Today, there are several CAD software file types, each representing data in different file formats. The file type you will create in your project depends on the type of CAD software you are using.
While some programs allow for conversion of files to the format their application accepts, it’s good to know about the different types so you can manage them better. Here are the most used file types in 3D modeling, CAD software programs and our drafting services firm.
Keep in mind that while a program may support one file type, a module within that program may support a separate one. It depends on what type of file it is and what information it will need to produce. For example, the assemblies module in PTC Creo supports the .asm format, while the part module uses the .prt extension.
Widely used 3D CAD software file types
Autodesk features some of then most popular software packages on the market. It supports the following file formats:
.dwf
Used for 2D modeling, the dwf stands for “design web format.” It is highly compressed, so the size is smaller and more easily manageable and sharable.
.dwg
This binary file is used to save and manage 2D and 3D designs. It is the native format for many CAD programs, so it can be used across different platforms.
.dxf
The “drawing interchange format” is a text file that allows for data to be exchanged between AutoCAD and other programs. It’s been around since 1982 and is compatible with most other software. It is considered a neutral file format because of its compatibility.
.acis
This file type is part of a 3D modeling kernel used for 3D modeling, management and visualization. It supports two file types: standard ACIS Text (SAT) and Standard ACIS Binary (SAB). The SAT files are ASCII files that can be viewed with a text editor. SAB files are not meant to be readable because of their small size.
.bmp
Known beyond the drafting industry as a bitmap file format, this type is for raster image files. It is the file format of choice for Windows operating systems and is compatible with most other programs.
.3ds
This file format is used for 3D modeling, specifically Autodesk’s Max 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. Autodesk is the developer of AutoCAD.
.ipt
An Inventor Part File, this format is used in Inventor, an Autodesk program for designing 3D prototypes. It can be combined with other parts in assembly files.
PTO Creo, formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER is another popular choice among drafting and design professionals. The software supports these file formats:
.igs
The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) file format is a neutral data file that can be used within several different types of CAD programs to display technical information. It was developed so that exchanging files among programs would be easier.
.stp
The Standard for the Exchange of Product model data, or STEP, is the name of this type of file, which is used for 3D models. It was developed because there was a need to save more complex information about a product design. It can contain information about the entire life cycle of the design. It’s used in many different industries.
However, having multiple CAD file types can also create challenges for collaboration between different software programs or users, as the different file formats may not be compatible with each other. This is why interoperability between different CAD software programs is often an important consideration for users.
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