Convert CorelDRAW CDR File to PDF Format – Complete Guide

A designer created a design in CorelDRAW. The design now needs to be sent to a commercial printing company for large-scale production. But, they decided to convert CDR file to PDF as PDF is a standard format for most of the professional printers. So, how did they make this conversion happen? This conversion can be done using two ways. In this blog, we will talk about both the manual way and the automated way using CDR ConverterTool. The converter tool fulfills most of the business requirements as it converts bulk CorelDRAW files to different formats. Read the blog further to understand more in detail. 

Understanding CorelDRAW (CDR) and PDF File Format

CDR is a file extension used for CorelDRAW documents. It stores vector graphics, texts, images, and design layouts. CorelDRAW is primarily used in the print and design industry. 

A Portable Document Format (PDF) that encapsulates the fixed layout, formatting, fonts, and images of a document. When opened on any device, be it a phone, desktop, or tablet, it remains the same. 

Users often convert their CDR files to PDF format when they want to share their designs for printing for mass production.

Why Do Users Want to Save CorelDRAW Files as PDF?

Converting CDR files to PDF format will allow the files to be accessed on any device without requiring CorelDRAW. Below are some of the advantages of converting them to a PDF file format. Take a look:

• PDFs are easy to use and offer universal access across devices. Whereas CDR files are dependent on CorelDRAW. This limits its flexibility.
• With PDF Files, users can secure their sensitive information by locking their PDF files with a password. 
• The PDF File format is user-friendly because they are easy to view, print, share, and navigate. 
• Moreover, PDFs can include diverse content types, such as pictures, texts, videos, hyperlinks, audio, animations, and even 3D models.
• Unlike CDR Files, PDF files are compact and lightweight. This makes them easier to upload, email, or store. 

DIY Methods to Convert CDR File to PDF 

There are three methods to convert your CorelDRAW files to PDF. One is a manual method using CorelDRAW, and also uses Inkscape. Another is by using a professional and reliable converter software. Users can choose either of them depending on the complexity and specific needs.

Method 01: CDR to PDF Conversion Using CorelDRAW

This is the most straightforward approach to convert your CDR files to PDF if you have CorelDRAW already installed on your system. 

The following are the instructions to convert your CDR files to PDF:

1. First, open CorelDRAW on your system.
2. Then, navigate to File > Open. Browse and select your .cdr file that you want to convert.
3. Once it gets opened, click on File > Export.
4. Now, choose a destination folder to save your resultant file and select PDF under the Save as type tab.
5. Click on the Export button. 
6. After that, set the PDF Export Options and finally, click on Ok. 

Drawbacks: This method does not support bulk conversion. There can be compatibility issues when converting it to PDF. Some of the PDF export features may not be available in the older versions of CorelDRAW. Make sure that your CDR file does not contain corrupted elements, as it might then fail to give correct outputs.

Method 02: Save CorelDRAW Files as PDF Using Inkscape

This is a free, offline alternative to convert a CorelDRAW file to PDF format. If you are looking to convert the basic, simple design, then this method is suitable for you. 

These are the steps to begin your conversion process:

1. Start by installing Inkscape and launching the program. 
2. Now, go to File > Open. Find and select the CDR file for conversion.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to import the file.
4. Then, review the design and make any changes if you want.
5. After that, navigate to File > Save As. In the Save as type section, choose PDF.
6. Click on Save and adjust the settings as per your needs in the PDF Export Options. 
7. Lastly, click on the Save button.

Drawbacks: Inkscape only supports the older versions of CDR. It will not open the CDR files created in the latest version. There can be inconsistencies related to designs and fonts. Also, Inkscape does not support professional PDF presets. 

Users can also use the free Online CDR to PDF Converter for cost-friendly and emergency use cases.

Use an Automated Software to Convert CDR file to PDF 

The CDR Converter is a comprehensive solution that simplifies file conversion and management. It offers a seamless way for users to transform their CorelDRAW files to PDF format. Whether the users want to convert their CDR files to PDF, JPG, PNG, or SVG, the software does it all. With this software, users can perfectly convert multiple CDR files at once, improving efficiency. Moreover, it also gives the option to password-protect your designs for safe handling. Besides this, it also preserves the original folder structure, maintaining both design accuracy and integrity. 

Quick and simple steps to convert your CorelDRAW files to PDF:

1. Download and install the software on your system.
2. Now, click on the Add File button to add your .cdr file. 
3. Select the uploaded CDR file and click on the Next button.
4. After that, Select Output File Format as PDF. Click on the Destination Path to save your resultant PDF file. 
5. At last, click on the Convert button to start the conversion process. 

Conclusion

Converting the CorelDRAW file to PDF ensures a smooth printing process with no formatting issues or compatibility errors. In this blog, you have seen all the methods to convert CDR file to PDF using both manual and automated methods. While the manual conversions are effective, but become inefficient when handling files in bulk. Therefore, to convert bulk CDR files, we recommend using the CDR Converter. Due to this bulk conversion feature, it is widely used by many professionals and businesses.

Related Post: Convert CDR File to PSD Image.

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