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CAD BIM file formats

CAD File Formats

ACIS | DGN | DWF | DWFx | DWG | DXF | STP


CAD is an abbreviation for "Computer-Aided Design", i.e. computer-aided design. That means any software allowing users to create 2D drawings and 3D models on the screen Computer. These models can then be used in other programs to creating documentation such as drawings, printouts and simulations physical objects.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a building design process that involves creating 3D models that contain geometry information, and physical and technical characteristics of the individual construction elements. BIM file formats also contain information about history of changes, which facilitates cooperation and coordination between the different specialists such as architects, engineers and designers.


Here are some common CAD file formats:

ACIS (SAT or SAB)

ACIS is a 3D solid and surface modeling library, published and sold by Spatial Technology, Inc. This library is used in the by many popular 3D modeling CAD programs as the main modeling engine. The native format of an ACIS file is called SAT, and ACIS-enabled applications can import and export it. The SAT extension stands for ACIS Standard Text File. SAT files are stored in ASCII text format. Data stored in files SAT can also be saved in binary format if necessary. The SAB file format is used for this.

DGN (Graphical Network Design)

DGN File is a graphical representation of the web design. DGN is a file format used in MicroStation to create, editing and storing CAD (computer-aided design) designs. Format This was developed by Bentley Systems and is often used in the architectural, engineering and construction industries. Files DGNs contain geometric information such as lines, shapes, dimensions and text, as well as layer and material properties such as information about the project, such as metadata, versions, and information about the Author. DGN files are typically saved in binary format, although There is also a text version. DGN is considered a competitor to the format DWG used in AutoCAD software, but it is more popular among MicroStation users.


DWF/DWFx (Design Web Format)

DWF/DWFx is a file format created by Autodesk for sharing, printing, and viewing design documentation. DWF is the output format for AutoCAD files, and DWFx is an XML-compatible extension.

The DWF/DWFx format allows you to transfer design documentation without the need to install CAD software on the recipient's computer. DWF/DWFx files preserve layers, colors, line weights, and other graphics settings for easy collaboration between different users.

Autodesk Design Review, which is free to download, allows you to view, print, and annotate DWF/DWFx files, and is also supported by many other design documentation review programs.


DWG (Drawing AutoCAD)

DWG file format (Drawing) used to create and store graphics vector in CAD software. It was developed by Autodesk Inc. In development has become the undisputed CAD standard and has been adopted by many other companies. AutoCAD is the industry standard for creating 2D drawings and 3D models. This type of drawing program is commonly Used by architects, surveyors, engineers and construction companies.


DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)

DXF files (Drawing Interchange Format) is an image file format created by Autodesk. DXF is widely used in industry, especially in the CAD (computer-aided design) industry, as a universal format for data exchange between different CAD programs.

The DXF format is used to store two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawing data, such as civil designs, mechanical floor plans, electrical designs, and many more. Since DXF is supported by many CAD programs, it allows you to easily transfer and share files between different programs.

DXF is also a text format, which means that DXF files can be viewed and edited in text-based programs such as Notepad. In addition, DXF files are relatively small, which means that they are easy to store and share via email or other data transfer methods.

As technology has evolved, the DXF format has undergone many changes and improvements, including the addition of support for three-dimensional objects, as well as the introduction of new features such as the ability to store information about materials and surface properties.


IGES (International Graphic Exchange Standard)

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is an open standard for data exchange between various CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems, enabling the transfer of geometric and topological information between different 3D design programs.

IGES was developed in the 1970s by the United States Air Force and includes many standards for different types of 3D objects. A significant advantage of IGES is that it is a text-based format, which means that it can be read and edited by a human. IGES is also platform-independent, which means that IGES files can be transferred between different operating systems.

IGES contains geometric information, such as points, lines, curves, and surfaces, as well as topological information, such as information about relationships between objects. The IGES standard is used to transfer data from CAD programs to CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) programs to produce a 3D model.

