Opening CAD files

Did your computer fail to open a CAD file? We explain what CAD files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert 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.