The vast majority of images found on the Internet, has a raster format, and only a very small part, laid out, as a rule, on thematic resources, is published in vector form. The reason for this is very simple: firstly, vector images cannot provide the richness of the palette used by bitmap images, and secondly, it is almost impossible to describe the lines and corners of faces and landscapes in photographs used in vector formats.
In a word, no matter how high-quality vector images are, they always lack realism, plus everything, they are software-dependent, that is, they need special applications to view them, including browsers. The most common vector formats are SVG, AI, EPS and CDR, which will be discussed today.
What is CDR file format
A CDR file is a vector drawing created in the CorelDraw graphics editor. There are, however, other formats that use the same extension.
On Linux, the CDR extension may have audio tracks recorded from a CD. Files of this type have much in common with AIFF and WAV files, significantly differing in titles at the same time. To play CDR audio files, use Apple iTunes, Awave Studio or Roxio Toast.
On MacOS, the CDR extension has Macintosh DVD / CD disc images, which are similar to the ones used in Windows ISO. They open Apple DiskImageMounter or similar programs for working with images on Mac computers.
Finally, in the CDR format developed by Bosch, the data generated by the car’s emergency sensors is stored. Such a file is compiled by the Crash Data Retrieval recording device, which receives and processes data from sensors that record the loads and the state of security systems during an accident. Due to its specificity, the format on the Internet is very rare, which cannot be said about CDR images.
Desktop programs for working with CDR files
Since the vector CDR format is proprietary, there are not so many programs that can work with it. As a rule, third-party applications do not know how to save CDR files in the original format; instead, they convert it to one of the common free formats, for example, the same SVG. So how to open a cdr file.
Coreldraw
If it’s not about how to open the CDR, but about editing the image, then you won’t find anything better than CorelDraw. This powerful editor allows you to create illustrations of any complexity, the program supports many functions, ranging from simple drawing and working with shapes and ending with tracing and applying complex effects. For CorelDraw, the CDR format is native, there are no restrictions on editing and saving CDR files in the editor.
Inkscape
The main drawback of the CorelDraw application is that it costs money and also considerable. If you are looking for how to open a CDR file for free, pay attention to Inkscape , a multifunctional vector graphics editor that allows you to create illustrations of medium complexity, including animated ones. Work with layers, paths and metadata is supported, there is a function for vectorizing raster graphics. Inkscape can be used both as a viewer and as an editor of CDR files, however, the program is not able to save data in this format.
Libreoffice draw
You can view and edit images with the CDR extension using the free LibreOffice Draw editor, which is part of the LibreOffice office suite. Like Inkscape, LibreOffice Draw allows you to edit CDR files, but saving them in the original format is not possible. If the file has been modified, you will be asked to save it in a supported ODG format.
How to open cdr file online
In addition to desktop programs, you can use special online services to view CDR files.
Fviewer and Ofoct
The first to consider is the Fviewer tool located at www.fviewer.com . The service works as a converter: after downloading, the file is converted to PNG, after which it becomes available for preview in a browser window. Image scaling is supported, if you wish, you can save the file in a converted form to your computer. The disadvantage of the service is that it does not recognize CDR files created in the latest versions of CorelDraw.
AppOnFly CorelDraw
If you need exactly the online CDR editor, use the AppOnFly cloud service – it includes a full-fledged CorelDraw, though it works in trial mode. To start using the service, you must go to the address www.apponfly.com.
If you need to convert the CDR format (for example, cdr to pdf), use the free AnyConv online converter.