A new method for describing process data in computer-aided process planning (CAPP) system, four-section-structure method, is proposed, and an abstract matrix-based model is established, where a new file storing manner based on process database is introduced via defining a type of new binary file for storing process data. Adopted data exchange between the process data of database and that of the client data file, two modes are realized for the process card generation. It provides a practicable measure for data storing, process design and reviewing in client of CAPP system without support of database server, and supplies a feasible solution for some problem existing in CAPP system in network environment such as data stability, security, etc. Simultaneously, a corresponding prototype system is implemented and the feasibility and reliability are verified.