Files with the .CDR extension contain vector images or drawings saved in a format that is unique and restricted to the CorelDRAW software – as such, not many other programs currently support it. The documents can contain text, lines, shapes, pictures, colors, and additional effects, and are used for designing projects, such as brochures, postcards, and website banners.

Because CDR files are hard to convert for use on other platforms, after a given project is finished in CorelDRAW, it can be exported into universally accessible formats, such as PNG, JPG, BMP or PDF. The CDR file can also be kept as a template for future work using the CDT format.