DXF and PDF

[td88]

I've been asked to draw some details for inclusion in a website. I brought up the appropriateness of using PDF or DXF for that purpose. After bringing it up, I realized I don't know what DXF is and how it behaves. Is it as simple as saying it is a non editable form of a DWG in which you can view all of the entities as drawn? What is it, and I'm assuming you need some kind of viewer/reader from Autodesk to view it, if you don't have Autocad loaded. Just as you need Adobe Reader to read a PDF.

[Lee Mac]

See here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.dxf

 

Lotta info there

[Jadeous]

Ok, several fundimental differences here. If you mean a DWF, then that is like a PDF. Pretty much a 2D pic of what you are drawing. If you mean EXPORTING from DWG to a DWF or DXF then we are talking about a 3D pic of your drawing. So Guess it depends on what you are looking for. The PDF and DWF (non-exported) are pretty much the same thing. The DWF(exported) and the DXF are rather different. A DWG that is exported to a DWF is the 3D version viewing file, non editable. The DXF however is basically an ultra exploded DWG into only 2D lines that is editable.

 

DWF(non export DWG) - 2D pic

DWF(exported DWG) - 3D pic

DXF - Exploded DWG into 2D lines (editable)

PDF - 2D pic

 

D's open with AutoCad apps

P's open with Adobe

[td88]

Jadeous,

 

I think we're almost there. The only thing that's throwing me is the use of the term 3D. If I draw a floor plan or elevation in a DWG file, are you referring to this as a 3D? Not to say it may not be, I just never heard it described that way.

 

td88

[td88]

Lee Mac,

 

I read that before posting. Yes, a lot of info there but, none that answers my questions.

 

thanks,

 

td88

[Jadeous]

Sorry, I use AutoCad for 3D application. If you only drawing 2D then it sounds like a PDF would work best for you. A DXF is just a DWG that has all of its blocks and text exploded. Not sure it that clears oit up or not, but feel free to ask more questions if needed.

[td88]

Hi Jadeous,

 

Thanks for the clear answer, Jadeous. Here's why I was asking in the first place.

 

I thought it would be nice to post the drawings on the website as they appear onscreen in Acad, rather than the black lines on white background of the PDF but, since you describe the DXF as an exploded DWG, it sounds like it would be large file size and, therefore, unsuitable for web use.

 

If I did a screen shot and made a .jpg, would that accomplish anything or would I lose detail in that process, or even the DWF you mentioned, would that get the color image I'm after but, be less file size?

 

Workin' on it,

 

td88

[Siberian]

If I did a screen shot and made a .jpg, would that accomplish anything or would I lose detail in that process, or even the DWF you mentioned, would that get the color image I'm after but, be less file size?

 

I always prefer DWF over PDF simply because of file size, in addition PDFs can be slow to load if they get big. And color with DWF isn't a problem. With a .jpg you would probably get a lot of "noise" in the image, while a DWF would be much "cleaner"

[Jadeous]

Good point Sib

[td88]

Siberian,

 

Thanks for the input. To create a DWF I just choose that file type, when I save?

 

Also, when I go to a manufacturer's website and they have Autocad drawings of their products, is that usually DXF or DWG? At at this point, I don't know if the client intends his details to be downloadable and editable or just examples online. I'd like to present his best options.

 

Thanks,

 

td88

[Siberian]

DWF is usually an option in your list of printers/plotters like any ordinary printer, not from the "Save as..." option. On manufacturer's sites you might find files of all sorts, DXF, DWG, even 3DS if you're lucky. As for DXF and DWG, I'm not under the opinion that one is more prevalent than the other.