All about CALS Files

The CALS file type is primarily associated with CALS Raster.

CALS	File extension: CALS
	File type:	CALS Raster files

What is a CALS file

CALS files mostly belong to CALS Raster. The CALS bitmap format was developed in the mid-1980s to standardize on graphics data interchange for electronic publishing for the federal government. CALS = Computer Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support. This extension is captured by several graphics programs to include Graphics Converter Pro, Paint Shop Pro, and PhotoPhilia.

How do you open CALS files?

You need a suitable software like CALS Raster to open a CALS file. You need a suitable software like CALS Raster to open a CALS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your CALS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a CALS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online CALS File Viewer

Choose your .cals file to view this image

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from CALS files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from CALS file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online CALS File Viewer:

Just click the "Choose your .cals file to view this image" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Can't Open Your .CALS File? Try These Steps

Because .CALS files can come from different programs, they aren't universally openable.

Identify the Source: If it came from a military contractor, government database, or technical drafting workflow, it is likely a CALS Raster image.
Check the Header: Open the file in a text editor or hex viewer to inspect the first few lines.
- Seeing srcdocid: or rorient: confirms it's a standard CALS Raster image.
- Seeing PK indicates a renamed ZIP archive.
Use the Original Software: The original program is usually required; try tools like XnView, IrfanView, or CorelDRAW, or ask the sender if uncertain.
Use this Webpage: Drag and drop the file into our viewer to detect the format, extract readable text/metadata, and preview when possible.

Technical Data for CALS File Extension

Identifier:

Hex: 73 72 63 64 6F 63 69 64 3A, ASCII: srcdocid: (provided by TrID database)

Program ID:

GraphicsConverterPro.cals, PaintShopPro8.Image, PhotoPhilia.File_cals

Related files:

cal, ras

Related links:

XnView

Mime type:

image/cals, image/x-cals

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: PaintShopPro8.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Jasc Software Inc\Paint Shop Pro 8\Paint Shop Pro.exe /dde

ProgramID: PaintShopPro9.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Jasc Software Inc\Paint Shop Pro 9\Paint Shop Pro 9.exe /dde

ProgramID: CPCView.CalsDoc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe %1

ProgramID: XnView.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1

ProgramID: PaintShopProX.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Corel\Corel Paint Shop Pro X\Paint Shop Pro X.exe

ProgramID: SnapfireI.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Corel\Corel Snapfire Plus\Corel Snapfire.exe

ProgramID: CPCView.CalsDoc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MOZILL~1\FIREFOX.EXE

ProgramID: MyViewPad.cals
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\My ViewPad\MyViewPad.exe

Show all 8 listings To Top

a cals CALS Raster file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with CALS files

Associate the CALS file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open CALS Raster files. Because only the current version supports the latest CALS file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available CALS Raster update.
To make sure that your CALS file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .CALS file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.