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DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) is the Autodesk-approved format for exchanging between different CAD programs. (Some other vector graphics applications, such as drawing and illustration programs, read and write DXF files, too.) DXF is a documented version of the DWG format. Because DXF more-or-less exactly mimics the DWG file’s contents, it’s (usually) a faithful representation of AutoCAD drawings.
How well DXF works for exchanging data depends largely on the other program that you’re exchanging with. Some CAD and vector graphics programs do a good job of reading and writing DXF files, while others don’t. In practice, geometry usually comes through well, but properties, formatting, and other nongeometrical information can be tricky. Test before you commit to a large-scale exchange, and always check the results.
To create DXF files, use the SAVEAS command (FileðSave As) and choose one of the three DXF versions in the Files of Type drop-down list. To open a DXF file, do the same with the OPEN command (FileðOpen).