As a company that specializes in CAD Translation, we often get questions about a wide range of CAD file extensions; to make this easier on our customers, we’ve compiled a list of the most common Brep and Visrep formats.
Please note: This is a list of all known CAD File Extensions, not a list of formats that TransMagic can Read and Write. For a list of formats supported by TransMagic products, please visit our CAD Formats page.
The CWR file is a compressed file containing all the results data related to the study. Upon saving and closing the SOLIDWORKS file, the results are saved to the CWR and then deleted. This allows convenient file management without keeping track of multiple files. Whereas the results are stored as a separate CWR file in a user-defined location. By default, these files are saved in the folder of the assembly/part file that you are analyzing.
Brep vs Visrep
Solidworks Cwr File
Brep stands for Boundary Representation, which is a true CAD format. Visrep stands for Visual Representation, which is a polygonal or tesellated format. We are including both Brep and Visrep formats in this listing since there is often confusion as to which is which. Where possible, additional notes are provided for each CAD file extension.
Find out more about Brep vs Visrep here.
| Software | Extensions | Brep or Visrep | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D PDF | Visrep | 3D PDF is a great format for sharing geometry with those who do not have access to CAD systems or CAD viewers; all that’s required is the Adobe Reader, which is already on almost all PCs. | |
| 3D XML | .3DXML | Visrep | 3D XML is a visualization format developed by Dassault Systemes. |
| 3DS Max Files | .3DS, .MAX | Visrep | .3DS files contain mesh or nurbs information; .MAX files contain all scene information, including mesh data. |
| ACIS Model & Assembly Files | .SAT, .ASAT, .SAB, .ASAB | Brep | ACIS is a geometric modeling kernel used in many CAD applications. .SAT and .SAB files are part files, .ASAT and .ASAB files are assembly files. Files that end with B are binary. |
| Alias Model file | .WIRE | Visrep | |
| AutoCAD Drawing Files | .DWG, .DXF | Brep and Visrep | .DWG files are binary, .DXF files are ASCII. Both formats can contain both Brep and Visrep geometry. |
| Autodesk Filmbox Format | .FBX | Visrep | Primarily used for exporting mesh, material and animation data to game engines. |
| BobCAD-CAM File | .CAD | ||
| CADKEY File | .PRT, .CKD | Brep | CADKEY is now known as KeyCreator. |
| CATIA V4 Part & Assembly Files | .MODEL | Brep | .MODEL files can represent both parts and assemblies. |
| CATIA V5 Parts and Assemblies | .CATPart, .CATProduct | Brep | |
| CATIA V5 Graphical Representation File | .CGR | Visrep | |
| CATIA V6 Part and Assembly Files | .CATPart & .CATProduct | Brep | File format is similar to V5 files. |
| Collada Object Format | .DAE | Visrep | |
| Creo Part and Assembly Files | .DRW, .PRT, .ASM | Brep | .DRW are drawing files, .PRT are part files, and .ASM files are assembly files. Creo was formerly known as Pro/Engineer. |
| Fusion 360 Files | .F3Z, .F3D, .CAM360 | Brep | .F3Z files are archive files, .F3D are part files, and .CAM360 are toolpath archive files. |
| Generic CADD Files | .CMP, .GCD | Brep | .CMP files are component files, .GCD are drawing files. |
| Geomagic GeomView Design File | .WRP | ||
| Gerber Printed Circuit Board File | .GBX | ||
| HOOPS Metafile Format File | .HMF | Visrep | |
| HOOPS Stream Format File | .HSF | Visrep | |
| IGES | .IGS, .IGES | Brep | IGES files are predominately surface files, though the definition does allow for solid models. Read more about IGES, learn why to avoid IGES, and alternatives to IGES. |
| Inventor | .IPT, .IAM | Brep | .IPT files are part files, .IAM files are assembly files. |
| IronCAD | .ICS | Brep | |
| JT | .JT | Both | JT, created by Siemens / NX, is unusual in that it can contain both Brep and Visrep content. JT is also compressed about 8:1, so it is a good visualization format for large assemblies. |
| KeyCreator Part & Assembly Files | .CKD, CDL | Brep | KeyCreator was formerly CADKey; .CKD files are for parts and assemblies, .CDL files are for Wireframe Design files. |
| Kubotek Design Container File | .CKD | Brep | |
| Lightwave Object File | .LWO | Visrep | |
| Microstation Design Files | .DGN | Brep | |
| Modo Scene Format | .LXO | Visrep | |
| Navisworks Files | .NWC, .NWD, .NWF | .NWC files are cache files, .NWD are documents, .NWF are file sets. | |
| NX Part and Assembly Files | .PRT | Brep | NX was formerly Unigraphics; one confusing aspect to NX .PRT files is that the same extension is used for both parts and assemblies. |
| Parasolid Model File | .X_T, .X_B | Brep | Parasolid is the geometric modeling kernel used for SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, and many other CAD solutions; read more about Parasolid here. |
| POD | .POD | Visrep | |
| PLY | .PLY | Visrep | |
| Pro/Engineer Granite File | .G | Brep | Granite is the geometric modeling kernel behind all Pro/E and Creo products. |
| Pro/Engineer Part and Assembly Files | .PRT, .ASM | Brep | Pro/Engineer is now known as Creo |
| Rhino 3D Model File | .3DM | Brep | Rhino is primarily a freeform NURBS surface modeler specializing in complex surface creation. |
| SDRC | .PRT, .ASM | Brep | SDRC was purchased by EDS in 2001, and then by Siemens in 2007, and is no longer in existence as a CAD solution. Since version 11, I-DEAS was able to export parts and assemblies as Parasolid files to provide interoperability with NX. |
| Sketchup | .SKP | Visrep | |
| SMlib | .SMS, .IWB, IWP | Brep | SMlib is created by Solid Modeling Solutions; these files are geometric modeling kernels used in a range of CAD applications. |
