3 steps to open file with CDW extension
Usually solving problems with CDW file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open CDW file now!
CDW File Extension
- File type KOMPAS Document
- File developer ASCON
- File category CAD Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) CDW file?
CDW (KOMPAS Document) is a file format developed by ASCON Group. It is primarily used to store 3D technical drawings, created with the CAD program KOMPAS 3D. The CDW file formats are compressed versions of the original 3D design files and include information such as shape, size, and properties of the model. The CDW format is also used in other CAD programs, such as HyperMILL, ProDesigner and ProCAD.
CDW files can be opened by either KOMPAS 3D or ProCAD Viewer programs. Other programs such as Autocad, SolidWorks, Rhino, and SketchUp also support viewing and converting CDW files. The format can also be exported to a variety of different formats including DWG, PDF, OBJ, and STL.
How to open CDW file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of CDW 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 CDW files
If an application that supports CDW 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 CDW 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 CDW 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 CDW 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 CDW files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with CDW extension
Step 3: Check the CDW 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:
- CDW 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 CDW 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 CDW 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
