How to open a .cdr file
Quick, free ways to open CorelDRAW on any system.
A .cdr file is a CorelDRAW Image. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads CorelDRAW yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .cdr file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .cdr. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with CorelDRAW or Inkscape (some versions).
- On Mac, use CorelDRAW or Inkscape (some versions).
- On Linux, try Inkscape (some versions) or LibreOffice Draw (limited).
- Still stuck? Convert the .cdr to svg, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .cdr files
Windows
- CorelDRAW
- Inkscape (some versions)
macOS
- CorelDRAW
- Inkscape (some versions)
Linux
- Inkscape (some versions)
- LibreOffice Draw (limited)
!
Before you open it: Safe. A .cdr is a vector design document; it does not execute.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .cdr file?
Almost always because no installed app understands CorelDRAW. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a .cdr file without CorelDRAW?
Try Inkscape, which imports some CDR versions, though not all. The reliable route is to have it exported from CorelDRAW to SVG, PDF or AI.
Why won't Inkscape open my .cdr?
CorelDRAW's format changes between versions and is proprietary, so Inkscape supports only some. Ask for an SVG or PDF export instead.