Commercial software with significant market share and popularity often comes with its own unique file formats. Some of these formats primarily contain geometric data, while others may offer more comprehensive information. BIM file formats are widely adopted; however, at this stage in the industry, CAD remains the dominant software tool in engineering and construction. Consequently, CAD file formats continue to be the most commonly used.
Industry professionals encounter these various file formats daily. To facilitate better understanding, the following list presents common file formats in alphabetical order based on their extensions, sourced from the Institute for BIM in Canada (IBC).
1. CGR: This file format is used by Gehry Technology’s Digital Project products.
2. DWG: Standing for DraWinG, this is AutoCAD’s native file format, used by Autodesk since 1982. As of 2009, there were 18 different DWG versions in use. Although DWG files can store some metadata, they primarily focus on geometric and graphic data, making them insufficient for supporting full BIM applications.
3. DXF: The Drawing eXchange Format was developed by Autodesk as a graphic exchange format for transferring information between AutoCAD and other software. It mainly supports 2D graphic data and has limited 3D geometry capabilities, which restricts its effectiveness for BIM data exchange.
4. DWF: Design Web Format is a compressed, lightweight file format developed by Autodesk for design review in network environments. It is a one-way data format, primarily intended for viewing rather than editing.
5. DGN: Developed by Bentley for its MicroStation series, the DesiGN format has evolved since 2000 to support BIM data, making it more versatile for modern design workflows.
6. PLN: The Draw PLaN format was created by Graphisoft for its ArchiCAD product. Launched in 1987, it is recognized as the world’s first BIM data format to achieve notable market share.
7. RVT: This is the native BIM data format used by Autodesk’s Revit software series.
8. STP: Also known as STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product data), this internationally recognized standard is widely used in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial, and consumer products. It is primarily intended for exchanging geometric data.
9. VWX: Developed by Nemetschek in 2008, this BIM format is used in their Vectorworks software products.
10. 3D PDF: Portable Document Format files designed for 3D data, created by Adobe. This unidirectional format is used for publishing and reviewing 3D designs, similar to Autodesk’s DWF format.
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