CDF file: How can I open a .CDF file?
The table below provides useful information about the .cdf file extension. It answers questions such as:
- What is the .cdf file?
- What program do I need to open a .cdf file?
- How can the .cdf file be opened, edited or printed?
- How can I convert .cdf files to another format?
We hope you find this page helpful and a valuable resource.
✅ Microsoft Channel Definition Format Data

The CDF file is a Microsoft Channel Definition Format Data. Channel Definition Format (CDF) was an XML file format formerly used in conjunction with Microsoft's Active Channel, Active Desktop and Smart Offline Favorites technologies.
✅ Affymetrix Chip Description File

The CDF file is a Affymetrix Chip Description File. This library file containing information about which probes belong to which probe set.
✅ netCDF Data

The CDF file is a netCDF Data. NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) is a set of software libraries and self-describing, machine-independent data formats that support the creation, access, and sharing of array-oriented scientific data.
✅ ECMG Content Definition File

The CDF file is an ECMG Content Definition File. ECMG, LLC (Enterprise Content Management Group, LLC) is a consulting and software development company focused entirely on enterprise content management (ECM) solutions.
✅ Amazon Lumberyard Character Definition Data

The CDF file is an Amazon Lumberyard Character Definition Data. Amazon Lumberyard is a free, cross-platform, 3D game engine that allows you to create high-quality games, connect your games to the compute and storage of the AWS Cloud.
✅ Nominal Small Business Accounting Company Data

The CDF file is a Small Business Accounting Company Data. Nominal Small Business Accounting is a simple financial app for small businesses.
✅ MicroSim PCBoard Component Definition Data

The CDF file is a MicroSim PCBoard Component Definition Data. MicroSim PCBoard is a printed circuit board (PCB) layout tool.
✅ InstallShield Components Definition

The CDF file is an InstallShield Components Definition. InstallShield is a software tool for creating installers or software packages.
✅ Xilinx ISE Chain Description Data

The CDF file is a Xilinx ISE Chain Description Data. Xilinx ISE is a complete ECAD (electronic computer-aided design) application.
✅ CryENGINE Character Definition Data

The CDF file is a CryENGINE Character Definition Data. CryENGINE is a game engine developed by Crytek.
✅ ANDI/netCDF Chromatography Data

The AIA file is a ANDI/netCDF Chromatography Data. ANDI/netCDF Chromatography Data Interchange Format (ANDI) is a data standard for analytical instrument data. ANDI is based on netCDF.
⚠ Be careful with .cdf files.
It's important to know that the .cdf file extension can be used by various programs, not just the ones you expect. This includes potentially harmful software or malware that might create .cdf files. Be cautious when dealing with .cdf files from unknown sources.
🚫 The .cdf file extension is often given incorrectly!
According to the searches on our site, these misspellings were the most common in the past year:
Is it possible that the filename extension is misspelled?
We found the following similar file extensions in our database:
🔴 Can't open a .cdf file?
When you double-click a file to open it, Windows examines the filename extension. If Windows recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When Windows does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:
Select an app to open this .cdf file
It means that the operating system does not have a default app associated with the .cdf file type. To resolve this issue and open the file, you can take the following steps:
- Right-click on the .cdf file. A context menu will appear.
- From the context menu, select Open with. Windows will display a list of recommended apps.
- If the desired app is listed, select it from the provided options.
- If you cannot find the appropriate app, you may need to install software that supports the specific file type.
If you don't know how to change the default app for the .cdf file, check the FAQ.
🔴 Can I change the extension of files?
Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. The extension of a file serves as a hint to the operating system and various software programs about the type of data contained within the file. When you alter a file's extension, you essentially modify how software applications interpret and handle that file. Every file has a specific format, also known as its file type or file format. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format.
If you have helpful information about the .cdf file extension, write to us.