AutoCAD Tip: DWF/DWFx Export and Markup Workflow in AutoCAD

DWF/DWFx is a lightweight, secure way to share drawings for review. Here’s how to export it right and close the markup loop efficiently in AutoCAD.

When to choose DWF vs DWFx:

• DWF: Best with Autodesk Design Review workflows and the Markup Set Manager.
• DWFx: Opens natively in Windows (XPS-based). Great for reviewers without extra installs.
• 3D DWF: Use for model navigation and sectioning in Design Review.

Fast paths to export:

• Single sheet: Use PLOT, pick “DWF6 ePlot.pc3” or “DWFx ePlot (XPS).” Apply a Page Setup for consistency.
• Multi-sheet set: Use PUBLISH. In “Publish To,” choose DWF or DWFx. Save a DSD file to reuse the set.
• 3D: Use EXPORTDWF for models when you want orbit, section, and object data in Design Review.

Essential settings (before you click Publish):

• Include layer information: Lets reviewers toggle layers in Design Review—vital for MEP/arch coordination.
• Plot styles: Ensure the correct CTB/STB is applied so lineweights and colors read as intended.
• Resolution: Set raster/gradient resolution appropriately (300–600 DPI for presentation; lower for speed).
• Fonts and SHX: Prefer TrueType fonts for fidelity; if using SHX, test legibility in the DWF viewer.
• Hyperlinks: Enable to preserve sheet references and URLs embedded in blocks or fields.
• Metadata: Consider including properties (Title, Author, Project) for searchability in large sets.

Close the loop with markups:

• Distribute the DWF/DWFx to reviewers. Autodesk Design Review (free) offers measurement, callouts, and status tracking.
• Collect marked DWFs and use MARKUP (Markup Set Manager) in AutoCAD to attach and navigate comments.
• Double-click a note in the Markup Set Manager to zoom to its context; reply, resolve, or update as you draft.
• Store returned markups alongside the DWG and DSD in a consistent folder structure for traceability.

Best-practice publishing checklists:

• Use Sheet Set Manager to publish consistent packages; pair with a DSD so every issuance is identical.
• Freeze “no-plot” and working layers; lock viewport scales to avoid annotation scale surprises.
• Name views for common review points (e.g., “Level 2 Plan – Area A”); publish them for faster navigation.
• For sensitive content, create a reduced set (XCLIP/XREF) to share only what reviewers need.

Troubleshooting tips:

• Missing lineweights: Verify the correct CTB/STB and that “Plot with plot styles” is enabled in the Page Setup.
• Giant file size: Remove raster underlays you don’t need; PURGE/OVERKILL; reduce raster DPI in the PC3 settings.
• Unreadable text: Switch to TrueType fonts or increase output DPI; avoid exploding text before export.
• Layer toggling not available: Recheck “Include layer information” in the DWF/DWFx device properties.

Pro move: Standardize DWF/DWFx PC3 files and Page Setups inside your template so the whole team exports identically—less rework, faster approvals. For licensing, training, and add-ons that streamline this workflow, talk to NOVEDGE or browse AutoCAD options at NOVEDGE. For broader Autodesk solutions that support review cycles, explore NOVEDGE collections.

You can find all the AutoCAD products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.