What is the CLD file format?
.cld files are used by Canon CD-LabelPrint software, bundled with compatible Canon PIXMA inkjet printers that support direct disc printing. .cld files store projects of labels and CD/DVD covers created by users. A project holds print-area definitions for the disc face or jewel-case insert, along with placed text and image objects, background graphics, and layout-positioning data. .cld files can also contain predefined project templates which can be used as starting points for custom projects.
.cld files are used during the process of designing, saving, and printing custom CD/DVD labels. The output can be applied on paper or directly onto printable optical discs supported by the connected Canon printer.
.cldis a proprietary binary format unique to Canon CD-LabelPrint software, developed by Canon Inc.- Some
.cldtemplate files are automatically installed during the CD-LabelPrint installation process, providing ready-made layouts for disc faces, jewel-case covers, and inlay cards. - The format covers standard 12 cm CD/DVD printable-disc faces as well as jewel-case covers and inserts.
- Related image assets embedded in
.cldprojects include .JPG photos and .PNG graphics for custom backgrounds. - Canon CD-LabelPrint runs on both Windows and macOS with compatible hardware.
- As optical media use has declined,
.cldand CD-LabelPrint are effectively legacy on newer Canon software lines, though still supported for compatible PIXMA models.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWA .cld is a label-layout project with no executable code, so it is harmless on disk. The only practical caution is the source of the bundled software: download Canon CD-LabelPrint only from Canon's official support pages for your printer model, not from third-party 'driver/utility' sites that often bundle adware. The file itself carries no malware risk.
Format details
in a nutshellFULL NAMECanon CD-LabelPrint Label Layoutaka Canon CD-LabelPrint file, CD label template
DEVELOPERCanon Inc.since 2000s (bundled with Canon PIXMA inkjet printers supporting direct disc print)
CATEGORYLayout Files
MIME TYPEapplication/octet-stream
TYPEProprietary CD/DVD label & disc-print layout project (binary)
Programs that open CLD files
Windows1 app
Canon CD-LabelPrint
Free Install CD-LabelPrint for your PIXMA model from Canon support, then File > Open the .cld to edit/print (needs a disc-capable Canon printer to print). 
macOS1 app
Canon CD-LabelPrint
Free Download the macOS CD-LabelPrint build for your printer model from Canon support and open the .cld. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Canon Inc. |
| Format type | Proprietary binary CD/DVD label-print project container |
| Associated application | Canon CD-LabelPrint (Windows and macOS) |
| Print target | Standard 12 cm CD/DVD printable-disc faces, jewel-case covers, and inlay inserts |
| Output media | Direct-print optical discs (printable CD/DVD); inkjet paper |
| Typical file size | 50 KB - several MB, depending on embedded background images |
| Project contents | Print-area definitions, text and image objects, background graphics, and layout-positioning data for the selected label category |
| Bundled templates | Predefined .cld layouts installed automatically with CD-LabelPrint for quick-start label design |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream (no registered MIME type) |
| File identification | No publicly documented magic-byte signature; identified by the .cld extension and CD-LabelPrint association |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS |
| Format versioning | Undocumented; format revision follows the installed CD-LabelPrint release |
| Format status | Effectively legacy as optical media declined; still supported on compatible Canon PIXMA direct-disc-print models |
| Released | 2000s (bundled with Canon PIXMA inkjet printers supporting direct disc print) |
| Latest version | Tied to current Canon CD-LabelPrint releases |
| Specification | www.canon-europe.com |
CLD conversions
Possible
.CLD .PDFGUIDE
Yes -- open the .cld in Canon CD-LabelPrint and print it to a PDF driver such as Microsoft Print to PDF.
How to convert
.CLD .JPGGUIDE
Yes, you can get a JPG from a .cld file - open the project in Canon CD-LabelPrint and export or save it as an…
How to convert
.CLD .PNGGUIDE
Yes, conversion is possible by exporting from Canon CD-LabelPrint - the same free app used to create the file.
How to convert
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about CLD files.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .cld file?
A saved disc-label/cover project from Canon CD-LabelPrint - the utility bundled with Canon PIXMA printers that print directly onto printable CDs/DVDs. It stores your layout (text, images, background).
How do I open a .cld file?
With Canon CD-LabelPrint on Windows or macOS. Download it for your specific PIXMA model from Canon's support site, then open the .cld. To actually print onto a disc you also need a disc-capable Canon printer and its CD/DVD tray.
Can I open a .cld without a Canon printer?
You can install CD-LabelPrint to view/edit the design, but printing requires a compatible Canon printer. Without Canon software you generally can't open it - ask for an exported JPG/PNG/PDF instead.
How do I convert a .cld to an image?
Open it in CD-LabelPrint and export/save the layout as JPG or PNG (or print it to PDF). There is no standalone .cld converter.
Why won't my .cld file open?
Either CD-LabelPrint isn't installed (download it for your printer model from Canon support), or the .cld came from a different printer/version. Confirm it's a Canon CD-LabelPrint file and not another program's .cld.
References
1Canon Europe - software & support downloadswww.canon-europe.com
2Canon - CD-LabelPrint software (per-printer support pages)www.usa.canon.com
