File Extension Database

Open DFW File

A file with the DWF extension is an Autodesk Design Web file, hence the acronym for the extension, created in computer-aided design (CAD) programs.

The DWF is a highly compressed version of a CAD file that is useful for viewing, printing, and transmitting the design without the need for the recipient to understand how to use the CAD software, which created the original drawing.

DWF files can be really simple and include a single sheet or have multiple and be complex to the point of having fonts, color, and images.

DWF files can be opened regardless of the hardware, software or operating system that was used to create them, which makes it a highly portable format, just like PDF files.

DWF files are also useful as they can be created in a way that they mask part of the recipient's design, effectively sharing only what the creator wants to see, ideal when copyright is considered.

Open a DWF file

Autodesk AutoCAD and Inventor software, CADSoftTools ABViewer, and many other CAD programs can open, create, and edit DWF files.

Autodesk has several free ways to view a DWF file without the need for your AutoCAD software.

This can be done through its Design Review program, the free online DWF viewer called Autodesk Viewer, and its Autodesk A360 mobile app.

In the past, Autodesk offered a service called Freewheel that could view DWF files online without the need for any software, but this was discontinued and supported in 2014.

Software to open a DWF file

How Can I Open DFW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DFW file is to find a DFW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DFW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DFW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DFW file opener then try to search online for "DFW viewer", "application to open DFW file" or "open DFW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DFW file

How Can I Open DFW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DFW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DFW file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DFW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DFW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DFW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DFW file then try to search for "DFW viewer", "application to open DFW file" or "read DFW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DFW file

How Can I Open DFW File on Android

If you downloaded a DFW file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DFW file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DFW".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DFW viewer", "DFW file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DFW File on iPhone or iPad

To open DFW File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DFW file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DFW". This way you can find apps which can open DFW files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DFW viewer" or "DFW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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