Tips to open GDS file
Can't open the GDS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GDS files as well as a list of programs that support GDS files.
GDS file extension
| File Name |
Graphic Data System Format |
| File Developer |
Cadence Design Systems |
| File Category |
CAD Files |
The GDS file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GDS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GDS file on each system platform.
What is GDS file?
The file in the GDS format belongs to the CAD Files category. It was designed by Cadence Design Systems. In addition to this file, the CAD Files category includes 158 related files. Graphic Data System Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the GDS file. The CleWin programs will also handle the file when the VLSI Design System program does not fulfill its role.
How to open GDS file?
The main problem with Graphic Data System Format is that the GDS file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open GDS, 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 GDS 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 VLSI Design System
In this case, you should first verify that the VLSI Design System application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name VLSI Design System into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file GDS.
Programs to open GDS file
Remember to download programs supporting GDS files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of VLSI Design System with GDS files
If, despite the installed application, the GDS file does not start in the VLSI Design System application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the GDS file with the VLSI Design System program.
Step 3. Update VLSI Design System to the latest version
If, despite the association of the VLSI Design System program with the Graphic Data System Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GDS file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. 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 GDS file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file GDS or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected GDS file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of GDS file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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.
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 GDS files.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted GDS 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. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the GDS 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. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the GDS file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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