Convert DXF to Parasolid in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read DXF files and write Parasolid, carrying across the exact geometry the DXF file contains.
Spatial does not offer an online converter or a desktop conversion app. 3D InterOp is a component that software vendors embed in their own products.
- Reads DXF · Writes Parasolid
- Mixed geometry → exact geometry
- C++ / C# APIs
DXF to Parasolid at a glance
DXF can mix exact solids and facets; Parasolid stores exact geometry. Exact elements are written as exact geometry, and elements stored only as facets stay faceted.
| DXF (source) | Parasolid (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Drawing Exchange Format | Parasolid transmit file (text X_T, binary X_B) |
| Standard / owner | Autodesk | Proprietary — Siemens |
| File extensions | .dxf | .x_t, .x_b, .xmt_txt, .xmt_bin |
| Geometry | 2D drawings and 3D data | Exact B-Rep |
| Assemblies / structure | Blocks and layers | Yes (Parasolid assembly structure) |
| 3D InterOp support | Read; write drawings only | Read and write · up to Parasolid 38 |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from DXF to Parasolid.
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Preserved
Exact geometryExact B-Rep read from DXF is written to Parasolid as exact geometry.
Why software vendors add DXF to Parasolid conversion
Hand models to kernel-based applications
Many CAD, CAM and CAE applications are built on the Parasolid kernel. Writing Parasolid gives them exact geometry they can load without another translation step.
Downstream modeling and analysis
An exact Parasolid B-Rep can still be edited, meshed or machined by downstream tools, which a tessellated export would not allow.
Exchange within one ecosystem
Partners whose tools share the Parasolid kernel often prefer to exchange Parasolid files directly.
Things to check before you ship
- Written Parasolid versions: Parasolid 12 to 38.0.150.
- Writing Parasolid needs a Parasolid installation: there is no Parasolid Direct writer.
- Supported DXF input: DXF/DWG 2.5 to 2027.
- A DXF file that only contains 2D drawings has no 3D geometry to write.
- Validate a sample of translated files in the target system your users actually work with.
Working with Spatial was a real milestone for us: Thanks to the powerful 3DInterOp library, we were able to successfully bring our complex CAD-based solutions to the cloud while remaining flexible to meet individual customer requirements. For us, Spatial is not just a technology partner, but a true enabler of our product strategy.
Dr. Arno Michelis, Founder, Simus Systems
Read the Case StudyAbout the formats
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Source format
What is a DXF (.dxf) file?
DXF is Autodesk’s documented exchange format for AutoCAD drawings, mostly stored as text. Many CAD, CAM and cutting tools import it to exchange 2D geometry.
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Target format
What is a Parasolid (X_T) file?
Parasolid is the geometric modeling kernel developed by Siemens and used by many CAD, CAM and CAE applications. Its transmit files store exact B-Rep models as text (.x_t) or binary (.x_b).
Frequently asked questions
The exact B-Rep that 3D InterOp reads from DXF is written to Parasolid; parts stored only as facets stay faceted.
Yes. Writing Parasolid needs a Parasolid installation: there is no Parasolid Direct writer.
Then there is no 3D geometry to write to Parasolid: 3D InterOp needs 3D content in the DXF file for this conversion.
Both the 2D content (drawing sheets) and the 3D data stored in the file.
No. 3D InterOp writes drawing sheets to DXF and DWG, but 3D export to these formats isn’t supported. To send 3D data back, write a neutral 3D format such as STEP.
3D InterOp reads DXF/DWG 2.5 to 2027.
3D InterOp writes Parasolid 12 to 38.0.150.
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Building software that needs to convert DXF to Parasolid?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read DXF and write Parasolid alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.