Because the format is proprietary and closed-source, generic 3D viewers (such as standard CAD software) cannot natively open .art files. This walled-garden approach necessitates specific middleware or legacy software to interpret the data.

If you simply need to see what is inside an ArtCAM file or share it with someone who doesn't have the software, the best practice is to convert it: the file in ArtCAM or Carveco. Export as STL:

In 2018, Autodesk acquired Delcam and subsequently discontinued ArtCAM. This left users in a difficult position:

For years, was the gold standard for CNC machining, woodworking, jewelry design, and sign making. Its proprietary file formats—most notably .art (ArtCAM Model) and .rlf (Relief File)—became the industry benchmark for 3D relief and vector data.