Although IGES was a very popular data exchange format in the 80s and 90s, it has now been largely replaced by more modern formats such as STEP (Standard for Exchange of Product model data). However, many older CAD systems still support the IGES format, so it can still be used to move data between these systems.


IGS (Initial Graphics Exchange)

A file with the .igs (Initial Graphics Exchange) extension is a 2D-3D CAD design interchange file format that is independent of the specification of the source or destination file format used by CAD applications. It is used to exchange design information regarding circuit diagrams, armature, free-form surfaces between two independent systems. It is similar to IGES and is a basic requirement for manufacturers to quote and design molds for your product. IGS has recently been replaced by the newer STEP(. STP). IGS files can be opened by applications such as ActCAD, Autodesk, FreeCAD, CADEX CAD Exchanger, ZwCAD, and other similar applications.


PDF (Portable Document Format)

A PDF file is a type of portable document format ( PDF ). This is an open standard document format used for electronic document exchange. This means that any application that supports PDF files will be able to read and view the contents of the PDF file in the original.


STEP (Standard for the Excharge from Product Data)

STP is a CAD file format that was developed as a standard for interchange data for the mechanical industry. It is a binary format that stores the geometry of the 3D model as well as information about the materials, tolerances, surfaces, and other attributes. Format STP allows you to transfer information between different CAD/CAM/CAE systems and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and interoperable forms of 3D data exchange.

CAD software that supports STEP files is min. ActCAD, AutoCAD, Fusion, GstarCAD, SolidWorks, OnShape, PTC Creo, CATIA and ArchiCAD or ZwCAD. One of the main advantages of this format and its popularity as a data exchange tool is that it is an official Standard International.

In conclusion, CAD file formats are essential for design computer-aided equipment. Each of the mentioned formats has its own application and characteristics, and the choice of the right format depends on the specific design needs. It is a good idea to choose a format, which is widely supported by various software and applications to facilitate the exchange of data between different platforms and systems.


19 Sep 2023
Dwg Dxf Dgn Dwt Dwf Dwfx Rvt Rva Ifc Cad formats Cad File Formats Bim File Formats Dwg files Dxf files DGN files Rvt files Acis files Acis Dwf files Dwfx Files DWT files Cad Recording Formats Sat files Sab Files Industry 4.0 Cad Software Technical documentation Engineering Design 3D models 2D drawings Cad files
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ActCAD products have reached users in 90 countries around the world. Users of ActCAD software range from corporate giants to individual customers who have found ActCAD to be a suitable alternative compared to other high-priced products in the 2D 3D CAD BIM design industry. Based on the statistics, we can see the growing reach of ActCAD software around the world every month. We owe our success to the implementation of rigorous CAD software quality control procedures and strong technical support from all users, including users who test our software during the trial period.
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ActCAD is a modern CAD software for 2D drawing and 3D modeling as well as working with BIM objects based on the latest solutions of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium.
Intelli CAD is a CAD software engine developed by the US-based IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC), a consortium founded in 1999 and operating as a non-profit organization.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) within ITC develop modules for CAD, BIM, DGN, Mobile, UI, etc. The IntelliCAD team professionally carries out the processes of CAD BIM software development, product testing, and constantly supports and improves the quality systems and products of the ITC Consortium members. ITC members work in different locations around the world and contribute to the development of technology in a cooperative way. The aim of this joint initiative is to provide technological support for software and service development to all ITC members worldwide. ActCAD 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 products are based on the successive development versions of the IntelliCAD engine, such as 6.6, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.2a, 10, 10.0a, and 10.1, 10.1a, 11, 11.1, 12, 12.1, and IntelliCAD 13
The latest version of ActCAD usually uses the latest IntelliCAD ITC engine.

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System requirements:
‌OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11
Version: 64bit
CPU: 1GHz or faster
(dual core or higher)
RAM: 3GB or more
HDD: 5GB available space
Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is not required for standard ActCAD users, but it is recommended for larger design drawings and models.
It is recommended that you update your graphics drivers.
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