CDC File – What is .cdc file and how to open it?
CDC File Extension
AutoCAD DesignCenter Preview Cache File – file format by Autodesk
CDC is a metadata file used by AutoCAD that stores a preview of a drawing file to speed up the loading time when the drawing is opened in the DesignCenter. It contains information about the drawing, such as its size, scale, and number of objects.
Definition
A CDC file is a cache file created by AutoCAD DesignCenter, a tool that allows users to access and preview content from Autodesk Exchange, such as blocks, symbols, and other design elements. It stores a preview image of the content, enabling faster loading and display when the user selects the item from the DesignCenter. By caching this information, CDC files enhance user experience and reduce the time required to locate and preview content.
Technical Specifications
CDC files are binary files that contain two main components: a 16-byte header and a preview image. The header includes metadata about the cache file, such as the version number, the cache key, the preview image format, and the size of the preview image. The preview image is typically in JPEG format, although other formats can also be used. The size of the preview image is dependent on the resolution of the image and the compression level used.
Opening .CDC Files in AutoCAD
AutoCAD DesignCenter Preview Cache Files (.CDC) are temporary files created by AutoCAD to store cached previews of drawings. These files are not meant to be opened directly but serve as a quick reference for AutoCAD’s DesignCenter feature, which provides users with access to a library of reusable design elements. .CDC files are typically found in the user’s temporary folder and are automatically deleted when AutoCAD is closed.
Alternative Methods for Viewing .CDC Previews
While .CDC files cannot be opened directly, there are alternative methods for viewing the cached previews they contain. One option is to use the AutoCAD DesignCenter itself. When you open the DesignCenter, it scans the user’s temporary folder for .CDC files and displays the cached previews of any drawings that have been recently accessed. Additionally, some third-party CAD plugins and viewers may support the ability to open and view .CDC files. It is recommended to check the documentation for specific software to determine its capabilities.
AutoCAD DesignCenter Preview Cache File (.CDC)
The AutoCAD DesignCenter Preview Cache File (.CDC) stores preview images of blocks, layers, and other drawing objects used in AutoCAD software. This file is generated automatically when a user opens a drawing file and previews its contents in the DesignCenter palette. The purpose of the .CDC file is to improve performance by reducing the need to repeatedly load and render the preview images from the original drawing file. By caching these images, AutoCAD can display them more quickly, especially when working with large or complex drawings.
The .CDC file is a binary file format and can be quite large, depending on the size of the drawing file and the number of objects included in the preview. It is typically stored in the temporary folder of the user’s computer. When AutoCAD is closed, the .CDC file is usually deleted automatically. However, in some cases, it may persist even after the drawing file has been closed. In such scenarios, users can manually delete the .CDC file to free up space on their computer. It is important to note that deleting the .CDC file does not affect the original drawing file or its contents; it only removes the cached preview images.