The CDW file is a drawing that was created in the KOMPAS software package. This utility is used in the field of modeling parts, as well as assemblies. The CDW file extension is used when generating project documentation and creating technical illustrations. This file format is widely used when exporting the geometry of production models as part of Compass 3D.
The CDW format can be viewed and sent for printing, for this it is enough to have such software as the special utility KOMPAS-3D Viewer. It is worth noting that files with the CDW extension refer to the Compass program, respectively, from the developer is the Ascon company. Such file extensions are used in the field of computer-aided design and are of particular importance to specialists in design.
The Windows operating system works with Compass, therefore, it is possible to open a CDW file if you install one or another version of the program from the developer "Ascon". KOMPAS belongs to the family of computer-aided design systems and has full functionality for the implementation of design and construction documentation, adhering to all the necessary standards.
You can open the CDW file using the ASCON KOMPAS-3D or KOMPAS-3D Viewer software packages. Such files of the format can contain a variety of projects created by the Compass 3D program. To open the CDW in the original KOMPAS, it will take a certain amount of time to activate all the modules of the utility. In order to save time, many users open CDW files with the KOMPAS-3D Viewer application. It is noteworthy that this format cannot be opened with the Autocad utility.
The CDW file is a file format for the CAD program "Cosmos 3D" - a three-dimensional, solid modeling system. Developed by the Russian company Ascon. Such files are used for design, documentation generation and subsequent transfer to CAM / CAE systems.
If you need constant work with files of this type, then it makes sense to install the Cosmos 3D software package. Also, CDW files can be opened and printed with the free KOMPAS-3D Viewer program.
There is one more option to open a CDW format file. This can be done using the "Compass 3D LT" program - a light version, hence the "LT" prefix. Although the program has many functions disabled, it allows easy editing, viewing and printing of the selected document. To open a CDW file, in the start window of the program, click on the button with the blue arrow. As a result, the file will be loaded and you can work with it.
Files with the * .cdw extension are designed to work with the KOMPAS program. The files contain drawings of structures, descriptions for them and technical documentation.
If you have not previously encountered software from ASCON, and have not built drawings on a computer, then when you click such a drawing will not open. There is no software for working with * .cdw files in the standard set of Windows software. Therefore, you will have to install additional software.
Opening files with ASCON products
The main supplier of software for working with * .cdw files is ASCON. How to open a. * Cdw file? Use the product of the Compass-3D company.
The disadvantage of this program is its high cost. If you do not intend to pay money for a product and plan to work with this type of drawings for several days, then download a free trial version of Compass-3D. You can work with it for 30 days without payment.
The program has reduced functionality. It allows you to open drawings in read-only mode. Those. you cannot edit drawings, but you can rotate the 3D model, rotate, move, scale and print.
If you need blueprints for education or home use, it will do.
Changing models is available in it, unlike Compass-3D Viewer. At the same time, in comparison with Compass-3D, the functionality is limited. Use of this program for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Other programs
There are third-party programs that can interact with this format:
- - utility that opens up to 100 types of files, including video, photo, sound files and tables. The disadvantage of the program is distribution on a paid basis.
- - equipped with basic functionality, editing function, printing documents. It is suitable for creating simple diagrams, but not for engineering work.
- - application for working with engineering drawings. Appearing back in 1984 for MS DOS, it pioneered the software industry for engineers.
When choosing alternative programs, it is important to understand that * .cdw files are created in KOMPAS and are designed to work with this program. Third-party software adjusts the drawings for itself. Therefore, if you want the drawing to open without errors, use the software for which it was originally created.
When we list software solutions for 2D and 3D modeling, it is impossible to ignore the Compass family of programs designed to create various kinds of electronic drawings. Popular in the vastness of Russia and neighboring countries, "Compass" could also boast of its online implementation, which allows you to work with its functionality without installing this program on a PC. And despite the fact that the specified network project was later curtailed, there are online services on the network that allow you to perform various forms of drawing online, either completely free of charge, or shareware. In this article, I will talk about such resources, and also explain how to use their functionality.
Drawing in Compass 3D online
As I mentioned above, the project “ [email protected]", Which provides online access to the Compass-3D program and its rich capabilities. Within the framework of this project, the user got the opportunity to build 2D and 3D models using the Compass software toolkit, with the subsequent saving of the results to his PC.
Since the project was closed in 2013, domestic users did not have any network tools of their own production left for creating 2D and 3D models. Nevertheless, the English-speaking segment of the Internet has a set of network services for online modeling, and some of these services can even boast of Russian-language localization.
Those users who do not trust foreign solutions can be offered to download the stationary program "Compass 3D" (a free trial version is available separately https://kompas.ru/kompas-3d/download/), and then use its functionality.
