Getting started with 2D CAD drafting

The field of 2D CAD within the AEC industry is currently dominated by AutoCAD, and in particular, the proprietary DWG file format. Heavy reliance on AutoCAD, along with the tight control that Autodesk exerts over the proprietary DWG file format, both stifles innovation and perpetuates proprietary software in our industry.

To make the switch, there are two key ways in which you can make a difference in the industry. The first is by requesting and producing the open DXF format instead of the proprietary DWG format. The second is by switching from AutoCAD to another software entirely.

Switch from DWG to DXF

DXF is an open format that provides many similar features to DWG. In general, DXF is much more widely supported and has much better cross-platform support. It is extremely easy to switch. Almost all CAD software has the ability to read and write DXF, so it is simply a manner of making it a habit to use one instead of the other. It is also usually a good idea to specify DXF as a digital deliverable in contracts. Most BIM projects currently specify IFC as an OpenBIM format, but neglect to also specify DXF as an open format.

A comparison table is provided to help people learn the difference between the two formats.