If using a DWG file is not an option, the DXF file format is the next best method of getting design data to and from 3ds Max. Most commonly, DXF files are used to import and export modeling data to and from CAD programs that have support for DXF but not DWG files.
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Application Menu > Import > Select File To Import dialog > Files Of Type > AutoCAD (*.DXF)
When you import an DXF file, 3ds Max converts a subset of AutoCAD objects to corresponding 3ds Max objects. Importing DXF files employs the same methods as importing DWG files. For more information, see About Importing AutoCAD Drawing Files.