The DXF file format was developed by AutoDesk as a way to exchange CAD drawings between applications. The native binary DWG format used by AutoCAD is not documented and developers are cautioned against developing applications that use this format.

A DXF file is simply an ASCII text file with a file extension of DXF and specially formatted text.

The following passage is from the AutoDesk DXF documentation:

"AutoCAD can be used as a complete drawing editor. However, in some applications, other programs must examine AutoCAD drawings or generate drawings to be viewed, modified, or plotted with AutoCAD.

Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) files enable the interchange of drawings between AutoCAD and other programs. DXF files can be either ASCII or binary formats. All implementations of AutoCAD accept the ASCII DXF format (however, backwards compatibility is not guaranteed). ASCII DXF files can be easily translated to the formats of other CAD systems or submitted to other programs for specialized analysis. Because ASCII DXF files are more common than the binary format, this chapter uses the term DXF file when referring to ASCII DXF files and the term binary DXF files when referring to the binary format.

Both ASCII and binary DXF files contain a complete description of the AutoCAD drawing. Because much of the data in an AutoCAD drawing does not have an equivalent object type in other programs, the Drawing Interchange Binary (DXB) file format is provided, which creates a simpler geometric description of the drawing.

Note It is recommended that you not create programs to read .DWG files. The format of this file can change significantly as new features are added to AutoCAD. "

The SEAHORSE MOORING supports the ASCII DXF version.

AutoDesk does not publicly document the DWG format. There is no public documentation available to developers and AutoDesk warns you NOT to try and code for it. The DWG spec can (and does) change dramatically with every AutoCAD release. They have, however, made a commitment to uphold and document the DXF format. Developer's are STRONGLY encouraged to use the open DXF format.
 

 SOFTWARES USING DXF