GDS File Extension

What is GDS file?

GDS filename suffix is mostly used for Graphic Data System Format files. Graphic Data System Format format was developed by Cadence Design Systems. GDS files are supported by software applications available for devices running Mac OS, Windows. Files with GDS extension are categorized as CAD Files files. The CAD Files subset comprises 158 various file formats. The most popular program for handling GDS files is VLSI Design System, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support GDS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open GDS files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with GDS 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 GDS extension?

Problems with accessing GDS may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with GDS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with GDS files.

Step 1. Download and install VLSI Design System

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GDS files is that no program that can handle GDS files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing VLSI Design System or different compatible program, such as CleWin. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support GDS files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading VLSI Design System installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of VLSI Design System

You still cannot access GDS files although VLSI Design System is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of VLSI Design System installed, it may not support GDS format. The latest version of VLSI Design System should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open GDS files to VLSI Design System

After installing VLSI Design System (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open GDS files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the GDS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the 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 VLSI Design System is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open GDS files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected GDS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select VLSI Design System and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with GDS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the GDS file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the GDS file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the GDS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the GDS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the GDS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the GDS 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. When downloading the file with GDS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Graphic Data System Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle VLSI Design System

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Graphic Data System Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with GDS files affecting older versions of given software.

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