56 catalogued formats
CAD & Engineering Formats
CAD files are built around precise geometry and drawing structure rather than pixels. DWG and DXF carry drafting data, STEP and IGES exchange solid models, and IFC describes building information. Converting between these families is not a simple extension change because each format has its own tolerance, units, and feature model.
Why this format suite matters
- Engineering teams often need a neutral exchange format that another CAD package can import.
- Drawing files may contain dimensions, layers, blocks, and references that a mesh or PDF export cannot preserve.
- Model units and tolerance settings can change the physical meaning of the geometry after conversion.
Common formats in this suite
A sample of the catalog. Not every extension has a live converter.
| Format | Extension | MIME | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASM | .asm | application/octet-stream | ASM CAD format |
| CATDRAWING | .catdrawing | application/octet-stream | CATDRAWING CAD format |
| CATPART | .catpart | application/octet-stream | CATPART CAD format |
| CATPRODUCT | .catproduct | application/octet-stream | CATPRODUCT CAD format |
| CGR | .cgr | application/octet-stream | CGR CAD format |
| CIF | .cif | application/octet-stream | CIF CAD format |
| G3D | .g3d | application/octet-stream | G3D CAD format |
| G4 | .g4 | application/octet-stream | G4 CAD format |
| GBR | .gbr | application/octet-stream | GBR CAD format |
| GDS | .gds | application/octet-stream | GDS CAD format |
| GM | .gm | application/octet-stream | GM CAD format |
| HSC | .hsc | application/octet-stream | HSC CAD format |
| IAM | .iam | application/octet-stream | IAM CAD format |
| IPT | .ipt | application/octet-stream | IPT CAD format |
| KICAD PCB | .kicad_pcb | application/octet-stream | KICAD_PCB CAD format |
| KO | .ko | application/octet-stream | KO CAD format |
| LNK | .lnk | application/octet-stream | LNK CAD format |
| M2D | .m2d | application/octet-stream | M2D CAD format |
| M3D | .m3d | application/octet-stream | M3D CAD format |
| Microsoft Access Database | .mdb | application/x-msaccess | MDB CAD format |
| MODEL | .model | application/octet-stream | MODEL CAD format |
| MPN | .mpn | application/octet-stream | MPN CAD format |
| OP | .op | application/octet-stream | OP CAD format |
| PAM | .pam | application/octet-stream | PAM CAD format |
Showing 24 of 56 catalogued formats. Use the converter directory for supported tools.
Common workflows
Supplier exchange
STEP or IGES can provide a vendor-neutral handoff when the recipient does not use the same CAD application.
2D drawing review
DXF is commonly used for drawing exchange, while PDF is useful for review and approval rather than editing.
Building projects
IFC is designed for building information exchange and carries more than raw geometry.
Before you convert
Start with the application that must open the result. STEP or IGES can provide a vendor-neutral handoff when the recipient does not use the same CAD application. Keep the original file until the output has been opened and checked. A format name alone does not guarantee compatibility, especially for cad & engineering formats data that may include references, layers, or platform-specific metadata.
- Confirm the source file opens correctly in its original application.
- Identify the exact format and version the destination accepts.
- Keep the source until the converted file has been reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I convert DWG to DXF online?
- Only if a real converter is available and listed on the site. A reference page does not imply that every pair can be converted here.
- Does CAD conversion preserve dimensions and layers?
- It depends on the source and target formats. Neutral geometry formats may not preserve dimensions, constraints, or application-specific objects.
- Is STEP better than STL for engineering?
- STEP stores precise geometry and is better for CAD exchange. STL is a faceted mesh format intended mainly for printing and visualization.
- Why does a converted model have the wrong units?
- The source and target may assume different units. Check the import settings and scale the model explicitly if the result is not the expected size.
- What should I check before converting a cad & engineering formats file?
- Confirm that the source opens in its original application, identify the format the destination requires, and keep an untouched copy. Test one representative file before processing a batch, especially when metadata, links, geometry, or layout matters.