How do I open a .cad file type?

[ammobake]

I have a file I'm trying to open that has a ".cad" file extension.

I've been doing this for 7 years and I have never heard of a .cad file.

Any help on how to open the file or convert it to a format Autocad 2010 will recognize would be awesome. Thank you!

-ChriS

[Jack_O'neill]

I dunno...did every search I could think of and didn't find anything. Maybe someone else will know.

[ammobake]

I'm assuming it was made by another CAD program (microstation perhaps?).

In the file properties under "file type" it sais "CAD file".

Autocad doesn't recognize it in this format.

-ChriS

[ammobake]

From what I've been able to tell, the ".cad" file extension is a "Quickcad CAD Drawing" which is technically an Autodesk product.

You would think if QuickCAD could open it, full blown Autocad would be able to as well. Unfortunately, it's never really that simple.

I've tried inserting it as a block, inserting it as an OLE object, everything I can think of. I've also tried inserting it as an XREF into modelspace but the XREF manager doesn't even recognize the file type.

-ChriS

[Quagga]

Hi, If I remember .cad extension was for QuickCAD, maybe Autodesk still has it?

Cheers

Al

[Jack_O'neill]

I've never used Microstation but if I remember correctly it generates a .dgn file extension.

There are dozens of little cad companies out there now. It will turn up evenutally.

[Jack_O'neill]

I don't know if the download still works, but you can download quickcad 7 from Cnet here: http://download.cnet.com/Autodesk-Qu...6_4-19026.html

Maybe it will work as a trial version and export a dxf or something.

[Organic]

A few programs using that are listed here: http://filext.com/file-extension/CAD

[ammobake]

I'm really amazed by this whole situation (not trying to be cynical about it either).

Autodesk uses a file format in quickcad that isn't recognized in full blown Autocad?

Yesterday, I realized Quickcad can still save the file as a DWG so I was at least able to request the file in DWG format from the contractor. But that's really beside point.

If your company has multiple seats of Autocad and you're spending that much money on software, One guy with quickcad shouldn't be able to stop you in your tracks.

I'll be surprised if I get the new file this week. In the meantime, the time being wasted is caused by the fact that Autodesk uses a file format that is incompatible with their own premier CAD workhorse. What in the world?

-Chris

[SLW210]

I'm really amazed by this whole situation (not trying to be cynical about it either).

Autodesk uses a file format in quickcad that isn't recognized in full blown Autocad?

Yesterday, I realized Quickcad can still save the file as a DWG so I was at least able to request the file in DWG format from the contractor. But that's really beside point.

If your company has multiple seats of Autocad and you're spending that much money on software, One guy with quickcad shouldn't be able to stop you in your tracks.

I'll be surprised if I get the new file this week. In the meantime, the time being wasted is caused by the fact that Autodesk uses a file format that is incompatible with their own premier CAD workhorse. What in the world?

-Chris

What is so amazing? I fail to see how this could be the fault of Autodesk. Quickcad can save as DWG then the drafter using Quickcad should use .dwg for the file extension, if sending out files. Why would he send a .cad? Is there an agreement as to the type of files to be provided?

Is this an older drawing? Autodesk bought out Softdesk which had Drafix Cad that used .cad file extension. There are still some other software using .cad file extensions.