DWF to PDF in a few easy steps – Convert DWF to PDF

So you’ve been provided with DWF plans (Design Web Format).  You typically work with PDFs though. How can you you take the DWF plan set and convert them to PDF to use with Bluebeam Revu while maintaining the ability to markup, measure, etc? It’s actually quite easy……..so let’s go from DWF to PDF in a few easy steps! See video below.

Not sure what a DWF file is? DWF  is a secure file format developed by Autodesk for the efficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print design files. DWF files are not a replacement for native CAD formats such as AutoCAD drawings (DWG).

If your resulting PDF file is larger than you expected, this thread on the Autodesk Design Review User Forum may help you.

How to View a DWF File

Design Review CAD viewer software lets you view and print DWF files. It will also view image files such as, .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .pcx, .pct, .png, .rlc, .tga, .tif, .mil, .cal, as well.

Wht is a DWFx?

DWFx is a newer version of the DWF file format. DWFx is based on XPS (XML Paper Specification.  This file can be viewed and printed with the Microsoft XPS Viewer. XPS Viewer is freely distributed with the Windows Operating Systems.

DWFx files are often larger than it’s DWF counterpart. DWFx files are best for those who cannot install Autodesk Design Review.

Fun Tech Tip

Want to see what a DWF file is made of?  Change the extension of the DWF file to .zip.  Then open it.

Is DWF still a viable file format for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction? This article claims that it is.  What are your thoughts? Comment below.

Check out this old tool for merging DWF comments