix: Ask sender to re-export and send again; try opening on a different machine or viewer.

Practical tips and best practices

  • When exporting, enable object data and layers if recipients need metadata.
  • Use DWFx for better compatibility on modern Windows systems (XPS support).
  • For multi‑sheet sets, use PUBLISH to create a single DWF that contains all sheets.
  • Include revision stamps and markups in DWF to maintain a clear review history.
  • If recipients will annotate, ask for a returned DWF with markups rather than screenshots.
  • Always keep an original DWG backup when using DWF for sharing.
  • Use descriptive file names and include project and revision info in metadata for SEO and searchability in project archives.

Common workflows and examples

  • Contractor review: Export construction sheets to DWF, send to contractor for markups, receive DWF with comments and integrate changes into DWG.
  • Client presentation: Publish selected layouts as a DWF for small, fast downloads while preserving layer visibility and plotting characteristics.
  • Archiving: Save published DWF/DWFx sets for historical reference; they are smaller and include sheet‑level metadata.

FAQ

What is the difference between DWF and DWFx?

Answer: DWFx is the XML/XPS variant of DWF designed to integrate with Windows XPS viewers. Functionally similar for CAD data, DWFx offers improved compatibility on systems that support XPS and can be opened with the built‑in Windows XPS Viewer in many cases. Use DWFx if recipients don’t have a dedicated DWF viewer.

Can I open a DWF in AutoCAD and edit it directly?

Answer: No — DWF is intended as a publish/review format, not a native editable CAD file. You can attach a DWF as an underlay and trace the geometry to recreate editable objects, or use third‑party converters, but expect manual cleanup.

Which tool should I use to view and markup DWF files?

Answer: Use Autodesk Design Review (free) for the best experience: viewing, measuring, and adding markups. Some third‑party and web viewers can open DWF/DWFx but may lack full markup capabilities.

How do I preserve layers and object data when exporting to DWF?

Answer: When exporting (via EXPORT or PUBLISH), enable options to include layer and object data. Use the publish settings to select which layers and properties to include.

My DWF text looks wrong — how do I fix missing fonts?

Answer: Ask the exporter to embed fonts when creating the DWF, or install the missing fonts locally. If embedding isn’t possible, convert text to geometry or provide a PDF alongside the DWF.

Is DWF better than PDF for sharing CAD drawings?

Answer: It depends. DWF preserves CAD metadata (layers, object data, measurement tools) and is smaller. PDF is more universally accessible and reliably preserves layout for printing. Choose DWF for CAD review and PDF for universal printing/distribution.

Can DWF contain 3D models?

Answer: Yes — DWF supports 3D model data and 3D views, but 3D content in DWF is for visualization and review. Editing complex 3D geometry usually requires the original 3D source file (e.g., DWG, RVT).

My DWF file is corrupted — what should I do?

Answer: Request the sender to re-export and resend. Try opening the file in a different viewer or on another machine. If corruption persists, request the original DWG or a PDF copy.

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