Tips to open CDXML file

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

CDXML file extension

File Name ChemDraw XML Format
File Developer CambridgeSoft
File Category Data Files

The CDXML file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CDXML files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CDXML file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is CDXML file?

The CDXML file has been categorized as Data Files. The creator of this file is CambridgeSoft. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. ChemDraw XML Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The ChemDraw application is recommended to open the file. It was released by CambridgeSoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 4 other programs. You can use Open Babel in case ChemDraw cannot be used.

How to open CDXML file?

The main problem with ChemDraw XML Format is that the CDXML file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file CDXML to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the CDXML 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 ChemDraw

The first step is to check if the computer has the ChemDraw program installed. This can be achieved by typing ChemDraw into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file CDXML.

Programs to open CDXML file

Remember to download programs supporting CDXML files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of ChemDraw with CDXML files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the CDXML file to open in the ChemDraw application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the CDXML file with the ChemDraw program.

Step 3. Update ChemDraw to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the ChemDraw program, it is possible that ChemDraw XML Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the CambridgeSoft Corporation page and install.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the CDXML file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our CDXML file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover CDXML files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the CDXML file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged CDXML files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting CambridgeSoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted CDXML 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move CDXML to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file CDXML to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the CDXML file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.