Good day.

I was going through my music CD collection. And I remembered how bewildered I was by the CDA format when I first tried to copy songs to a computer and then play them without a compact.

Those who have also done this know that nothing will come of it. Despite the fact that now we listen mainly to MP3. However, someone else may be in a similar situation.

Therefore, the idea came to me to write about this extension and explain why this happens and how to deal with it.

Decryption

CDA is an acronym for Compact Disk Audio. And without translation it is clear where this format is used.

It is one of the oldest, but is still used today. Because this is the easiest and highest quality option for recording digital data. They are stored uncompressed, so they must be played back at a fixed disk speed.

Why doesn't music play without a disc?

To listen to the songs, any CD player, including a computer drive, will do. However, if you want to copy music to your computer in the usual way and listen to it by pulling out the compact, you will be disappointed. Why?

The files you transferred are created automatically by the operating system during playback from the disc. They are only links. Which indicate the location of a particular song on the compact, but do not contain the sound itself. This is also hinted at by their size, calculated in kilobytes. In fact, these are just labels with information about where a certain track begins and ends.

How to copy CD?

If you are going to listen to audio on a computer directly from a disk, then any program for playing media files will do: Winamp, VLC, AIMP, etc. But if you want to transfer the content to the hard drive and then listen from it, then Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V won't work here.

I don't want to repeat myself a hundred times. I have covered this topic in more detail in this post:

And on this I think it is necessary to round off. Nothing more to write here :)

Until we meet again on my blog.

How to open the .cda format?

To understand how and how to open cda, it is worth understanding what it is.

CDA (Compact disc Digital Audio) is a digital recording format for compact discs. It appeared much earlier than computers became widespread, and was used to record on discs that were played in consumer audio players. On computers at that time they were not even going to listen and process music. When such an opportunity came to the minds of users and developers, an analogue of cda was created - the wav format.

At its core, cda is not exactly a file, but rather a link to the audio track of a CD that does not contain audio data, but only an indication of the location of the track on the media. Provided there is a disc in the drive, such tracks (tracks) are played by any conventional player installed on the computer. When reading a disk, the PC creates links to tracks that are visible to the user as Track.01.cda, Track.02.cda, and so on. The weight of such files is 44 bytes (the rounded value is displayed in Explorer - 1 KB).

Thus, it becomes clear that the player can play the song only as long as the cda link has somewhere to point to. Once you eject the disc, it's a link to nowhere. That is why copying or forwarding such a file makes absolutely no sense - there is useful information in it with a gulkin nose.

So, just like how to open cda format so you can listen to music without inserting a CD?
The only way is to copy the tracks from the disc to the hard drive by converting them to the related wav format or by compressing them into the popular mp3. Such programs are called grabbers or rippers.

A good example of such a program is CDex. A simple and user-friendly interface contains just a few buttons:

• CDA - WAV - convert cda format to wav format;
• CDA - MP3 - convert cda format to mp3 format;
• WAV - MP3 - convert wav format to mp3 format;
• MP3 - WAV - convert mp3 format to wav format;
• Compression settings - more on that later.

As you understand, the WAV - MP3 and MP3 - WAV buttons are for converting files on your computer.
In addition, in the list of tracks in the window of this program, the size of the future wav or mp3 file, the duration of its sound, and the artist and name of the composition are displayed. True, this can not be seen in every case, but only when the compiler of the disc took care to put this information there.

The "Compression Settings" button (with a yellow gear icon) allows you to change some parameters. For example, the compression ratio in mp3 format. The fact is that an uncompressed sound file takes up space, or weighs a lot. If the weight does not matter, but you want to keep the quality to the maximum, then you should select a high bitrate in the parameters - say, 256 Kbit / s. Then, for example, a three-minute output song will weigh about 6 Mb. And with a bitrate of 128 Kbit/s or even 64 Kbit/s, the same song can be about 1.5 Mb.