Let's take a look at the popular network services that allow you to create 2D and 3D models online.
Tinkercad service is a convenient tool for online modeling
The Tinkercad service is a simple and convenient tool for 3D design and 3D printing, available free of charge for non-commercial use - an analogue of Compass 3D. The service interface has Russian-language localization, looks convenient and well-organized. The capabilities of the service allow you to both import existing forms, and generate your own, allowing you to mix and match some forms with others. All user generated files can be sent for printing to a 3D printer to create a prototype or model of what you want to build.
- After switching to Tinkercad, the system will offer to register (you can use your account on social networks).
- To create your project, click on "Create your project".
- After finishing editing, click on "Export" in the upper right, and download the result to your PC.
Working window of the "TinkerCad" service Smartdraw Service - Professional 3D Modeling Solution
Smartdraw is the professional solution for electrical, mechanical or architectural designs. The analogue of the Compass program exists in the form of both a stationary program and the network implementation we need. To facilitate the process, the service uses examples and templates that are easy to customize to suit your requirements. It also contains a huge amount of mechanical engineering and architectural symbols to help you create a variety of 3D models. The resource is available for free for a trial period of 7 days.
- To work with the service, go to smartdraw.com and click on "Start now".
- In the editing window that opens on the top right, select the Russian language.
- On the left, select the desired specialization of the drawing, and start creating it.
- To save the result, click on "Export" at the top left.
Working toolkit of the "Smartdraw" service Onshape.com service - using the cloud for online drawing
The onshape.com service offers cloud-based CAD design. Its capabilities allow you to perform 2D and 3D drafting, multifrequency modeling and editing in context. There are various built-in tools for creating custom functions, support for displaying an object with a simultaneous folded, flat and desktop view, and other useful features.
The vectary.com service is somewhat reminiscent of Compass 3D, and is intended for 3D modeling, with the ability to customize the 3D models existing on the service. The resource's capabilities allow you to export the models you have created into standard 3D files, and work with them using other similar software. The service has a simplified interface and supports many plugins that make working with it convenient and practical.
- To get started with it, go to vectary.com, and click on "Start creating".
- After creating the model, click on "Save" or on "Publish".
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the network project “ [email protected]", Which provided network access to the capabilities of" Compass 3D "online, was closed back in 2013. Now there are a number of network services that allow you to carry out 2D and 3D modeling, and then save the results obtained on a PC. Among the described tools, I would single out the Smartdraw service - its capabilities are suitable both for beginners who are just starting their way, and for experienced professionals.
Files of the CDW graphic format are primarily intended for storing drawings and, accordingly, working with them, but they can also be used for images of other types. Let's see what programs can open this format.
Unfortunately, CDW files can open a fairly limited list of applications. In addition, a file created in one application or in a different version of the same program may not open if you try to run it in a similar program from another developer or even in a different version of the same software product. Let's find out what exactly these applications are.
Method 1: CeledyDraw
First of all, let's find out how to open a CDW using a special software for viewing and creating postcards and business cards CeledyDraw, which is considered one of the most popular in its sector.
If CeledyDraw is installed as the default software for manipulating CDW, then to view this type of file in the specified program, it will be enough to double-click on it with the left mouse button in the "Explorer".
But even if a different default application is configured in the system to operate with CDW, then it is still possible to launch the named object through CeledyDraw in Explorer. Click on it with the right mouse button. Please select "To open with…"... In the list of programs that opens, select "CeledyDraw"... The object is open in this program.
The specified options for opening in the "Explorer" in exactly the same way work for other applications, which will be described below. Therefore, we will not dwell on these options further.
The main disadvantage of the method using the CeledyDraw program is that this application is not Russified. Although, if you only need to view the contents of the object, and not make changes in it, then the interface for most domestic users will be intuitive in English.
Method 2: KOMPAS-3D
The next program that can work with CDW is KOMPAS-3D from the Ascon company.
The disadvantage of this opening method is that the KOMPAS-3D program is paid, and the trial period is limited.
Method 3: KOMPAS-3D Viewer
But the Ascon company has also developed an absolutely free tool for viewing objects CDW KOMPAS-3D Viewer, which, however, can only open drawings, but not create them, unlike the previous application.
As you can see, there is a rather limited set of programs that are able to work with CDW objects. Moreover, it is not at all a fact that the file created in CeledyDraw will be able to open applications from the "Ascon" company and vice versa. This is due to the fact that CeledyDraw is designed to create postcards, business cards, logos and other vector objects, and KOMPAS-3D and KOMPAS-3D Viewer are used, respectively, to create and view electronic drawings.
