MCD File

What are MCD files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MCD 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 MCD files.

What is a MCD file?

MCD files have multiple uses, and MiniCAD/VectorWorks 3D Drawing is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

MiniCAD/VectorWorks 3D Drawing

The .mcd file extension is a 3D graphics and CAD file type directly associated with MiniCAD. MiniCAD is a CAD and building information modeling (BIM) software application developed by Diehl Graphsoft in the mid-1980s. Diehl Graphsoft was acquired by Nemetschek and renamed VectorWorks.

VectorWorks is a global design software primarily used in architectural designs and landscape projections. VectorWorks is used in creating 2D, 3D, production management, and presentation designs. MCD files represent saved drawings and 3D renderings created and saved by using VectorWorks.

MCD files were used VectorWorks version 1 through 12. But now, it uses the VWX file extension in versions 2008 and later. Version 2008 was the successor of version 12.

MCD files can also be converted to other vector-based images and other formats like .mcl, .mcs, .pdf and .vwx. MCD files can be converted to VWX files using newer Vectorworks versions after the 2008 version. VWX and some MCD files can also be viewed in free Vectorworks Viewer programs.

How to open MCD files

We have identified two MCD openers that are compatible with this specific type of MCD file.

Programs that open MiniCAD/VectorWorks 3D Drawing files

Last updated: August 9, 2026

All known file formats using extension .MCD

While MiniCAD/VectorWorks 3D Drawing is a popular type of MCD-file, we know of 6 different uses of the .MCD file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Mathcad Document

Mathcad Document (.MCD) files are worksheet files created by the traditional versions of Mathcad (developed originally by Mathsoft, now by PTC) for Windows. These worksheets are used when working through engineering, mathematical, scientific or academic calculations: they combine text, formatted mathematical expressions, graphs, plots, spreadsheets, and user-defined functions and algorithms into an interactive, dynamic document that computes automatically as inputs change. These files serve as saved worksheets that include both content and layout so you can continue editing where you left off.

These documents are produced by saving within Mathcad (pre-Prime line, for example Mathcad 11 or Mathcad 15) using the Save or Save As command, specifying a filename with extension .MCD. A worksheet saved this way retains full editing functionality in Mathcad: math regions remain editable, graphs remain dynamic, and calculations recompute when inputs are altered. Users may also save the worksheet in other formats (for example HTML, MathML, or RTF) or save it in an earlier version format if backward compatibility is needed.

The file begins with a specific internal signature: it contains the byte sequence 0x2E4D43414420 (".MCAD " in ASCII) at the very start of the file (offset 0). This signature identifies the file as a legacy Mathcad binary document using the .MCD extension.

MCD opener for Windows

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

Monu-CAD Drawing

Monu-CAD Drawing files are 2-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) drawings used to plan, layout, and customize designs for cemetery memorials and headstones. These files are created by the Monu-CAD Pro software by Monumental Computer Applications, Inc., and contain precise vector shapes such as lines, arcs, ellipses, Bezier curves, text, panel and base designs, lettering, symbols, and ornamentation used in monument design. These drawings serve both for customer approval (scaled and full-size layouts) and for production operations such as stencil cutting and template preparation.

Monu-CAD Pro reads and writes MCD files. Older versions of Monu-CAD Pro (such as version 7.09) retain compatibility by reading MCD and MCC files from earlier releases and from Monu-CAD Lite, while files produced with newer versions may not always be readable by significantly older software (such as early Lite versions or the company's older DOS programs).

Files identified as Monu-CAD Drawing start with a byte signature that matches the GZIP file magic (0x1F 8B …) at offset 0, followed further in the file by the ASCII string "CreatedwithMONU-CAD" at offset 36. This signature helps distinguish them from other types using the .MCD extension.

Programs that open these MCD files

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

Playstation Memory Card Savestate

We know that one MCD format is Playstation Memory Card Savestate. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

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

PowerDesigner Model

We know that one MCD format is PowerDesigner Model. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Programs that open these MCD files

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

Spider MacroCode Data

We know that one MCD format is Spider MacroCode Data. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of MCD files. Remember, different programs may use MCD 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

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