4 file types use the .cdr file extension.

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What is a CDR file?

A CDR file is a drawing created with CorelDRAW, a vector illustration and page layout design application included with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. It typically contains vector image data, such as lines, paths, and colored shapes, but may also include text, tables, and digital effects. The CDR format is commonly used for documents, such as brochures, tabloids, letters, advertisements, postcards, webpages, and web banners.

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How to open a CDR file

How to convert a CDR file

Category: Vector Image Files

Macintosh DVD/CD Master

Disc image created on a Macintosh computer using the built-in Disk Utility program; may contain multiple folders and files in a single disc image file that can be burned to a CD; similar to an .ISO file created on a Windows computer.

To create a CDR file with Apple Disk Utility, first, select the "Convert" option, then open an existing disc image file. Next, select "DVD/CD master" from the Image Format menu and click "Save."

NOTE: If a CDR file will not open on a Windows computer, it may be possible to open the file by changing the file extension from .cdr to .iso .

Programs that open CDR files

Updated: December 2, 2010

Raw CD Audio Data

A CDR file may also be an audio track extracted, or "ripped," from an audio CD to a computer's hard disk. It is similar to an .AIF or .WAV file, but does not contain the same header information. Many music players can play CDR files.

Users create CDR files using CD audio extraction software, such as HH Software Virtual CD. The files typically contain standardly-formatted audio that is saved without the format's typical header information. As such, music players may not recognize the files as audio files by default. However, you can still play CDR files in many music players.

If your CDR file contains music saved in a standard format, you can open and play the file in VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform). You can also use programs like HH Software Virtual CD (Windows), Lightning UK ImgBurn (Windows), and Roxio Toast (Mac) to burn CDR files to CDs.

If you can play your CDR file in VideoLAN VLC media player , you can also use the program to convert your CDR file to other audio formats, including:

Programs that open CDR files

Updated: June 23, 2022

Crash Data Retrieval Data File

A CDR file contains Event Data Recorder (EDR) information acquired from automobiles with a Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) device. The EDR records events generated from sensors within the car and then saves them to the CDR file. Users can then transfer the CDR file to a computer and import it into Bosch CDR System Software installed on the computer.

Bosch introduced CDR technology in 2000, which crash researchers, law agencies, auto manufacturers, and government agencies, use to access EDR information from vehicles, such as cars and SUVs. By viewing the data in a CDR file, you can understand the specifics of the crash, including where the impact was on the vehicle and the force of the impact.

You can open CDR files with Bosch CDR System Software. For example, to open a CDR file, select File → Open .

Programs that open CDR files

Updated: December 21, 2023