C2D File

What are C2D files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a C2D file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your C2D files.

What is a C2D file?

C2D files have multiple uses, and Carbide Create Model is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Carbide Create Model

Carbide Create Model files serve as project files native to the Carbide Create software, a CAD/CAM program used to design parts and generate machining toolpaths for CNC routers. They store everything about a job that might be needed later for editing - design elements (like vector shapes, text, and curves), toolpaths (pocket, contour, V-carve, etc.), material settings, machine and stock geometry, grid/background setup, measurement units, and project metadata. The format allows saving a work-in-progress so that both design and machining setup can be reopened and modified without loss.

The files are written by Carbide Create itself, via its Save or Save As commands. Earlier versions let users export just the G-code (to .nc), but since version 7 the toolpaths and the associated G-code are stored inside the same project file. This means that a single project file contains both what is to be cut and how. Users commonly load these files back into Carbide Create to edit, and into Carbide Motion (Carbide 3D's CNC machine controller) to extract or execute the toolpaths.

Earlier builds (prior to V7) use a format based on JSON with a "binary blob" appended that adds 3D preview data. With V7, the file format became a SQLite-based database (using SQLite3) containing compressed JSON-structured records in many entries, along with embedded G-code, and a compressed model or preview blob. Internal fields include keywords like BACKGROUND_POSITION_X, TOOLPATH_OBJECTS, START_DEPTH, END_DEPTH, VERSION, MATERIAL, MACHINE, UUID, WIDTH, HEIGHT, and others.

How to open C2D files

Important: Different programs may use files with the C2D file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your C2D file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different C2D openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 25, 2026

All known file formats using extension .C2D

While Carbide Create Model is a popular type of C2D-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .C2D file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Roxio CD Image Format

Roxio CD Image Format (extension .C2D) is a proprietary disc-image format used by Roxio for creating exact digital copies of CDs and DVDs. It preserves not only the files and folders from the disc but also their physical layout, folder structure, and file system properties such as read/write attributes. These images are intended to be used with Roxio's disc-burning software to reproduce the original disc, or to mount or extract content from it.

The format is created by Roxio's WinOnCD / Easy Media Creator / Roxio Creator tools. It is used when choosing a Roxio proprietary image type instead of the more universally supported ISO; .C2D files can be burned back to optical media using Roxio software and can serve as disc image sources for projects involving copying, virtual mounting, or extracting content like audio tracks. Roxio's guides list .c2d among valid formats for burning and importing images.

In technical terms the file begins with the ASCII signature "RoxioImageFileFormat3.0" at offset zero, which identifies version 3.0 of the Roxio Image format.

C2D opener for Windows

We have identified 2 C2D openers that are compatible with this specific type of C2D file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of C2D files. Remember, different programs may use C2D files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about C2D file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.