Where Does CorelDRAW Store Workspaces?
CorelDRAW stores custom workspaces as .cdws files in a versioned Roaming folder, one Workspace directory per app.
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Every CorelDRAW workspace is a .cdws file, which is really a zip archive, sitting in a Workspace folder named for your suite version. The default layout lives in _default.cdws. Your own saved arrangements sit beside it as separate files.
Backing up means copying those files somewhere safe, or better, exporting through Tools, Options, Workspace, Export so Corel packages everything cleanly. When a workspace corrupts, usually after a crash, deleting its .cdws with CorelDRAW closed forces a fresh default on next launch.
Where CorelDRAW stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite <version>\Draw\Workspace
Custom .cdws files and _default.cdws live here. Replace <version> with your suite year, such as 2020 or 2024. PHOTO-PAINT keeps a parallel Workspace folder next to Draw. Export a copy via Tools > Options > Workspace > Export before reinstalling.
Frequently asked questions
CorelDRAW lost my default workspace. How do I get it back?
Close CorelDRAW, open the Workspace folder above, and delete _default.cdws. The app rebuilds it on next launch. If that fails, hold F8 while starting to reset the workspace, or import a previously exported workspace file.
How do I move my workspace to a new computer?
Export it first with Tools, Options, Workspace, Export, with every checkbox ticked, and save the file somewhere safe like Documents. On the new machine use Workspace, Import and point at that file. Copying raw .cdws files also works but export is cleaner.
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