Tips to open CDF file
Can't open the CDF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open CDF files as well as a list of programs that support CDF files.
CDF file extension
| File Name |
Computable Document Format |
| File Developer |
Wolfram Research |
| File Category |
Layout Files |
The CDF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CDF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CDF file on each system platform.
What is CDF file?
The CDF file has been categorized as Layout Files. The creator of this file is Wolfram Research. Additionally, the Layout Files category contains 137 of other files. Computable Document Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The CDF Player application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Wolfram Research, Inc.. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the CDF file.
How to open CDF file?
An often recurring problem with Computable Document Format is that CDF is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open CDF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the CDF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install CDF Player
In this case, you should first verify that the CDF Player application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name CDF Player in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open CDF files.
Programs to open CDF file
Remember to download programs supporting CDF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of CDF Player with CDF files
If, despite the installed application, the CDF file does not start in the CDF Player application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the CDF file with the CDF Player application.
Step 3. Update CDF Player to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the CDF Player program, it is possible that Computable Document Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Wolfram Research, Inc. website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the CDF file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:
The CDF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the CDF file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the CDF file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected CDF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the CDF files changes over time. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair CDF file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Wolfram Research
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted CDF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the CDF file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the CDF file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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