Besides CDex help in the problem of addition, how to open cda, can EAC. Also simple and convenient software, but often does not see the same embedded text with information about the artist, title, size and duration of the composition. Otherwise, EAC is a full-fledged competitor to CDex. Both of these programs are distributed free of charge.

Having mastered these simple programs (or any other similar ones), you can forever get rid of the question of whether how to open cda file and how to listen to such music without a disc. Now you can copy your favorite albums in a convenient format, create your own audio library and enjoy good music without worrying about changing discs in the drive, or try to buy music exclusively in mp3.

The most common cause of CDA file disclosure problems is simply the lack of proper applications installed on your computer. In this case, it is enough to find, download and install an application that supports CDA files - such programs are available below.

Search system

Enter file extension

Help

Clue

Please note that some encoded data from files that our computer does not read can sometimes be viewed in Notepad. In this way we will read fragments of text or numbers - It is worth checking whether this method also works in the case of CDA files.

What to do if the application from the list has already been installed?

Often an installed application should automatically link to a CDD file. If it didn't happen, then the CDD file can be linked with the newly installed application manually. Simply right-click on the CDD file, then from the available list select "Choose default program". Then you need to select the "Browse" option and find your favorite application. Changes made must be approved with the "OK" option.

Programs that open CDA file

Windows

MacOS

linux

Why can't I open a CDD file?

Problems with CDA files may also have other grounds. Sometimes even installing software that supports CDD files on your computer will not solve the problem. The reason for the impossibility of opening, as well as working with the CDA file, may also be:

Inappropriate CDD file links in registry entries
- corruption of the CDA file that we open
- CDA file infection (viruses)
- too small computer resource
- outdated drivers
- removal of the CDA extension from the registry of the Windows system
- incomplete installation of a program that supports the CDA extension

Fixing these issues should lead to free opening and working with CDA files. In case the computer still has file problems, you need to take the help of an expert who will determine the exact cause.

My computer does not show file extensions, what should I do?

In the standard installations of the Windows system, the computer user does not see the CDA file extension. This can be successfully changed in the settings. Just go to the "Control Panel" and select "View and Personalization". Then you need to enter the "Folder Options", and open the "View". In the "View" tab there is an option "Hide extensions of known file types" - you must select this option and confirm the operation by pressing the "OK" button. At this point, all file extensions, including CDA, should appear sorted by file name.

You "re here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .cda. Files with the file extension .cda can only be launched by certain applications. It"s possible that .cda files are data files rather than documents or media , which means they "re not meant to be viewed at all.

what is a .cda file?

The CDA file extension is a data format known as CD Audio Track Shortcut. CDA files are small (44 bytes) virtual file created by Microsoft Windows CD driver for each track on an audio CD. They contain indexing information such as track times plus a special Windows shortcut that allows users to access the specific audio tracks. They do not contain music, instead point to where the music is located on the CD. These files instruct the computer which audio track to play on a CD. CDA files will not play when separated from the CD they represent. Converting CDA files is called ripping, which is copying music from a CD onto a computer. These files can be converted to WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, and FLAC. Files in CDA format can be opened with Apple iTunes, VideoLAN VLC media player and other audio player in Mac Os, Microsoft Windows based and Linux platforms.

how to open a .cda file?

Launch a .cda file, or any other file on your PC, by double-clicking it. If your file associations are set up correctly, the application that"s meant to open your .cda file will open it. It"s possible you may need to download or purchase the correct application. It "s also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but .cda files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .cda file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a .cda file will open the correct application.

applications that open a .cda file

Apple iTunes

Apple iTunes is a software categorized as a media player computer application for playing, downloading, organizing and saving various files, which are digital audios and videos. There is also a feature that enables content management from iPod models, iPad Touch, iPhone, and iPad. This software can be connected to iTunes Store so a user can download or buy music, videos, audio books, ringtones or even games for iPod in just a click of a button. In fact, it allows the download of various applications via the App Store for some Apple devices, which are iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. The downside of this is that it does not enable music transfer from one device to another unit. This program is compatible for Apple’s Mac OS X version 10.6.8 and other later versions, but also works for current Windows OS such as Windows 7, Windows XP and Windows Vista, then for the upcoming Windows 8.

