Tips to open DRA file
Can't open the DRA file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DRA files as well as a list of programs that support DRA files.
DRA file extension
| File Name |
OrCAD Drawing Format |
| File Developer |
Cadence Design Systems |
| File Category |
CAD Files |
The DRA file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DRA files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DRA file on each system platform.
What is DRA file?
The file in the DRA format belongs to the CAD Files category. It was designed by Cadence Design Systems. Additionally, the CAD Files category contains 158 of other files. OrCAD Drawing Format is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use OrCAD PCB Designer to handle this file. This is a program created by Cadence Design Systems, Inc.. Alternatively, you can use 1 other programs. You can use Allegro Free Physical Viewer in case OrCAD PCB Designer cannot be used.
How to open DRA file?
An often recurring problem with OrCAD Drawing Format is that DRA is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open DRA, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DRA 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 OrCAD PCB Designer
In this case, you should first verify that the OrCAD PCB Designer application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name OrCAD PCB Designer in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file DRA with OrCAD PCB Designer. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DRA files.
Programs to open DRA file
Remember to download programs supporting DRA files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of OrCAD PCB Designer with DRA files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the DRA file to open in the OrCAD PCB Designer application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the DRA file with the OrCAD PCB Designer program.
Step 3. Update OrCAD PCB Designer to the latest version
If, however, after binding OrCAD PCB Designer with OrCAD Drawing 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 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DRA file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to DRA files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DRA file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover DRA files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DRA files changes over time. 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. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged DRA files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Cadence Design Systems help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file DRA except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the DRA file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DRA file again. However, some background programs may block the DRA file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
Was this page helpful? YesNo
