DXF is the abbreviation for Drawing Interchange Format; an exchange and database format for AutoCAD. Like the AutoCAD DWG format, DXF can describe both 2D and 3D data, though the number of defined elements is limited to those types used in AutoCAD.

The ability of the DXF format to store graphical style data is very limited; for example, DXF can only store line thicknesses and fills for specific elements. Consequently, when you transfer graphics between AutoCAD DXF and Arbortext IsoDraw ISO, elements generally make it through structurally intact with some loss of styling.