What is the BDL file format?
.bdl files are proprietary CAD bundle files used by Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (formerly CoCreate SolidDesigner and OneSpace Designer), a direct-modeling CAD application originally developed by CoCreate Software GmbH and acquired by PTC in 2007.
A .bdl file packages a complete 3D model (part or assembly) and its associated 2D annotation drawing into a single transportable file. Opening a .bdl automatically loads the 3D geometry in the Modeling environment and the linked 2D drawing in the Annotation environment simultaneously, making it convenient for sharing complete design deliverables between engineers.
The format is proprietary binary with no public specification. It is specific to the Creo Elements/Direct product line and is not compatible with PTC Creo Parametric, which uses .prt, .asm, and .drw files. Newer versions of Creo Elements/Direct can generally read .bdl files from older releases, though full backward compatibility across major versions is not guaranteed. Creo Elements/Direct Modeling 20.x remains the current release as of 2024 and runs exclusively on Windows.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWProprietary binary CAD data file; no executable code or macros. Safe to open in Creo Elements/Direct. Do not attempt to open in non-CAD software.
Format details
in a nutshell- BDL audio bundle (various synthesizers) - Some hardware synthesizers and sample libraries use .bdl for audio/sound bundles; unrelated to CAD.
- Bundle installer files (various) - Some software installers and package managers use .bdl for installation bundles; unrelated to CAD.
Programs that open BDL files
Windows1 app
Creo Elements/Direct Modeling
Paid File → Load or File → Import, select the .bdl file. Both the 3D model and 2D drawing open in their respective environments. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary CAD bundle (3D direct model + 2D annotation drawing) |
| Encoding | Binary, little-endian (on modern x86 releases); proprietary structure, no public specification |
| Bundle contents | 3D part or assembly geometry + associated 2D drawing, opened simultaneously in Modeling and Annotation environments |
| Modeling approach | Direct modeling (history-free geometry editing) |
| Platform | Windows only |
| Typical file size | 1 MB - 500 MB (simple part to complex multi-component assembly) |
| Compression | Unknown; internal compression likely |
| Encryption | None (standard edition) |
| Version compatibility | Newer releases generally read older BDL files; full backward compatibility not guaranteed across major versions |
| Not compatible with | PTC Creo Parametric (.prt / .asm / .drw) |
| Developer history | CoCreate Software GmbH → OneSpace Designer → PTC acquisition (2007) → Creo Elements/Direct |
| Host application | Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (direct-modeling CAD, distinct from parametric design) |
| Released | circa 1990s (CoCreate Modeling / SolidDesigner era) |
| Latest version | Creo Elements/Direct Modeling 20.8 (current, 2024) |
| Specification | support.ptc.com |
BDL conversions
Community Q&A
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