CDD File

What are CDD files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CDD 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 CDD files.

What is a CDD file?

CDD files have multiple uses, and ConceptDraw Document is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

ConceptDraw Document File

Files that contain the .cdd file extension are most commonly used by the ConceptDraw PRO software application.

ConceptDraw PRO is a business drawing software program. The CDD files created by this software can store flowcharts, technical drawings, and business diagrams that can be used in reports, network diagrams, and other business tools. In addition, the CDD files can be exported into PDF format to allow for the distribution of the files amongst users who do not have the software application.

How to open CDD files

We have identified one CDD opener that is compatible with this specific type of CDD file.

Programs that open ConceptDraw Document files

Last updated: August 31, 2026

All known file formats using extension .CDD

While ConceptDraw Document File is a popular type of CDD-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .CDD file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Cadifra UML Diagram File

Cadifra UML Diagram File with extension .CDD is the native document format used by the Windows application Cadifra UML Editor. This format stores diagrams created with that program, such as class diagrams, sequence diagrams, state diagrams, use case diagrams, and object diagrams. Files in this format represent the visual layout and the structural elements of UML models you have drawn - shapes, connectors, text labels, styles, and diagram mode settings.

Cadifra UML Editor is the only program that creates .CDD files. When you save your work in Cadifra, it writes the full diagram into a .CDD file in its human-readable XML form, capturing all layout and style information. You can later reopen the same .CDD in Cadifra to view or edit its contents; diagrams can also be embedded in other documents (for example, in Microsoft Word) with preservation of fidelity. The program does not generate executable code or build databases from these .CDD files.

CDD opener for Windows

We have identified one CDD opener that is compatible with this specific type of CDD file.

Claris Draw Document File

Claris Draw Document File stores graphics documents created by ClarisDraw, a vector drawing and layout program developed by Claris (formerly part of Apple). It combines vector shapes (lines, polygons, Béziers, text boxes), imported bitmap images, fill patterns, color gradients, and clip art. ClarisDraw supports advanced text layout (text boxes linked or wrapped, text flowed along paths, and text converted to outlines), and tools like shape libraries, symbols, and "smart" features for alignment, drop shadows, embossing, and presentation slides.

ClarisDraw writes Claris Draw Document Files when saving a drawing project. These files are used both on classic Macintosh systems (including MacDraw, MacDraw Pro, Mac OS Classic) and on Windows via ClarisDraw. The files store both vector drawing commands and embedded or linked bitmap content. The format was last significantly updated around ClarisDraw version 1.0v4 (1994-1995), before Claris was disbanded in 1997. These files can be exported to many other graphics formats (such as EPS, WMF, CGM) depending on the version.

Internally, Claris Draw Document Files start with byte 0x01 at offset 0, and at offset 3 contain the ASCII sequence .EXPW ("0045585057" in hex). The file includes internal keywords such as CORRECTION, IMPORTANT, URGENT, NOTE, TEXT, FNTM, EXPW and DSET.

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

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

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