The DXF file format is a text format invented for AutoCAD that many programs can import and export. Because DXF is essentially a drawing format rather than for engineering models, it is limited to the basic structural geometry when used to transfer a structural model. For this reason, transferring a structural model is best done using the CIMSteel/2 (CIS/2) Step or IFC Step file formats or the Revit links which are very comprehensive and can include loads.
The DXF format is, however, a very good means of creating drawings in the form of plans, elevations, cross sections and connection drawings for transferring into a CAD program.
Details of how to import and export DXF files are explained in the following sections.