Why convert CDR to SVG?
SVG is the open vector standard for the web, natively supported by browsers, design tools, and devices like laser cutters and plotters. Converting CDR to .svg removes the dependency on a CorelDRAW licence and makes the artwork editable in cross-platform tools like Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, and Figma.
How to convert CDR to SVG
Inkscape OPEN-SOURCE
Open the CDR via File > Open, then use File > Save As and choose Plain SVG for maximum cross-tool compatibility.
CorelDraw Graphics Suite APP
Open the CDR and use File > Export, set the format to SVG; flatten CorelDRAW-specific effects to paths for cleaner output.
Adobe Illustrator APP
Open the CDR in Illustrator and export to SVG via File > Export > Export As.
UniConvertor OPEN-SOURCE
Use UniConvertor to convert CDR files to SVG from the command line on Linux.
Programs that convert CDR
About these formats
.CDR
CorelDRAW image / drawing
A CDR file is a vector drawing created by CorelDRAW (Corel Corporation), used for logos, posters, signage and print artwork since 1989. CorelDRAW is the only application that opens every…
Open .CDR details →
.SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics
An SVG file is a Scalable Vector Graphics image - a W3C open standard that stores 2D graphics as XML text, so it scales to any size without losing quality. Any modern web browser opens it…
Open .SVG details →Quality & what to watch
- Choose Plain SVG over Inkscape SVG when the file is going to a browser or another design tool - Inkscape SVG embeds extra metadata that not all applications understand.
- Recent CorelDRAW-specific effects (mesh fills, contours, transparencies) may be missing or distorted when opened via libcdr; CorelDRAW gives the most accurate SVG export.
- Fonts in the CDR should be converted to paths before SVG export to prevent missing-font rendering issues in other applications.
