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How to open a CDR file without CorelDRAW

By the Fusion Office team · Updated

Quick answer

A .cdr file is CorelDRAW's own drawing format, so most computers and phones can't open it. Convert it with the CDR converter: choose PDF to view and print it, PNG or JPG for an image, or SVG to keep it editable as vectors in Illustrator, Inkscape or Figma.

Convert a CDR file step by step

  1. 1Open the CDR converter and choose one or more .cdr files.
  2. 2Pick the output: PDF for printing and sharing, PNG or JPG for an image, or SVG to edit the shapes elsewhere.
  3. 3For PNG or JPG, pick Screen, Standard or Print quality (up to 300 DPI).
  4. 4Press Convert and download the result, or a ZIP if you converted several files.

The conversion runs on our server because it needs a CorelDRAW file reader; the file is deleted as soon as your result is ready.

Which format to choose

  • PDF: keeps shapes and text sharp at any zoom, includes every page, and opens on every device. The best choice for checking or printing a design.
  • PNG: a picture with sharp edges, good for logos on websites and social media.
  • JPG: a smaller picture file for photos and previews.
  • SVG: editable vector shapes for Illustrator, Inkscape, Figma or CorelDRAW itself. Only the first page is converted.

Things that may look different

Most files from older CorelDRAW versions up to the modern X-series convert well. Very new effects, and fonts that aren't installed on our server, may come out slightly different: missing fonts are replaced with similar ones. Password-protected or damaged CDR files can't be converted.

Free desktop programs can also read CDR files: Inkscape and LibreOffice Draw both import them, which is useful if you need to edit a drawing offline.

Going the other way

If a printer or sign maker asks you for a CDR and you only have a JPG logo, convert it to a vector with JPG to SVG, then open the SVG in CorelDRAW and save it as .cdr there.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a CDR file on my phone?

Not directly. Convert it to PDF or PNG first, and any phone can open the result.

Will the SVG be editable in CorelDRAW?

Yes. CorelDRAW imports SVG with its shapes intact, and you can save it as .cdr from there.