The developer Autodesk, with the main software AutoCAD, is a market leader in the field of CAD. The AutoCAD formats DXF and DWG are used extensively.

No open formats have been developed for the exchange of CAD formats. DXF is specifically designed to facilitate data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs and is therefore well supported by other CAD applications.
DXF version R12 (ASCII) appears to be best supported for successful and correct import into other applications.

A major problem with the use of DXF is the development of the DWG format. DWG now offers possibilities for which not all properties can be stored in DXF. If export to DXF R12 (ASCII) does not lead to information loss, this version of the DXF format is considered the best option for preserving AutoCAD formats in a relatively open, widely supported format. A conversion from DWG to DXF must be carefully checked for completeness. If elements of the DWG cannot be stored in the DXF, an export to a more recent version of DXF is acceptable. If conversion is not possible without loss of information, the DWG must be retained.

DXF in a different version than R12 (ASCII) is a non-preferred format for file type Computer Aided Design (CAD).