Why CDR files have no thumbnail
Windows cannot read CorelDRAW files. Thumbnails for them come from a component that CorelDRAW installs, so a PC without CorelDRAW shows none.
A PC with CorelDRAW is not always better off. The thumbnails commonly vanish after a Windows update or a Corel update, and come back only after a repair or a reinstall.
What is already inside every CDR file
When CorelDRAW saves a drawing it stores a small picture of it inside the file. That picture is all a thumbnail needs. Nothing has to be opened, converted or redrawn, which is why it can be shown without CorelDRAW.
Show CDR thumbnails in File Explorer
Design Previewer reads that stored picture and hands it to File Explorer. It does not depend on Corel in any way.
- 1Download Design Previewer and run the installer. It is free for 15 days.
- 2Open the folder of CDR files and choose Medium icons or larger from the View menu.
- 3Press Alt+P for a large preview of the selected file.
Old files, exchange files and templates
CorelDRAW has changed its file format many times. Design Previewer reads files from CorelDRAW 3 through to the current version, along with CMX exchange files and CDT templates.
It shows the preview only. To edit a drawing or export it to another format you still need CorelDRAW.