Microsoft Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player Playlist (WPL) is a computer file format that keeps multimedia playlists for video and audio collections. It is an owned file format utilized in Microsoft Windows Media Player versions 9 to 12. The fundamentals of WPL files are represented in XML format. These .WPL files can be accessed and utilized by the application version as well as the Roxio Creator 2012 program. WPL files are also known as Windows Media Player playlist files, which are indicated by the Microsoft Windows Media Player or the other media players with support for WPL files as reference data when users open these playlist files and begin to access the content stored in it. The top-level aspect specifies that the file "s elements go after the Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) structure. The information contained in these WPL files are directory locations to the video files and audio content chose by the creator of the .WPL file , this enables the media player application to quickly and easily find and play the video and audio content from their directory locations.

Nullsoft Winamp Media Player 5.6

Nullsoft Winamp Media Player 5.6

Winamp Media Player 5.6 is a popular media player for Windows. This player was developed by Nullsoft and it allows users to play multimedia content such as audio and video. The software not only provides users with all the tools they need to organize their audio and video files but it also allows them to burn and rip CDs and even sync files from mobile devices. Winamp also features a playlist editor that allows users to create and manage their song lists as well as its media library effectively organizes all the audio and video files so that they can be located in one location. This software also has visualization features while animated graphics can be displayed along with the music being played. This media player also comes with a customizable user interface while users can change skins, as well as it supports not only a large number of file formats but it also supports a lot of user-developed plug ins.

VideoLan VLC Media player

VideoLan VLC Media player

VideoLan VLC Media player is a multi-media player software that is considered to be an open source and cross platform multimedia player with framework. Thus, a product that can play most of the standard files of multimedia plus CDs, DVDs and VCDs. It also plays different streaming protocols, supported applications or devices and webcams. There is also the ability to play audios of various codecs even if there are no codec packs included: MPEG-2, WebM, MP3, WMV and MKV. This software works on most Windows computers, Mac OS X PCs, Linux and well as Unix. In addition, there is a descryption for DVD which is executed via the libdvdcss library. It also has playback control support for all computers compatible with it using libcdio or libvcdinfo. On Mac computers, this media player can grab audios and videos from EyeTV applications and other devices that capture EyeTV data. On GNU and Linux, it supports encoding cards that are compatible with V4L2 and MPEG-2 which are Visiontech Kfir and Hauppage WinTV-PVR 250-350. - The extension (format) is the characters at the end of the file after the last dot.
- The computer determines the file type precisely by extension.
- By default, Windows does not show filename extensions.
- Some characters cannot be used in the file name and extension.
- Not all formats are related to the same program.
- Below are all the programs with which you can open the CDD file.

VLC Media Player is an all-in-one powerful media player for all occasions. You don't have to look for and install any codecs and plug-ins, as the program installs them automatically and therefore can play almost all known file formats: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, H.264, mp3, ogg, flac (lossless), regular DVDs, VCDs, etc. The program can also be used as a server for broadcasting a stream via IPv4 or IPv6 protocols, while media files, disks, URLs or a capture device can be selected as a source. In addition, VLC Media Player can record or play streaming ...

This player is one of the most convenient players capable of playing a huge number of different video and audio file formats without installing other programs. The player is built on the basis of Media Player Classic and is a more suitable version of the program for home use. This player differs from other similar programs due to its functionality. Among them, full support for all DVD discs. Also, the player has the ability to select the language to use, 14 options are offered, it can work with two monitors and supports subtitle playback, which not all programs of this type can handle.

MusicBee is a multifunctional free player for listening to music files, which has an extended set of various options. The software allows the user to perform various work actions with playlists. The application is equipped with a tag editor, converter and CD ripper. The music player supports various podcasts and audiobooks. It also has the ability to automatically download information data from the network. With it, you can download different covers of certain music albums, lyrics of specific songs, information about singers.

