.aat — AutoCAD Drawing
Autodesk · 1982
An AAT file is a 2D/3D design file created and used by AutoCAD for technical drawings and blueprints.
Key Features
- Stores precise 2D and 3D geometric data.
- Supports layers, blocks, and xrefs for complex designs.
- Includes metadata, text, and dimensioning information.
- Used for professional architectural and engineering drawings.
Best For
- Creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
- Developing complex 3D models.
- Sharing design data within the AutoCAD ecosystem.
- Maintaining design precision and scalability.
Less Ideal For
- Simple raster image editing.
- Web-based image sharing.
- High-fidelity photo manipulation.
- General document creation.
Common Use Cases
- Architectural blueprints and floor plans.
- Engineering schematics and mechanical designs.
- 3D modeling and visualization.
- Creating technical documentation.
- Collaborating on CAD projects.
How to Open It
- Open with Autodesk AutoCAD (paid software).
- Use compatible CAD software like BricsCAD or DraftSight (some have free viewers).
- Import into other design programs that support DWG or DXF (common export formats).
What is a .aat file?
An AAT file is a native drawing file format used by Autodesk's AutoCAD software. It stores 2D and 3D design data, including geometric shapes, layers, text, dimensions, and metadata. These files are fundamental for architects, engineers, and designers working on CAD projects. While primarily used within AutoCAD, they can be imported or exported by other compatible CAD applications. AAT files are crucial for collaboration and archiving design work.
Programs That Open .aat Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Autodesk AutoCAD | Paid | Official |
| BricsCAD | Paid | ||
| DraftSight | Paid | ||
| macOS | Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac | Paid | Official |
| BricsCAD for Mac | Paid | ||
| Linux | Autodesk AutoCAD | Paid | Official |
| BricsCAD for Linux | Paid |
How to Convert .aat Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| Export from AutoCAD, Print to PDF via virtual printer | |
| .DXF | Export from AutoCAD, Convert with CAD software |
| .DWG | Save As in AutoCAD, Convert with CAD software |
Common Problems with .aat Files
Frequently Asked Questions
While .AAT is an AutoCAD drawing file, .DWG is the more universally recognized and current native file format for AutoCAD. .AAT is an older or specific type of AutoCAD file.
Direct online viewers for .AAT are uncommon. You typically need desktop CAD software. Some cloud CAD platforms might offer import capabilities.
Technical Details
AAT files are binary files that contain precise geometric data, often encoded using proprietary Autodesk libraries. They are not simple image files but rather structured data representing objects, their properties, and spatial relationships. The format supports complex hierarchical structures and can embed various types of graphical and textual information.