CAD File Formats, Translation & Interoperability explains how design information is stored, exchanged, repaired and simplified. It covers native and neutral formats, precise and tessellated geometry, BIM, GIS, ECAD and manufacturing data, along with translation methods, geometry healing, defeaturing, feature recognition and common compatibility problems.
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Use this section when selecting an exchange format, diagnosing import problems or planning a reliable interoperability workflow.
Neutral Precise Geometry Formats
Key topics include STEP, IGES, Parasolid X_T and X_B, SAT, ACIS, and JT Precise Geometry. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: STEP, IGES, Parasolid X_T and X_B, SAT, ACIS, JT Precise Geometry, PRC, 3DXML.
Tessellated and Mesh Formats
Key topics include STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, AMF, and OFF. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, AMF, OFF, VRML, X3D.
Web and Real-Time 3D Formats
Key topics include glTF, GLB, USD, USDZ, WebGL Models, and 3D Tiles. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: glTF, GLB, USD, USDZ, WebGL Models, 3D Tiles, Draco Compression.
Native Mechanical CAD Formats
Key topics include SLDPRT, SLDASM, IPT, IAM, PRT, and ASM. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: SLDPRT, SLDASM, IPT, IAM, PRT, ASM, CATPart, CATProduct.
Native AEC and Civil Formats
Key topics include DWG, DGN, RVT, RFA, PLN, and NWD. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: DWG, DGN, RVT, RFA, PLN, NWD, NWC, Civil 3D Objects.
2D Vector and Publishing Formats
Key topics include DXF, DWG, DGN, SVG, PDF, and DWF. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: DXF, DWG, DGN, SVG, PDF, DWF, CGM, HPGL.
BIM Formats
Key topics include IFC, BCF, COBie, gbXML, RVT, and RFA. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: IFC, BCF, COBie, gbXML, RVT, RFA, PLN, NWD.
GIS and Geospatial Formats
Key topics include SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, KML, KMZ, and GML. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, KML, KMZ, GML, GeoTIFF, LAS.
ECAD and PCB Formats
Key topics include Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, EDIF, IDF, and Netlists. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, EDIF, IDF, Netlists, Drill Files, Pick-and-Place Files.
Manufacturing Formats
Key topics include G-code, STEP-NC, CL Data, Toolpath Files, Machine Definition Files, and Post-Processor Files. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: G-code, STEP-NC, CL Data, Toolpath Files, Machine Definition Files, Post-Processor Files.
CAD Data Translation
Key topics include Native Translation, Neutral Translation, Direct Translation, Kernel-Based Translation, File Version Conversion, and Batch Conversion. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Native Translation, Neutral Translation, Direct Translation, Kernel-Based Translation, File Version Conversion, Batch Conversion, Cloud Conversion, Import and Export Settings.
Geometry Repair and Healing
Key topics include Geometry Healing, Surface Stitching, Gap Closing, Edge Repair, Face Repair, and Tolerance Adjustment. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Geometry Healing, Surface Stitching, Gap Closing, Edge Repair, Face Repair, Tolerance Adjustment, Sliver Face Removal, Short Edge Removal.
Defeaturing and Simplification
Key topics include Removing Holes, Removing Fillets, Removing Chamfers, Simplifying Assemblies, Shrinkwrap Models, and Envelope Models. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Removing Holes, Removing Fillets, Removing Chamfers, Simplifying Assemblies, Shrinkwrap Models, Envelope Models, Lightweight Representations, Polygon Reduction.
Feature Recognition
Key topics include Hole Recognition, Pocket Recognition, Fillet Recognition, Sheet Metal Feature Recognition, Machining Feature Recognition, and Automatic Feature Reconstruction. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Hole Recognition, Pocket Recognition, Fillet Recognition, Sheet Metal Feature Recognition, Machining Feature Recognition, Automatic Feature Reconstruction, Imported Model Parametrization.
Common Interoperability Problems
Key topics include Missing Geometry, Corrupted Geometry, Units Mismatch, Coordinate System Errors, Lost Constraints, and Lost Features. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Missing Geometry, Corrupted Geometry, Units Mismatch, Coordinate System Errors, Lost Constraints, Lost Features, Missing Metadata, Missing Materials.
How CADpedia Organizes This Knowledge
Each topic is developed as a separate encyclopedic entry. Definitions explain the terminology, reference pages document standards and formats, software profiles describe platforms, and practical entries connect the concepts to professional workflows. Related pages are linked across categories so readers can move from theory to software, standards, files and industry applications without repeating the same information.