EXDXF-Pro

DXF, short for (Drawing Exchange Format or Drawing Interchange Format) is typically associated with AutoCAD. That said, if you're an Illustrator aficionado, then you probably already know that the Adobe-vetted app comes with support for such files.

Be that as it may, there are various situations where Illustrator might struggle to accurately import, export and render various DXF files. This is where EXDXF-Pro comes into play.

Simply put, EXDXF-Pro is a lightweight plug-in that enhances Illustrator's support, accuracy, and compatibility with DXF files, making it easier than ever to transfer projects to AutoCAD and vice-versa.

The plug-in is comprised out of a simple main window that will make its presence know only when you save and export projects, as well as import various DXF files.

The installation process is quite streamlined and, even though, the installer might seem a few decades old, it works as intended on recent iterations of Windows.

Please note that it's advisable that you don't have any instances of Illustrator running during the installation process.

When it comes to its export-related features, we can point out functions such as advanced smoothing, automatic line optimization, automatic point reduction, and a few options for expanding appearance. For your convenience, all these export settings can be saved as presets.

As far as the importing features are concerned, the plug-in allows you to open DXF files with versions R12, R13, and R14, even with dimensions greater than 3m x 3m. It is also capable of automatically connecting points, of removing points and poly lines, reducing the errors on the seventh digit and rounds various coordinate values. As expected, these settings can be save as presets as well.

EXDXF-Pro is a useful plug-in that is mostly aimed at users who generally require both Illustrator and AutoCAD to work on their projects. The plug-in offers the famous Adobe app better support for DXF files while keeping the possible accuracy and compatibility issues under control.