IrfanView is a free graphic file viewer that is small and functional. IrfanView supports a large number of formats, has a clear interface and the necessary set of functions. So, with its help, you can not only view images, but also rotate them at any angle, do a little color correction, remove red-eye from photos, etc. Also, using IrfanView, you can take screenshots (both of the entire screen and of individual areas), rip out icons and icons from various files, rename files according to a predefined template, and...

AIMP is a program that allows you to play a lot of music formats. It has multilingual support and a fairly stylish interface. Without any difficulties, you can do: converting music from one format to another, editing tags of music files and group renaming or sorting these files, as well as recording sound using a microphone or any other sound device. And all this thanks to the built-in utilities. Thanks to the BASS audio engine, on which AIMP is based, it will not be difficult for you to connect plug-ins from this library to AIMP. It has built-in utilities for working with sounds...

Winamp is one of the most popular players with a clear interface and a large number of supported formats. First of all, this player is notable for the fact that its functionality can be significantly expanded by installing additional plug-ins or modules on it. Moreover, such plug-ins can add both new functions and expand the list of supported formats for the player, which in some cases is very useful. In addition, the Winamp player has a convenient library where you can add all your files, which in the future will allow you not to search for them on your hard drive, but to launch them directly from the ...

WavePad Audio Editor is a useful audio editor with many useful features. The utility allows you to record, edit audio tracks, voice and other audio recordings. When processing audio files, you can cut, copy or paste parts of a music track or voice recording. Allows you to add effects (echo, noise reduction, noise amplification). WavePad Audio Editor is suitable for professional sound engineers. Using the utility, you can easily record your own track. Supports sampling rates from 6 to 96 kHz, also stereo and mono. In addition to the main features, the application is able to store records, move them to the selected ...

XMPlay is a small audio player with a wide range of features and capabilities. Its main advantage can be considered a small size and the ability to work with any media. Those. the program, in fact, can be either installed on a computer or used as a portable version and run from a USB flash drive or any other media. XMPlay supports a huge number of formats, but even if the required format is not supported by the player, it is quite possible to attach it to it using special plugins that can be found on the developer's website. In addition, the player easily supports plugins from Winamp.

Icecream Media Converter is a fairly handy and extremely powerful media file converter. This useful tool allows you to instantly download video and audio files from popular video storages. Allows you to quickly convert to common formats: mp3, avi, mkv, wmv, vob, rmvb flv, mp4, cda, aac, aiff, swf, 3gp, flac. The program allows you to convert several files at once, put them in a queue. Informs the user about the progress of the process through the progress line. Indicates the estimated time for the completion of the conversion of files, both individually and in total. Has a history of all converted media files for...

SPlayer is a fairly popular media player that has a very simple yet amazingly beautiful interface. The program can automatically download subtitles for a movie on the fly (it independently goes to the Internet to search for subtitles for this movie) and can read popular video formats and much more. During video playback, you can easily change audio and video settings, add files to the playlist, move the control panel, enable various effects, etc. The program also allows you to play partially downloaded and corrupted video files. If you have been looking for a simple media player for your projector, then you are...

Album Player - designed to compile music collections, both on a hard disk and on CD and DVD. It also plays audio files in all popular and common formats. It differs in sound quality, since the program does not process music during playback, unlike other players that process tracks with various decoders and plug-ins. Therefore, we can say that with this program you can listen to music in its original form, exactly as the authors of the composition intended. When developing playlists, Album Player uses information from .cue files. The program is very easy to use and...

KMPlayer is a versatile player that plays many formats with ease. It can read titles, record video files, sound files, pictures from any fragment being played. It has a large number of settings, which allows you to make the use of the program convenient for each user, taking into account his needs and needs. The player also includes almost all major codecs that allow you to play various audio and video formats, which expands the capabilities of the program. In addition, it is possible to work with various filters, which makes it possible to control the parameters of the audio being played...

