3 steps to open file with CDA extension
Usually solving problems with CDA file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open CDA file now!
CDA File Extension
- File type CD Audio Track
- File developer N/A
- File category Audio Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) CDA file?
CDA (CD Audio Track) is a popular file format used to store audio data on Compact Discs (CDs). It is an audio file type that contains the data for the audio track in raw form, instead of the more common compressed formats like MP3 or WAV files.
The CDA format stores digital audio data as a series of binary files called blocks. Each block contains an hour of music in 44,100 16-bit samples per second. The track information is stored in an associated cue sheet file that is usually in the same folder as the CDA file. This information gives the track title, artist name, album name, track duration and various other details crucial for accurate reproduction.
How to open CDA file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of CDA extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps
Step 1: Install a program that supports CDA files
If an application that supports CDA files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with CDA extension by default.
Hint for Mac OS users
For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the CDA file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.
Step 2: Find and download proper software
Inability to open CDA files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with CDA files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with CDA extension
Step 3: Check the CDA file for errors
Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:
- CDA file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
- Structure of given CDA file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
- Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
- It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related CDA file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
- If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
