DES File

What are DES files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DES 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 DES files.

What is a DES file?

DES files have multiple uses, and 1dir+ Files Descriptions is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

1dir+ Files Descriptions

We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

How to open DES files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DES file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DES 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 DES openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 4, 2026

All known file formats using extension .DES

While 1dir+ Files Descriptions is a popular type of DES-file, we know of 5 different uses of the .DES file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Canon Design Essentials Template

We know that one DES format is Canon Design Essentials Template. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Corel Designer Graphics File

Corel Designer Graphics File (extension .DES) is a vector graphics file used by Corel DESIGNER, a technical illustration and drafting application for Windows. It stores drawings composed of lines, curves, fills, text, and advanced graphical effects. DES is the native format in which Corel DESIGNER saves its work and maintains editable vector content.

These files are authored by Corel DESIGNER (version 10 and later) and can include embedded fonts (excluding Asian fonts or those without embedding permissions), bitmap textures, and effects such as blends, extrusions, and transparencies. They are typically used for technical illustrations, engineering diagrams, or complex vector drawings that need to be edited later. When saving, designers have options to include reference information (tags, metadata), restrict saving to selected objects to reduce file size, and choose compatibility settings for older versions.

When importing a .DES file into CorelDRAW or later versions of Corel DESIGNER, B-splines are preserved but must be converted to curves for editing, hatch fills are maintained but may become uneditable, and enhanced line styles retain only certain properties (color, width), but not complex patterns. Exporting and saving for older versions may lose or alter newer features or effects.

DES opener for Windows

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

GRAFIT Layout File

We know that one DES format is GRAFIT Layout File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Pro/Desktop Design File

Files that contain the .des file extension are typically associated with the Pro/DESKTOP CAD software application. The .des files contain 2D or 3D drawings that have been created with the software program.

The DES files can be viewed as transparent, shaded, enhanced, or wireframe images. The Pro/DESKTOP program is commonly used by the education sector.

Programs that open these DES files

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

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DES files. Remember, different programs may use DES 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 DES file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.