Many industries use DXF files to exchange drawings between computer applications. The DXF file format exchanges design data between different CAD applications and saves files for use with other programs. It is a proprietary binary format that stores two and three-dimensional data in a single, human-readable ASCII text file. History of the DXF fileĪutodesk first developed the DXF file format in 1982. By understanding exactly what makes up this type of vector drawing format, you will have everything you need to ensure your design efforts are as efficient and effective as possible. In this article, we will look at what makes up a DXF file and explore how understanding its structure can help optimize your workflow.