What is the DXE file format?
A .dxe file is an AutoCAD Data Extraction Template created and used by the DATAEXTRACTION command wizard in AutoCAD 2008 and later. It stores the full configuration of a data extraction session: source drawing or folder paths, selected object types and property filters, column selections, sort order, and the output destination - either a table inserted directly into the drawing or an external .xlsx, .csv, or .mdb file.
The template does not contain the extracted data itself; it is a reusable recipe. Running DATAEXTRACTION with an existing .dxe re-applies the same filters and settings to new or updated drawings, saving time on repetitive tasks such as bill-of-materials lists or door and window schedules.
Internally, .dxe files use a proprietary binary container with embedded XML-like sections. Only AutoCAD's DATAEXTRACTION wizard can reliably create or update them. Source drawing paths are stored as absolute references, so moving a .dxe between machines or network locations typically requires reopening the wizard to update those paths.
The format was introduced with AutoCAD 2008 (released March 2007), replacing the older ATTEXT command. AutoCAD LT does not support the DATAEXTRACTION command or .dxe files.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWConfiguration template only; cannot execute arbitrary code. Contains file system path references that expose internal directory structure, which could be a minor information-disclosure concern if shared externally.
Format details
in a nutshell- Daiken DXE Firmware / Executable - Some embedded/firmware systems use .dxe for loadable code modules (unrelated to CAD).
Programs that open DXE files
Windows2 apps
AutoCAD
Paid Type DATAEXTRACTION at the command line → in wizard select 'Edit an existing data extraction', browse to the .dxe file. 
Technical details
deep spec| File purpose | Stores the full configuration of an AutoCAD Data Extraction session - object/property filters, column layout, sort order, output destination - not the extracted data itself |
| Encoding | Proprietary binary container with embedded XML-like internal sections; no publicly documented file signature |
| Typical file size | 2 KB - 50 KB (configuration data only) |
| Creation method | Created and updated exclusively through the DATAEXTRACTION command wizard in AutoCAD; cannot be reliably authored outside AutoCAD |
| Path handling | Source drawing and folder paths stored as absolute references; templates break when moved between machines unless paths are re-specified in the wizard |
| Output targets | Table inserted into the current drawing, or external file in .xlsx, .xls, .csv, or .mdb format |
| Reusability | Reusable template; re-running DATAEXTRACTION with an existing .dxe re-applies the same property/object filters to updated or new drawings |
| Property filter scope | Captures selected block attribute properties, object properties (layer, color, linetype), and drawing/sheet-set metadata for the specified source drawings |
| Platform | Windows only; requires AutoCAD full version - AutoCAD LT does not support the DATAEXTRACTION command |
| Related files | .dwg (source drawings), .dwt (drawing templates), .xlsx/.csv (extraction output targets) |
| Multi-source support | A single template can target a single drawing, a folder, or multiple selected drawing files; subfolder scanning is configurable in the wizard |
| AutoCAD LT | Not supported; the DATAEXTRACTION command and .dxe templates are exclusive to full AutoCAD |
| Released | AutoCAD 2008 (2007) - Data Extraction wizard introduced replacing ATTEXT |
| Latest version | Compatible with AutoCAD 2025/2026 (current) |
| Specification | help.autodesk.com |
DXE conversions
Community Q&A
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