.DST File Extension
What is an DST file?
The .DST file extension is associated with AutoCAD, a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software application. Specifically, it denotes AutoCAD Sheet Set files, which are used to manage and organize multiple drawing sheets within a project.
More Information.
The .DST file format was developed as part of Autodesk’s efforts to enhance project management capabilities within AutoCAD. Initially, the purpose was to provide a streamlined way to organize, access, and print multiple drawings in a single project, particularly for large-scale architectural, engineering, and construction projects.
Origin Of This File.
The .DST file format was introduced by Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, to facilitate the efficient handling and management of large projects composed of numerous drawings. It helps users organize these drawings into a coherent structure, making it easier to navigate and manage complex design projects.
File Structure Technical Specification.
A .DST file is a proprietary file format used by AutoCAD. It contains metadata about the sheets in a set, including sheet names, paths to individual drawing files (.DWG), and various project-specific settings. This metadata helps AutoCAD efficiently handle the associated drawings and maintain consistency across the sheet set.
How to Convert the File?
Windows
- Using AutoCAD:
- Open AutoCAD and load the .DST file using the Sheet Set Manager.
- Open each individual .DWG file referenced in the .DST.
- Use the “Export” or “Save As” function to convert .DWG files to other formats like PDF, DWF, or DXF.
- Using Autodesk TrueView:
- Download and install Autodesk DWG TrueView.
- Open each .DWG file referenced by the .DST file.
- Use the “DWG Convert” feature to convert the files to other formats.
- Third-Party Software:
- Software like Bentley View or DraftSight can open .DWG files.
- Use these programs to open the .DWG files and then save or export them in the desired format.
Linux
- Using LibreCAD:
- Install LibreCAD (a free, open-source CAD application).
- Open each .DWG file individually.
- Use the “Export” function to save files in formats like DXF or PDF.
- Using Wine:
- Install Wine to run Windows applications on Linux.
- Install Autodesk DWG TrueView or AutoCAD through Wine.
- Follow the Windows conversion steps using these applications.
- Using BricsCAD:
- Install BricsCAD, which is available for Linux.
- Open .DWG files and use the “Save As” or “Export” feature to convert them.
MAC
- Using AutoCAD for Mac:
- Open AutoCAD for Mac and load the .DST file via the Sheet Set Manager.
- Open each referenced .DWG file.
- Use the “Save As” or “Export” function to convert .DWG files to PDF, DWF, or DXF.
- Using Other CAD Software:
- Software like DraftSight is available for macOS and can open .DWG files.
- Open the .DWG files and use the “Save As” or “Export” feature to convert them.
Android
- Using AutoCAD Mobile:
- Open AutoCAD Mobile and access .DWG files through cloud storage (such as Google Drive or Autodesk’s cloud).
- The app primarily allows viewing and minor editing, not direct format conversion.
- Cloud Services:
- Upload .DWG files to a service like Autodesk A360 or AutoCAD Web App.
- Use the service’s online tools to download the files in a different format if supported.
IOS
- Using AutoCAD Mobile:
- Open AutoCAD Mobile on iOS and access .DWG files via cloud storage.
- Similar to Android, this app supports viewing and minor editing, with limited direct conversion options.
- Cloud Services:
- Upload .DWG files to Autodesk A360 or AutoCAD Web App.
- Utilize online conversion tools if available.
Other Platforms
- Web-Based Solutions:
- Use Autodesk Viewer or AutoCAD Web App to upload and view .DWG files.
- Some web-based tools may offer limited conversion capabilities, such as exporting to PDF.
- Third-Party Online Converters:
- Websites like Zamzar or AnyConv can convert .DWG files to other formats (though this involves uploading files to their servers).
- Virtual Machines:
- Set up a virtual machine running Windows or macOS and install AutoCAD or Autodesk TrueView.
- Follow the appropriate conversion steps within the virtual machine environment.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Organization: Facilitates the organization of large numbers of drawing files.
- Efficiency: Improves efficiency in accessing and managing drawing sheets.
- Consistency: Ensures consistency across the project by maintaining settings and properties for all sheets.
Disadvantages:
- Proprietary Format: Being a proprietary format, it may not be easily supported by non-Autodesk software.
- Complexity: Managing .DST files can be complex, especially for new users.
- Dependency on AutoCAD: Requires AutoCAD or compatible software to open and edit.
How to Open DST?
Open In Windows
- Install AutoCAD.
- Launch AutoCAD.
- Use the “Sheet Set Manager” within AutoCAD to open the .DST file.
Open In Linux
AutoCAD does not natively support Linux. However, users can run AutoCAD through compatibility layers like Wine, though this is not officially supported and may be unstable. Alternatively, use Virtual Machines (VM) to run a Windows environment.
Open In MAC
- Install AutoCAD for Mac.
- Launch AutoCAD.
- Use the “Sheet Set Manager” to open the .DST file.
Open In Android
- Install AutoCAD Mobile from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and use cloud storage to access and manage .DWG files referenced in the .DST. The app does not directly support .DST files but can help manage related drawings.
Open In IOS
- Install AutoCAD Mobile from the App Store.
- Open the app and use cloud storage to access .DWG files. Direct management of .DST files is not supported.
Open in Others
- Autodesk’s cloud-based services like Autodesk Viewer or AutoCAD Web App can be used to view and manage .DWG files but may not fully support .DST files.
- Third-party CAD software that supports .DWG and sheet set functionalities can sometimes work with .DST files, but compatibility and functionality vary.
