DRA File Extension

What is DRA file?

DRA filename suffix is mostly used for OrCAD Drawing Format files. OrCAD Drawing Format format was developed by Cadence Design Systems. Files with DRA extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. DRA file format, along with 158 other file formats, belongs to the CAD Files category. The most popular program for handling DRA files is OrCAD PCB Designer, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format. OrCAD PCB Designer software was developed by Cadence Design Systems, Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about DRA files or the OrCAD PCB Designer software program.

Programs which support DRA file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support DRA files. Files with DRA 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 DRA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DRA files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with DRA 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. Get the OrCAD PCB Designer

Problems with opening and working with DRA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with DRA files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing OrCAD PCB Designer or different compatible program, such as Allegro Free Physical Viewer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading OrCAD PCB Designer installed is by going to developer’s website (Cadence Design Systems, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of OrCAD PCB Designer and update if needed

You still cannot access DRA files although OrCAD PCB Designer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that OrCAD PCB Designer cannot handle files with DRA may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of OrCAD PCB Designer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate OrCAD Drawing Format files with OrCAD PCB Designer

If you have the latest version of OrCAD PCB Designer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DRA on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the DRA file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where OrCAD PCB Designer is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DRA files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the DRA file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DRA extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the DRA file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the DRA file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the DRA file for viruses or malware

If the DRA is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the DRA file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. DRA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic DRA file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the DRA file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the OrCAD Drawing Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open OrCAD PCB Designer

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support DRA files. Close all running programs and try opening the DRA file.

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 OrCAD Drawing Format file. It may be the case that the DRA files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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