CDT to SK1 Converter

Browser-based CDT to SK1 conversion — free and fast

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Open Vector Output

CDT to SK1 moves your CorelDRAW template designs into an open-source vector format — edit freely in sK1 editor.

Seconds, Not Minutes

Cloud infrastructure delivers CDT to SK1 results fast. No waiting around for complex template conversions.

Browser-Only Tool

Nothing to install. Open any browser, upload your CDT file, select SK1, and download the converted result.

How to convert CDT to SK1

1

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

2

Choose sk1 or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your sk1 file right afterwards

About formats

CDT (CorelDRAW Template) is a template file format used by CorelDRAW, Corel Corporation's vector graphics editor available since January 1989. A CDT file is structurally identical to a standard CDR document — sharing the same RIFF-based container, vector object types, color definitions, and page layout capabilities — but is designated as a reusable starting point for new designs rather than a finished artwork file. When opened in CorelDRAW, a CDT creates a new untitled document pre-populated with the template's content, leaving the original template unchanged for repeated use. This workflow mirrors the template model found in office productivity suites, adapted for graphic design. CDT files commonly contain pre-built layouts for business cards, brochures, letterheads, certificates, posters, and other standardized print materials, complete with placeholder text, guide lines, bleed areas, and properly configured color spaces for print output. One advantage is workflow consistency — design teams can distribute branded templates ensuring every new document starts with correct dimensions, margins, fonts, and color palettes aligned to corporate identity standards. The format also saves significant setup time: rather than configuring document properties and recreating layout elements from scratch, designers begin with a production-ready foundation. Corel ships hundreds of CDT templates with CorelDRAW installations, and the format is supported across CorelDRAW versions with the same compatibility considerations as CDR.
Developer: Corel Corporation
Initial release: 1989
SK1 is the native file format of the sK1 project, an open-source vector graphics editor and conversion engine started by Igor Novikov in 2003 as a successor to Bernhard Herzog's Skencil. The format evolved from the original SK format, extending its capabilities while maintaining the text-based, Python-readable syntax for describing vector documents. SK1 files encode complete document structures including multiple pages, layers, guidelines, and a full hierarchy of graphic objects — Bezier paths, rectangles, circles, polygons, text blocks, and embedded raster images — with attributes for fills (solid, gradient, pattern, hatching), strokes, and transformations. The sK1 project distinguished itself by focusing on prepress and professional print production features, adding CMYK color management, ICC color profiles, spot color support, and PDF/PostScript output — capabilities unusual in open-source vector editors. One advantage is professional color handling — sK1's CMYK workflows and color management make it one of the few open-source tools suitable for print-ready vector production. The project's companion tool, UniConvertor, leverages the SK1 format as an intermediate representation for converting between numerous vector formats (CDR, CMX, WMF, EMF, SVG, and others), giving SK1 significance beyond the editor itself as a universal interchange format. The text-based file structure preserves the readability and scriptability advantages inherited from Skencil's original SK format.
Initial release: 2003

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert CDT to SK1?

SK1 is the native format for the sK1 open-source illustration editor. Converting from CDT lets you edit CorelDRAW templates in sK1 freely.

How do I open SK1 files?

SK1 files open in the sK1 vector editor and UniConvertor. These are free, open-source tools available for Linux and Windows.

Are vector paths preserved from CDT to SK1?

Yes — SK1 is a vector format, so core graphical elements like paths, fills, and strokes transfer from the CDT source.

Is there a file size limit?

Free usage has generous allowances. Premium plans expand the limits for users who need to process larger templates.

Does CDT to SK1 conversion work on mobile?

It does. Open Convertio on any mobile browser, upload the CDT file, and get your SK1 download.

How is my data handled?

Source CDT files are purged after conversion. SK1 results are automatically deleted within 24 hours.