Commercial software with notable market share and popularity each has its own unique file formats. Some of these formats may contain only geometric data, while others include more comprehensive information. Although BIM file formats are widely recognized, in the current historical phase where CAD remains the primary software tool in the engineering and construction industry, CAD file formats continue to be the most commonly used. Industry professionals encounter these file formats daily, so they are compiled here for easy reference. The following list is organized alphabetically by file format extension, sourced from the Institute for BIM in Canada (IBC).
1. CGR: The file format used by Gehry Technology’s Digital Project products.
2. DWG: Standing for DraWinG format, this is AutoCAD’s native file format developed by Autodesk since 1982. As of 2009, there are 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 full BIM applications.
3. DXF: The Drawing eXchange Format, created by Autodesk, serves as a graphic exchange format facilitating information transfer between AutoCAD and other software. It mainly supports 2D graphic information and has limited 3D geometric capabilities, which restricts its effectiveness for BIM data exchange.
4. DWF: Design Web Format is a compressed, lightweight format developed by Autodesk for design review within network environments. It is a one-way data format, primarily used for viewing rather than editing.
5. DGN: The DesiGN format, developed by Bentley, supports its MicroStation series products. Since 2000, the DGN format has been updated to include support for BIM data.
6. PLN: The Draw PLaN format, developed by Graphisoft for its ArchiCAD software, was introduced in 1987. It is recognized as the world’s first BIM data format to achieve significant market presence.
7. RVT: ReViT is the BIM file format used by Autodesk Revit software.
8. STP: STandardized Exchange of Product data, also known as STEP, is a widely used international standard for CAD data exchange in manufacturing industries including automotive, aerospace, industrial, and consumer products. It primarily supports geometric data exchange.
9. VWX: The BIM format developed by Nemetschek in 2008, used by their Vectorworks line of products.
10. 3D PDF: The Portable Document Format developed by Adobe for publishing and reviewing 3D design data. Similar to Autodesk’s DWF, it is a unidirectional format primarily for viewing purposes.
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