How to Convert CDR Files to PDF - A Complete Guide

Creating designs in CDR format is great for detailed work, but sharing them? Not so much. Since not everyone has the software to open these files, it can be a real hassle when you need to send your designs to clients or colleagues.

That’s why converting them to PDF is a smart move. PDFs work on just about any device and preserve the quality of your design. If you want to share, print, or present your work, PDF makes sure everything stays crisp and accessible.

Read on to learn the steps to convert CDR to PDF.

CDR to PDF - Why Convert?

CDR files are vector images made with CorelDRAW, known for their sharp quality and ability to resize without losing clarity.

However, not many programs support CDR files. Converting them to PDF is a widely used and easy-to-access format that makes sure your designs can be shared and viewed by anyone without any trouble.

Why Convert CDR to PDF?CDR files are limited in compatibilityPDF is ideal for sharing, retains formatting, and is widely support

Feature	CDR	PDF
Full Name	CDR (CorelDRAW file format)	PDF (Portable Document Format)
Purpose	Designed for vector graphics in CorelDRAW	Developed by Adobe for sharing documents without losing formatting
Scalability	CDR files are scalable without losing image quality (great for logos, drawings)	PDF retains visual integrity but is not designed specifically for scalability
Compatibility	Not universally accessible; requires CorelDRAW or compatible software	Universally accessible; can be opened on almost any device
Content	Primarily used for vector art services	Can include text, images, interactive elements (e.g., forms, buttons)
Common Use	Creating logos, illustrations, and designs	Sharing and storing documents across different platforms

Benefits of Converting CDR to PDF

• Anyone can see it: PDFs work on all kinds of computers and phones.
• Smaller is better: PDFs are usually smaller than CDR files, so they're easier to send and save
• Looks great: Your designs will look sharp and colorful in PDF forma
• Keep it safe: You can add passwords, watermarks, or signatures to PDFs to protect them.

Converting CDR Files and Preparing for Embroidery

When working with CDR files, it’s important to understand the flexibility they offer, not just for PDFs, but for other formats as well.

For instance, you can easily convert a CDR file to other formats like JPG for simpler image sharing, or even convert image to vector Illustrator to keep the scalability intact. This adaptability also plays a crucial role in fields like embroidery, where file formats matter a lot. You’ll often need to convert designs into embroidery file formats like the emb embroidery file format to ensure your designs work seamlessly with embroidery machines.

Many professionals turn to a digitize embroidery service for this purpose, converting their vector designs into machine-ready embroidery files.

So, whether you're converting CDR to JPG or prepping designs for embroidery, understanding file formats and conversion methods is key to making the most out of your designs.

Easy Steps to Convert CDR to PDF

Two Ways to Convert CDR to PDF: The best method for you depends on if you have CorelDRAW.

Option 1: Using Inkscape (Free Option)

If you don't have CorelDRAW but still want to work with CDR files, Inkscape is a free tool that can help.

You can open your CDR files in Inkscape and then save them as PDFs.

Here’s how:

• Get Inkscape: Download Inkscape from its website and put it on your computer.
• Open your CDR file: Start Inkscape, click “File,” then “Open.” Find your CDR file and click “Open.”
• Print as PDF: Go to “File,” then “Print.” Choose “novaPDF” or another PDF printer you have.
• Save it: Pick where you want to save your new PDF file and click “OK.” Now you have a PDF version of your CDR file.

Option 2: Using CorelDRAW (Premium Option)

If you’re using CorelDRAW, converting CDR files to PDFs is super easy. The newer versions have a built-in option for it. But if you’re working with an older version, you can use a tool like novaPDF to get the job done.

Here is how to convert CDR to PDF using CorelDRAW:

Step 1: Open CorelDRAW
• Fire up CorelDRAW on your computer.
• Load the CDR file you want to convert.

Step 2: Save as PDF
1. Go to "File" and then "Save As."
2. Choose "PDF" from the format options
3. Pick where you want to save the PDF file.
4. Click "Save."
5. Your CDR file is now a PDF!

Using a PDF Printer (For Older Versions): For older versions that lack a direct PDF export

After opening your CDR file, navigate to File → Print, select novaPDF or another virtual PDF printer from the list, decide where to save the file, and click OK to convert it into a PDF.

Turn Anything into a PDF

Need to make a PDF from something that can't do it itself?

Virtual PDF printers like novaPDF are your solution. They're like a digital printer that makes PDFs instead of paper copies.

How to Use novaPDF:
1. Install novaPDF: Download and install this CDR file converter on your computer.
2. Print to PDF: When you're done editing your file, go to “File” and click “Print.” Choose “novaPDF” as your printer.
3. Save as PDF: To save your file as a PDF, go to “Print” and pick “novaPDF.”
4. Turn it into a PDF: When you're ready, go to “Print” and select “novaPDF” to create a PDF version of your file

Additional Features When Converting CDR to PDF

When using a virtual PDF printer like novaPDF or CorelDRAW’s built-in PDF export, you can take advantage of several additional features:

Bookmarks

Keep track of important pages in your PDF with bookmarks.

Watermarks
• Add your stamp: Put your name or logo on the PDF to show it's yours.
• Mark your territory: Add a watermark to your PDF to claim ownership .

• Lock it down: Use digital signatures to prove you're the creator of the PDF.
• Seal the deal: Add a digital signature to your PDF to make it official.

Security Settings

Control who can access or edit the PDF with security features.

Final Thoughts

So far, we’ve covered why converting your CDR to PDF is a smart move. It makes your designs accessible to anyone, anywhere. Whether you're showcasing custom embroidered patches in USA or any other design, a quick conversion ensures your work can shine on any device. It's a super simple process, and tools make it easy to convert without sacrificing the quality of your work.

Ready to try it? Go ahead and convert your CDR files to PDF. Your designs will thank you!