How to open VCarve .crv files on a Mac

By Tiago Almeida · 28 October 2026

VCarve saves its jobs as .crv and .crv3d files. Vectric only makes VCarve for Windows, so a Mac can't open these files on its own: Finder shows a blank icon, the space bar shows nothing, and no Mac app offers to open them.

What to do depends on whether you need to look at the file or change it. CRV Viewer is our app, so weigh that in; every option below works, and they suit different jobs.

The short answer

• To look at a .crv file, check its layers and toolpaths, or convert it to DXF, SVG or PDF: use a Mac viewer such as CRV Viewer.
• To edit the design or make toolpaths: you need VCarve itself, which means Windows, either in Parallels on your Mac or on a PC.

1. Open it in CRV Viewer

CRV Viewer is a native Mac app that reads .crv and .crv3d files directly. Once it's installed, Finder shows thumbnails of your jobs and the space bar previews them. Open a file and you see every vector on a millimetre canvas, each layer in its own colour, and each toolpath with its bit, feeds, speeds, depth and passes. You can export the vectors as PDF, SVG or DXF at 1:1 scale.

It can't edit a file or make toolpaths, and it is tested with files from VCarve Pro 10.5. It costs $19 once and runs on macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.

2. Run VCarve in Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop runs Windows in a window on your Mac. On Apple silicon Macs it runs the Arm version of Windows 11, a setup Microsoft supports, and Windows runs VCarve through its built-in emulation for Intel apps. Many VCarve users work this way and say it runs well.

It's the only option here that lets you edit designs and make toolpaths on the Mac. You need a Parallels subscription, a Windows licence and your VCarve licence. Ask Vectric what support they give for this setup before you rely on it.

3. Try CrossOver

CrossOver, from CodeWeavers, runs some Windows apps on a Mac without installing Windows. Reports for Vectric software are mixed, so check CodeWeavers' compatibility database and use the free trial before you buy.

4. Use Boot Camp on an Intel Mac

Boot Camp installs Windows next to macOS, and you restart to switch between them. It only exists on Intel Macs; Macs with Apple silicon can't use it.

5. Ask for an export from the PC

If the file comes from someone who has VCarve, ask them to export the vectors instead. VCarve can save DXF, EPS and AI files, which most Mac design and CAD apps can open. The toolpaths and anything VCarve-specific stay behind.

Which should I use?

• Looking through jobs, checking layers or toolpath settings, or sending someone a DXF or PDF: CRV Viewer.
• Designing and making toolpaths on the Mac: VCarve in Parallels.
• A one-off file from a client: ask them for a DXF, or open it in CRV Viewer.

CRV Viewer is not made by or affiliated with Vectric Ltd. Vectric and VCarve are trademarks of Vectric Ltd.