CAD File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a CAD file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .CAD files.
What is a CAD file?
The .cad file extension is used for a 3D graphics file format, which is often associated with CAD (computer aided design) projects. These CAD files are also known as CAD drawing files, and these may be generated by using CAD tools like the AutoSketch software from Autodesk, Inc. These .cad files contain digital 2D and 3D graphics as well as other pieces of data like details of materials, dimensions and processes among others that were used to create the CAD project.There are some CAD software tools that continue to use the CAD file format for drawing-related files. However, more CAD programs as of this writing use the DFX file format and the DWG file format for digital sketches and drawings that are used in CAD projects, instead of these CAD files.The AutoSketch application from Autodesk, Inc. can be used to open and edit the content of these .cad files. This software may also be used to export these CAD files into more standard formats, such as DWG and DFX. There may be other CAD tools that can be used to create, open, edit and export these .cad files to more widely used CAD drawing file formats.
How to open CAD files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension CAD for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different CAD openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension CAD
While we know of one file format using the .CAD file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .CAD file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of CAD files. Remember, different programs may use CAD files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | CadStd | User submitted |
 | BobCAD CAM | User submitted |
 | CadraViewCheck | User submitted |
 | Rhinoceros | User submitted |
 | nccad7 | User submitted |
 | Cadraview | User submitted |
 | QuickCAD | User submitted |
| MSCad Profissional | User submitted |
 | CadraViewPlus | User submitted |
| Drafix | User submitted |
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