An IGS file is a graphics file saved in a 2D/3D vector format based on the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES). It can store wireframe models, surface or solid object representations, circuit diagrams, and other objects. IGS files are used by many CAD programs as a standard ASCII text-based format for saving and exporting vector data.

IGS file open in CADEX CAD Exchanger 3.7 IGES is a standard for transferring three-dimensional models between CAD programs. You will most likely only encounter an IGS file if you work with CAD software in a field that involves manufacturing, such as the automotive or aerospace industries. The IGES format was officially introduced in 1980 and was subsequently adopted by many CAD programs. In recent years, however, it has been replaced by the newer STEP (.STP) format. You can open IGS files with various desktop CAD programs, which includes Autodesk Fusion 360, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Nemetschek VectorWorks, and CADEX CAD Exchanger. You can also open IGS files by uploading them to a program online, such as CADEX CAD Exchanger Cloud or ShareCAD.org. Since IGS files store plain text information they can be opened with a text editor. However, when viewing the files with a text editor, the contents will appear as text instead of a visual representation of a model, like when viewed with CAD software. You can use Microsoft Wordpad, which is bundled with Windows, or Apple TextEdit, which is bundled with macOS, to view the plain text in IGS files. NOTE: IGS file may also be saved as .IGES files.