CDF File Extension

What is CDF file?

Full format name of files that use CDF extension is Computable Document Format. Computable Document Format specification was created by Wolfram Research. Files with CDF extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with CDF extension are categorized as Layout Files files. The Layout Files subset comprises 137 various file formats. Users are advised to use CDF Player software for managing CDF files, although 2 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Wolfram Research, Inc. developer not only will you find detailed information about theCDF Player software, but also about CDF and other supported file formats.

Programs which support CDF file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with CDF files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with CDF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with CDF extension?

Problems with accessing CDF may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with CDF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install CDF Player

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening CDF files is that no program that can handle CDF files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install CDF Player. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support CDF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading CDF Player installed is by going to developer’s website (Wolfram Research, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of CDF Player and update if needed

If you already have CDF Player installed on your systems and CDF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why CDF files are not compatible with CDF Player. The most recent version of CDF Player is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Computable Document Format files with CDF Player

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate CDF files with latest version of CDF Player you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the CDF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the CDF Player installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open CDF files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with CDF extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CDF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the CDF for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the CDF file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the CDF in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the CDF is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the CDF file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the CDF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with CDF extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Computable Document Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle CDF Player

If the systems has insufficient resources to open CDF files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Computable Document Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with CDF files affecting older versions of given software.

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