GXD File – What is .gxd file and how to open it?
GXD File Extension
General CADD Pro Drawing – file format by General CADD Products
GXD is a file extension associated with General CADD Pro Drawing, a proprietary format used by General CADD Products for storing 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) drawings. It contains vector-based graphics, geometric shapes, annotations, and other design elements related to architectural and engineering projects.
Definition and Format
A GXD file is a vector-based drawing file created using General CADD Pro, a computer-aided design (CAD) software. It contains graphical objects, such as lines, circles, arcs, text, dimensions, and annotations. GXD files are in a proprietary binary format that can only be opened and edited with General CADD Pro software.
Use and Applications
GXD files are used for creating and modifying 2D and 3D technical drawings, engineering plans, architectural designs, and other CAD projects. They are commonly used in industries such as architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design. General CADD Pro offers a wide range of tools and features for creating detailed and accurate drawings, including precision drafting, dimensioning, annotation, and collaboration tools.
Advantages and Limitations
GXD files provide several advantages, such as high accuracy, scalability, and compatibility with other General CADD Pro files. However, being a proprietary format, GXD files can only be viewed and edited using General CADD Pro software. This limits their interoperability with other CAD programs and sharing with third parties without conversion. Additionally, GXD files can be quite large in size, especially for complex drawings with extensive detail.
Method 1: Using General CADD Pro
The primary software associated with the .GXD file extension is General CADD Pro, a computer-aided design (CAD) application developed by General CADD Products. To open a .GXD file using General CADD Pro, follow these steps:
- Launch General CADD Pro on your computer.
- Click the “File” menu and select “Open.”
- Navigate to the location of the .GXD file you want to open.
- Select the file and click the “Open” button.
General CADD Pro will load the .GXD file into the program, allowing you to view, edit, and save the drawing.
Method 2: Using a DWG Viewer
If you don’t have General CADD Pro installed on your computer, you can still open a .GXD file using a third-party DWG (Drawing Interchange Format) viewer. DWG viewers are widely available and allow you to view and print DWG files, including those with the .GXD extension. Some popular DWG viewers include:
- AutoCAD WS (free online viewer)
- eDrawings Viewer (free)
- DWG TrueView (free)
- DraftSight (free and paid versions available)
To open a .GXD file using a DWG viewer, follow these steps:
- Install the DWG viewer of your choice on your computer.
- Launch the DWG viewer and click the “File” menu.
- Select “Open” and navigate to the location of the .GXD file you want to open.
- Select the file and click the “Open” button.
The DWG viewer will load the .GXD file into the program, allowing you to view the drawing. Note that some DWG viewers may not be able to edit .GXD files directly, but they will allow you to view and print the drawing.
General CADD Pro Drawings
GXD files, known as General CADD Pro Drawings, are proprietary file formats created by General CADD Products, a provider of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Designed specifically for use with their General CADD Pro software, these files contain 2D and 3D drawings, including objects, lines, arcs, circles, and text. GXD files allow users to store and share complex designs, facilitating collaboration and efficient project management.
Advantages of GXD Files
GXD files offer several advantages for users working with General CADD Pro software. Unlike other generic CAD formats, GXD files are optimized for use within the General CADD Pro environment, ensuring seamless compatibility and efficient handling of complex drawings. They support a wide range of drawing elements, enabling users to create highly detailed and comprehensive designs. Additionally, the proprietary format allows General CADD Products to implement specific features and enhancements tailored to their software, further enhancing the user experience.