3 votes
CVI File - What is a .cvi file and how do I open it?
Learn about .CVI files and view a list of programs that open them.
Idiomas
Visión General
What is a CVI file? A CVI file is an image format used by Canvas, a technical illustration and graphics editing program. It can store both bitmap and vector graphics, allowing users to create detailed illustrations, diagrams, and designs in a single file. In some cases, Canvas uses CVI files as proxy images, which are lower-resolution versions of a document's content that reduce screen redraw times when working with large or image-intensive documents.
More Information Graphic designers, engineers, and technical illustrators who needed to produce precise drawings and complex visuals are the primary users of Canvas. The format preserves both the graphical elements and the layout of a document, making it useful for professional illustration work. NOTE: Although the Mac version of Canvas has been discontinued, CVI files remain compatible with later versions of the software, such as Canvas X, which was the last Mac release in 2005.
ACD Systems Canvas 12 Icon
Migas de pan
DeveloperFrédéric Mathiot
Popularity2.0 | 1 Vote
Previous / Next
In-Depth
.CVI File Extension
2 file types use the .cvi file extension.
Canvas Image
| Developer | ACD Systems |
| Popularity |
3.0 | 3 Votes |
What is a CVI file?
A CVI file is an image format used by Canvas, a technical illustration and graphics editing program. It can store both bitmap and vector graphics, allowing users to create detailed illustrations, diagrams, and designs in a single file. In some cases, Canvas uses CVI files as proxy images, which are lower-resolution versions of a document's content that reduce screen redraw times when working with large or image-intensive documents.
More Information
Graphic designers, engineers, and technical illustrators who needed to produce precise drawings and complex visuals are the primary users of Canvas. The format preserves both the graphical elements and the layout of a document, making it useful for professional illustration work.
NOTE: Although the Mac version of Canvas has been discontinued, CVI files remain compatible with later versions of the software, such as Canvas X, which was the last Mac release in 2005.
How to open a CVI file
You can open CVI files with Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro in Windows. To open CVI files, select File → Open .
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open CVI files
Sort
Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro
Free Trial
Category: Vector Image Files
Updated: March 13, 2026
CassiniVision Map Image
| Developer | Frédéric Mathiot |
| Popularity |
2.0 | 1 Vote |
A CVI file may also be a proprietary map image created by CassiniVision, a French image-viewing program designed to display historical maps. It stores high-resolution images of maps, often sourced from archival collections, such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s Gallica digital library, preserving the layout, details, and labels of the original maps for viewing and analysis on a computer.
More Information
Researchers, historians, educators, and map enthusiasts use CVI files to study historical geography, urban development, and cartography. The format allows users to zoom, pan, and examine maps digitally without handling the originals.
How to open a CVI file
You can open CVI files using CassiniVision. However, the program is discontinued.
Programs that open CVI files
Sort
Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
CassiniVision
Category: GIS Files
Updated: March 13, 2026