CDR to SK Converter

CDR to SK conversion — free and browser-based

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Open-Source Bridge

Move CDR artwork into SK format — freeing your CorelDRAW designs for editing in Skencil and other open-source vector tools.

Quick Turnaround

Cloud servers process the CDR to SK conversion rapidly, so you get results without waiting around.

Secure Conversion

Your CDR upload is deleted immediately after conversion. SK output is purged from servers within 24 hours.

How to convert CDR to SK

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose sk or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your sk file right afterwards

About formats

CDR is the native file format of CorelDRAW, a vector graphics editor developed by Corel Corporation and first released for Windows in January 1989. The format stores complex vector illustrations using a RIFF-based container structure (Resource Interchange File Format), organizing page content, object properties, color palettes, and metadata across multiple data chunks. CDR supports a comprehensive range of vector objects including Bezier curves, rectangles, ellipses, artistic text, paragraph text, powerclips, drop shadows, transparency lenses, contours, blends, envelopes, and multi-page document layouts. Each new major release of CorelDRAW introduces an updated CDR version, sometimes adding features that are not backward-compatible with older software versions. One notable advantage is rich feature density — CDR files can contain extremely complex artwork combining vector objects with embedded bitmap effects, multi-point color fills, and mesh fills, all within a single native document. The format's strong presence in certain professional niches is another practical strength: sign-making, screen printing, engraving, and vinyl cutting industries widely standardize on CDR as their primary working format, with direct output to cutting plotters and production equipment. While CorelDRAW originated as a Windows application and CDR remains most fully supported on that platform, import support exists in competing editors including Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, and LibreOffice Draw.
Developer: Corel Corporation
Initial release: January 1989
SK is the native file format of Skencil (originally named Sketch), a free vector graphics editor for Linux created by Bernhard Herzog, with the first public release on October 31, 1998. Skencil holds historical significance as one of the earliest full-featured vector drawing applications written almost entirely in Python, with only performance-critical rendering components implemented in C. The SK file format uses a text-based, Python-like syntax to describe document structure — pages, layers, groups, and individual graphic objects are represented as nested statements with parameters specifying coordinates, colors, line styles, and transformations. The format supports Bezier curves, rectangles, ellipses, text objects with font specifications, imported raster images, gradient and pattern fills, and hierarchical grouping with affine transforms. One advantage is human readability — SK files can be opened in any text editor, making it possible to inspect, modify, or generate artwork programmatically using simple scripts. The Python-native structure also provides a benefit for automation: since Skencil itself is a Python application, the file format integrates naturally with scripting workflows for batch processing and procedural graphic generation. While Skencil's development slowed after the mid-2000s, its SK format became the foundation for the sK1 project, which extended the format and continued active open-source vector graphics development. SK files remain convertible through sK1, UniConvertor, and other open-source tools.
Developer: Bernhard Herzog
Initial release: October 31, 1998

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert CDR to SK?

SK is the native format of Skencil, a free vector editor. Converting CDR to SK lets you edit designs in open-source tools.

What opens SK files?

Skencil (formerly Sketch) and sK1 are the primary editors for SK format. Both are free and available on Linux.

Is CDR to SK conversion accurate?

Vector paths and basic fills transfer well. Advanced CorelDRAW effects may be simplified to maintain compatibility.

Does this converter work on mobile?

Yes — the tool runs in any mobile browser, so you can convert CDR to SK on the go from a phone or tablet.

Is there a charge for converting?

Free conversion is available to everyone. Premium accounts offer additional file size capacity and speed benefits.

CDR to SK Quality Rating

4.5 (51 votes)
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