I cannot open a CAD file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with CAD files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening CAD will be resolved!
CAD File Extension
- File type BobCAD-CAM Format
- File developer BobCAD-CAM
- File category CAD Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) CAD file?
CAD (BobCAD-CAM Format) is a computer-aided design file used by BobCAD-CAM, a CAD/CAM software platform. It stores 3D and 2D data that includes geometry, process parameters, materials, tools, and others. The file format is used by engineers to create CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machining pathways that can then be used to instruct CNC machines.
The CAD (BobCAD-CAM Format) format is based on the industry standard .DXF format but features a proprietary header that allows it to store proprietary data. CAD (BobCAD-CAM Format) format files have a “.bob” file extension. BobCAD-CAM files can be imported into other CAD programs to make modifications or conversions to different formats.
How to open CAD file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with CAD extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports CAD files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open CAD files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support CAD files
Step 2. Verify whether CAD files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports CAD files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with CAD files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support CAD files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open CAD files with the selected program.
Changing CAD file association in registry
File association for CAD files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check CAD file for other errors
- CAD file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening CAD files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected CAD file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For CAD files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
