Drawing Interchange File Format (Binary)

Summary

Name

Drawing Interchange File Format (Binary)

Version

R11/12

Identifiers

• PUID: fmt/81
• MIME: image/vnd.dxf

Format type

Image (Vector)

Family

DXF

Disclosure

Full

Description

Binary DXF format is the binary encoded variant of the Drawing Interchange File Format, an exchange format for vector graphics developed by AutoDesk. They are probably the widely-used formats for exchanging vector data, and have become a de-facto industry standard. The format is owned by AutoDesk and typically changes with each release of their AutoCAD family of products. DXF files contain a tagged representation of the vector data. The structure comprises a Header section, followed by sections containing data on Classes, Tables, Blocks, Entities and, optionally, thumbnail images. Each section contains a series of data elements. each preceded by a group code tag, which indicates the type of data element. Binary DXF was first developed in AutoCAD Release 10. It should not be confused with the DXB format - this is an entirely separate AutoDesk format for binary encoding vector graphics. Binary DXF Release 11/12 is the version of the format associated with Releases 11 and 12 of the AutoCAD software.

File extensions

dxf

Source

Digital Preservation Department / The National Archives

Developed by

Autodesk

Supported by

Autodesk

Relationships

Equivalent to

• Drawing Interchange File Format (ASCII) R11/12

Has priority over

• Drawing Interchange Format (Binary) Generic

Is previous version of

• AutoCAD Drawing R13
• Drawing Interchange File Format (Binary) R13

Is subsequent version of

• Drawing Interchange File Format (Binary) R10

Internal signatures

Changelog

• Updated in V97

  Release date

  1 October 2020

  Drawing Interchange Format (Binary) R11/12: File format information updated and signature updated. Submitted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.