AutoCAD DWG and DXF
From Fmepedia
AutoCAD DWG/DXF is a FME Format. Its FME format keyword is ACAD
Overview
AutoCAD DWG and DXF (DWG is binary, while DXF is ascii) are probably the most often used formats in the GIS/CAD/Utilities markets. Probably all software products in these markets offer support for DXF. It has therefore become sort of the lowest common denominator for conversion processes. This, in combination with the fact that Autodesk has changed the specifications of the format several times, can sometimes make it a difficult format to work with.
Readers and Writers
As the Autodesk products develop and the underlying formats change, the DWG/DXF reader/writer in FME has evolved along similar lines. Sometimes there is a change in the existing reader/writer, but for more major updates a completely new reader/writer is created.
The following table shows the various readers/writers from different versions of FME.
Note that the deprecated readers/writers still exist in FME to allow for backwards compatibility of workspaces. If they are used on data that is newer than what they can support, then FME will switch to a newer reader/writer to do the work.
| Format Name | Actual Format | Reader | Writer | DWG/DXF Version | File Types | Deprecated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWG | DWG (1) (2) | yes | yes | 2000 | dwg, dxf, dwf | yes |
| DXF | DXF (1) (2) | yes | yes | 2000 | dwg, dxf, dwf | yes |
| DWF | ACAD | yes | yes | NA | dwg, dxf, dwf | no |
| ACAD | ACAD | yes | yes | 2007 | dwg, dxf, dwf | no |
| ACAD2004 | ACAD | yes | yes | 2007 | dwg, dxf, dwf | yes |
| RealDWG | RealDWG (3) | no | yes | 2007 | dwg, dxf | no |
notes
- Format will be used on read for data that is up to and including the version supported. Data of newer versions will use ACAD.
- Format will be used on write for file version selected that is up to and including the version supported. Data of newer versions will use ACAD.
- Not available in FME2007. Will be in future FME2008 beta builds.