Hanso Converter is a multifunctional converter designed for instant conversion of audio files. The application provides a fairly high speed of converting to the most common audio formats (MP4, M4A, Ogg, MP3, AAC, Bonk, FLAC, Vorbis). This speed is provided thanks to its own algorithm. A large number of program features does not affect the complexity of the interface. To understand the numerous functions of the converter is subject to any user. The user can edit program files for each format. In the application, you can set the final file name, set the necessary tags.

Kantaris Media Player is a free media player with a user-friendly interface and wide possibilities for playing various files. This player has almost the same interface as Microsoft's Windows Media Player, so you don't have to learn it and you can start using the program right away. The main feature of the player is that it can play files without installing codecs into the system, which saves you from performing unnecessary operations. This player supports all popular formats, including audio CD. In addition, the program has all the standard features.

Audacity is a small, free audio editor. This program in its capabilities is almost no different from paid analogues. With Audacity, you can easily digitize recordings from cassettes or other sources, record data from a microphone or any other sound source, and perform operations on already recorded data and tracks. The program allows you to mix an unlimited number of tracks, perform standard operations with audio (cutting, copying), as well as apply the necessary filters to the finished material. For example, you can remove noise, background, and more from a recording...

Xion Audio Player is a free audio player with a user-friendly interface, rich in features and settings. This player is capable of playing most of the popular formats such as mp3, flac, etc. In addition, this player supports working with Internet radio stations, including a request for an audio track to be played from this station. You can save direct addresses of stations in your playlist or in the player's library, which will allow you to quickly find the desired station without entering the address. Xion Audio Player can be controlled not only from the main window, but also from the system tray, or using hot...

Zoom Player is a great media player that can replace Windows Media Player. The program will allow the user to enjoy their favorite movie or music as much as possible, as it supports all popular and common audio and video formats. It has a lot of additional functions, for example, it has the Zoom function, which will allow you not only to enlarge the image, but also to improve the quality of the picture. Can display trailers of other movies before or after the video. It differs in that it supports remote control devices, with which you can control the player and the ability to stop and continue the movie next time from the same place where you...

Wondershare Player is a very user-friendly video player with high speed and some features. This player supports almost all video formats, which eliminates the need for a simple user to constantly install some players to play video. Also, this player is distinguished by its speed. Compared to other popular players, it plays videos much faster. Another advantage of the Wondershare Player program is that it consumes very few system resources, which allows you to watch even movies with HD quality without freezing and h...

Metal Player is a player with an easy and user-friendly interface. Does not require a large amount of computer resources and is supported by any version of Windows. Provides the user with both standard multimedia and some new features, making it the best solution when choosing a player. The program plays most media file formats, has a built-in equalizer, playlist, the ability to search and sort songs, hot keys, and a significant number of other functions that make working with it convenient. In addition, the built-in library allows you to assemble your own database of online radio channels for ...

MediaCoder is a powerful video converter. For example, the program can convert video to another format, or compress it to the quality and size you need. File compression can be useful when you need to play a finished video or movie on a weak computer. In addition, of course, there is also the function of converting from one format to another. Also, the program has a scheduler that allows you to turn off the computer after the conversion is completed or set batch processing of files. But that's not all. The MediaCoder program allows you to pull out an audio track from almost any movie or reel ...

AVS Media Player is a complete multimedia center that can be used to play almost all multimedia content. For example, the AVS Media Player program not only supports playback of most video formats, but can also work with images and audio files. It should be said that the list of supported formats is very large and includes all popular audio, video, and graphic formats. The player has a user-friendly interface and allows any user to start working with it without the need to study special manuals and additional materials. ALLPlayer is a player with many different functions and features, the main of which is the ability to play video and audio files without installing codecs into the system. The fact is that the player already incorporates several codecs, which allows you to play files. Also, the player allows you to open files directly from the archive without unpacking it, which is very convenient when downloading files from the Internet. Another feature of the program is the ability to automatically download subtitles for video files, as well as covers for albums or films. In addition, you can download additional information for albums and files, for which you can use ...