Cadelo opens and writes the file formats that matter for real CAD work. Here’s what each one is, when to use it, and what Cadelo supports.
The two drawing formats
DWG (.dwg)
Autodesk’s proprietary drawing format — the de-facto standard in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. When someone sends you “a CAD file”, it’s usually DWG.
- Cadelo reads and writes DWG from R13 (1994) through R2018 — virtually every DWG you’ll encounter in the wild.
- DWG stores geometry, layers, text, dimensions, blocks, attributes, linetypes, xrefs, and layout/paper-space data.
DXF (.dxf)
Autodesk’s open, documented exchange format (Drawing Exchange Format, introduced 1982). Every serious CAD program reads DXF — AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, FreeCAD, Inkscape, and browser tools like Cadelo.
- Comes in ASCII (human-readable, larger) and binary (smaller, faster) flavors. Cadelo reads and writes R13–R2018.
- Use DXF when sharing with other software — it’s the universal handshake and what laser cutters, CNC shops, and makers expect.
Quick rule: receiving or sending to another CAD program → DXF is the safest. Keeping everything inside the AutoCAD world → DWG is fine. Either way, Cadelo handles both.
Export formats
| Format | Extension | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | .svg |
Vector graphics — logos, web, Illustrator/Inkscape |
.pdf |
Sharing, printing, submitting — universal | |
| STL | .stl |
3D printing (mesh of triangles) |
| STEP | .step |
3D CAD interchange with full solid geometry |
| OBJ | .obj |
3D mesh interchange — game engines, Blender |
| PNG | .png |
Raster image of the drawing |
Which format should you pick?
- “My client needs to edit it in AutoCAD” → DWG (R2018 or older)
- “Send it to the laser cutter / CNC shop” → DXF (R2000 is the safe sweet spot)
- “Print it / put it in a proposal” → PDF
- “I’m 3D printing this part” → STL
- “Give the solid model to a manufacturer” → STEP
- “Put it on a website / in a doc” → SVG or PNG
Version notes
- DWG/DXF version tags (R12, R2000, R2018…) matter for compatibility: R2000+ for general use, R12 for maximum compatibility with ancient software.
- If you receive a DWG newer than R2018, ask the sender to Save As an older version (or DXF), or convert it online — then open it in Cadelo.
- Cadelo saves new drawings as DWG R2018 by default; you can change the default or pick per file in the save dialog.
What’s next?
- Saving & exporting — the actual save/export steps
- Printing & PDF — get it on paper
Next: Continue reading →
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