Directories and files used by the program

The program installs into two different directories according to Windows' data security recommendations. If you change the installation folder during installation, all the files will be stored in the folder you select as the new installation folder. Therefore, you should not select the Program Files directory or a folder where you have no writing permissions.

By default, the files are installed into the Program directory and the Application directory. Your own files are stored in a folder below your user profile.

  • Program files, such as .exe and .dll are installed to the Program directory at C:\Program Files\CADMATIC\CADMATIC Draw [version number].

  • All files that you can edit are installed to the Application directory at C:\ProgramData\CADMATIC\CADMATIC Draw [version number].

  • All the files you can edit in the application are located in your Windows user profile directory. Therefore, they are user-specific even when there are multiple users on the same computer. Depending on the operating system and its settings, the folder can be in different locations, typically at C:\Users\[Your username]\AppData\Local\CADMATIC\CADMATIC Draw [version number].

The Application directory and user's files are in hidden folders which means they are not shown in File Explorer with Windows default settings. You can access these directories via the application by selecting File > Open.

The table below lists the types of files that the program uses and creates:

Name

Description

Editing the file

cads.exe

Program

Cannot edit

cads.ini

By default, the program saves its settings to this file. When you open the program, the settings defined in the .ini file are loaded. You can define your own .ini file in the parameters.

Settings command, text editor

Although the .ini files are text files, we do not recommended that you edit them directly.

.ini

Your own settings files

Settings command, text editor

.htm

Help files used by the online help

Cannot edit

cads.kds

Information about the KDS programs loaded upon start-up

Text editor

cads.cdf

File defining synonyms and start parameters for external applications

Text editor

.dll

Program files

Cannot edit

cads.pat

Hatch pattern source code

Text editor

cads.lty

Linetype source code

Text editor

k.exe

K language compiler

Cannot edit

.ftf

Font file

Font command

.cnv

Conversion file for linetypes, text styles, fonts, and pens in the DXF and DWG files

CNVEDIT command

.drw

Drawing and symbol files

CADMATIC

.mnu

Menu file

Menu command or text editor

.mns

Compiled menu file

Cannot edit

.vif

Icon file

Icon command

.vlb

Icon library

Icon command

.mac

Macro file

Text editor

.k

K language source code

Text editor

.ex

Compiled K program

Cannot edit

.pcf

Printing device configuration file

Print settings

.pst

Print style table configuration file

Print settings

.plt

Print file when printing to file

Cannot edit