What is a CDS file?
A .CDS file is most commonly a ClientDataSet data file. Developers use the Delphi programming language by Embarcadero to create these files. They store database table definitions and application data.
However, the .CDS extension has multiple meanings. It can be a Coding DNA Sequence file used by the NCBI BLAST tool. It can store chemical drawing style sheets for ChemDraw by PerkinElmer. Some .CDS files are battery test logs formatted as SQLite databases for Arbin Instruments. Automotive diagnostic tools like Launch X431 and Mercedes-Benz XENTRY also use .CDS files to save vehicle data streams. Finally, the extension was used for the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM SlideShow (Legacy) format by Computer Systems Odessa.
How to open CDS files?
Because a .CDS file has multiple possible meanings, opening it depends on its source. You must use Delphi tools to open a ClientDataSet. You can open DNA sequence files with a simple text editor. Arbin battery logs require an SQLite database viewer.
Inspecting CDS files online
If you do not know the source of your file, viewer.online/cds can analyze .CDS files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available. Since many different applications share this extension, we recommend using viewer.online/cds to identify the actual format of your file.
Summary
viewer.online/cds is useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .CDS files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.