Tips to open CDR file

Can't open the CDR file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open CDR files as well as a list of programs that support CDR files.

CDR file extension

File Name CorelDRAW Image Format
File Developer Corel
File Category Vector Image Files

The CDR file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CDR files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CDR file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 2
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is CDR file?

A .CDR file is an image file. It contains vector graphics. An image in vector graphics does not consist of pixels, but is represented by specific objects, such as lines, shapes, and inscriptions. Such an image does not deteriorate when increasing the resolution because the data is computed from the model and not the physical representation. CDR files point to CorelDRAW, but can be edited with most vector editors. Vector graphics can also be saved in raster format.

How to open CDR file?

The most common problem when using CorelDRAW Image Format is that a specific CDR is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that CDR files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the CDR 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 Adobe Illustrator

The first step is to check if the computer has the Adobe Illustrator program installed. This can be achieved by typing Adobe Illustrator into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support CDR files.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Illustrator with CDR files

If, despite the installed application, the CDR file does not start in the Adobe Illustrator 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Adobe Illustrator application as the default for handling the CDR file.

Step 3. Update Adobe Illustrator to the latest version

If, however, after binding Adobe Illustrator with CorelDRAW Image Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Adobe Systems Incorporated website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the CDR file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The CDR file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the CDR file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file CDR or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected CDR files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the CDR file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular CDR file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Corel
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted CDR files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the CDR file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the CDR file again. However, some background programs may block the CDR file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.