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Is there a way to open .cdr (corel draw) files in illustrator?

Forum|Forum|10 years ago
November 1, 2015
5 replies
188666 views

Hi all,

I have just downloaded the latest illustrator because I understood it would open .cdr files but when I try illustrator gives me the message that the file is an unknown format and connot be opened...

does anyone know a way around this apart from buying corel again 😞

Correct answer Iman.Ahmed.educhamber

Hi, the best way to solve your problem is to open CorelDraw files in CorelDraw, then export them as an Adobe Illustrator files.

Adobe illustrator can open CorelDraw files from version 5 to version 10 only.

some times we need to install programs that we don't use just to finalize our work process in an efficient way.

I wish my answer was helpful.

Thank you

N

Neeraj Sharma

Participant

Today it is not possible. i have tried so many times. but could not succeed.

if you wanted to import corel file. You must need corel exported EPS or pdf for illustrator.

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

As has been said already several times, Illustrator can open CDR files up to version 10. This article shows Corel versions by release date. CorelDRAW - Wikipedia

Version 10 was released in 1999.

Version "X8" is really version 18.

Version "2023" is really version 25.

S

sswaleha

Participant

So adobe asking me to by corel Draw to open .cdr file

Monika Gause

Community Expert

The forum is 95% not Adobe staff. Staff is marked as such and I see nobody in this thread marked as "Adobe staff". You are getting advice from volunteers.

Since Illustrator cannot open your file for you, you now have 4 options:

- leave the file alone

- get CorelDRAW

- ask the other person to send you an AI file instead (CorelDRAW can export that)

- ask for an EPS or PDF (which might cause more trouble with editing)

Since file conversion will almost always cause trouble (make something ineditable, delete something, change something - especially text), a conversion is alomst always only the second best solution.

If this about a collaboration on that file (sending back and forth), you want to use the same application as your collaborator.

If you don't know exactly how this file is supposed to look like, you need to open it in CorelDRAW, because any conversion will cause changes that you are unable to notice.

B

bluebrad

Community Expert

i use libre draw to open CDR files and save them as EPS files
libre draw is free to use
you may lose some capabilities but at least you can get most of the file.

Illustrator is open almost 24/7 and just about the same for Bridge and Photoshop

0

07murat07

Inspiring

Yes. You can buy CorelDraw (719 EURO) and use it for opening cdr files.
...

B

bluebrad

Community Expert

you can open CDR files in LibreOffice Draw
thow some item will not load correctly i still use this when in a pinch
the wors part about this is corel can open illustrator documents and photoshop document with easy

Illustrator is open almost 24/7 and just about the same for Bridge and Photoshop

A

alecs722

Participant

That's because Adobe isn't interested in making your life easier, they just care about money. Heck, Adobe programs themselves can't handle other Adobe file extensions. Why would they bother to support CDR files? Corel on the other hand, opens and saves in just about anything.

I

Iman.Ahmed.educhamberCorrect answer

Participating Frequently

Hi, the best way to solve your problem is to open CorelDraw files in CorelDraw, then export them as an Adobe Illustrator files.

Adobe illustrator can open CorelDraw files from version 5 to version 10 only.

some times we need to install programs that we don't use just to finalize our work process in an efficient way.

I wish my answer was helpful.

Thank you

R

Ric_A

Participant

Hi, I am trying to do the same as the software says it will open Corel draw files, but am getting the same error messages.
Has anyone found a real solution?
Going back in to Corel and saving as AI isn't an option as I no longer have access to the software, but have a lot of files created with Corel.
If illustrator can't actually open the Corel files as it states then it's a false claim...