| Solid Edge | .PAR, .ASM, .PSM | Brep | .PAR files are part files, .ASM files are assembly files. Solid Edge is made by Siemens. |
| SOLIDWORKS eDrawing File | .EDRW | ||
| SOLIDWORKS Part & Assembly Files | .SLDPRT, .SLDASM | Brep | .SLDPRT files are parts, .SLDASM files are assemblies. SOLIDWORKS is owned by Dassault. |
| STEP | .STEP, .STP | Brep | STEP is the most popular neutral CAD format in the world today. |
| Stereolithography Files | .STL | Visrep | .STL files are widely used for 3D printing. |
| Unigraphics Part & Assembly Files | .PRT | Brep | Unigraphics is now known as NX; one confusing aspect to Unigraphics and NX .PRT files is that the same extension is used for both parts and assemblies. |
| Wavefront | .OBJ | Visrep | .OBJ is widely used by modeling and animation solutions such as Maya and 3DS Max for transfering polygonal meshes. |
| ZBrush Files | .ZBR, .ZPR | Visrep | ZBrush is a modeling and texturing application. |
| ZW3D | .Z3 | Brep | ZW3D is made by ZWSoft. |
| VRML | .WRL | Visrep | VRML stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language. |
| WebGL | .HTML | Visrep | WebGL stands for Web Graphics Library. This format allows viewing and rotating in any HTML5-compliant browser with no plugins needed, and is suitable for online parts libraries. |
Try TransMagic’s CAD Translator
Many of these CAD file extensions can be read and written by TransMagic products; to see which ones, check out our CAD Formats page. Want to give TransMagic a try? Click here to try the free 7-day eval of TransMagic.
Related Articles
Brep vs Visrep Models – A comparison between Brep and Visrep models which looks at pros and cons of each.
The CAD Format Ladder Part 1 – A system to determine the best format for each situation.
The CAD Format Ladder Part 2 – Part 2, determining the best format for each situation.
What Format Do I Have Here? – Using the contents of the CAD file to determine the format and version.
It’s bound to happen. You’re walking past your local incinerator with that nice new shirt on and instantly your fine woolen threads are vaporized LEAVING YOU COMPLETELY UNPROTECTED AGAINST THE ELEMENTS.
Solidworks Cwr File Software
Scary isn’t it? So is not being able to protect those 3D models you’ve spent 1/3rd of your life working on. Fact is, sometimes you may need to share model data with a competing company. Some companies have policies against sending out data.
But you can protect it and still collaborate. Yeah, buddy. Here’s four fast ways to do it.
What are your companies policies?
First, it’s always a good idea to know if your company treats disseminating 3D data with public humiliation and flogging. Standards for proprietary data typically fall by the wayside of 3D integration into design and engineering. It’s still on our drawings though… most have a ‘Proprietary Notice’ somewhere.
The small, illegible print is usually glanced over, but they usually say something about the contents being confidential, blah, blah, blah. There are NDA’s and contract that can be signed, but if you really want to make sure your data is protected, or limited, there’s better ways to do it than with a poorly-sized paragraph.
Save as Part
You may know you can save an assembly as a part file (AWESOME), but what you can also do is select what you want to show in the part (SUPER AWESOME). You have the option to show only Exterior Face, Exterior Components, or All Component. Go to File, Save As… and select Part (*.prt, *.sldprt) in Save as Type. If you need to protect sensitive data about all the special filling, the construction or quantities this is a great choice.
Save as 3D PDF
You may also be privy to the fact you can save an assembly as a PDF. It gives ya a nice image to share and archive. What you are also able to do is create a 3D PDF which allows you to share a 3D model which someone can view, hide/show and rotate, but not measure of export as solid geometry. Your boss might kiss you. Go to File, Save As… and select Adobe Portable Document Format (*.pdf) in Save as Type. Make sure to select the Save as 3D PDF checkbox!
Save as EASM
Ok, now this is probably what you’re most familiar with. An EASM is an eDrawing of your Assembly. It allows one to animate through the standard views, rotate and hide/show components. In the options during save you can select whether you want to allow measuring or export as solid geometry. Go to File, Save As… and select eDrawings (*.easm) in Save as Type.
Edit Dimension Access
This is a user level control, and while it doesn’t protect parts from being copied, it will protect them from being changed. Dimension access allow you to set which dimension can be edited by users. You can access it by right-clicking on to top component in the FeatureManager, and choosing Edit Dimension Access. You’ll especially want to use this on standards and library parts.
What processes do you use?
Another concept you may want to consider is a methodology for what people see when you show them your models. Let’s be modest here, don’t want to show too much model midriff. There isn’t any button in SolidWorks that makes how you created the model private, but you can set up processes that show all your users how to construct parts, build in configurations that suppress or hide items or what dimension to put on a drawing.
There are many way to go about it. Do you have a process for protecting your data?
0AuthorJosh MingsJosh is founder and editor at SolidSmack.com, founder at Aimsift Inc., and co-founder of EvD Media. He is involved in engineering, design, visualization, the technology making it happen, and the content developed around it. He is a SolidWorks Certified Professional and excels at falling awkwardly.