CGM

CGM Image

Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm) is an international standard file format for 2D vector graphics, raster graphics, and text.

What is CGM Image?

CGM is an ISO standard (ISO/IEC 8632) designed for the interchange of computer graphics data. Developed initially in the 1980s, it has been widely used in technical illustration, engineering, aviation, and automobile industries to store and transfer scalable vector drawings and diagrams.

Advantages

Independent of hardware and software platforms
Supports both vector and raster data
Scalable without loss of image quality
Compact file size for complex technical drawings

Limitations

Limited native support in modern web browsers
Rarely used for general consumer photography
Outdated compared to newer vector formats like SVG

How to open CGM Image files

Adobe Illustrator CorelDRAW IsoDraw Autodesk AutoCAD

Common use cases

Storing technical illustrations and parts catalogs
Exchanging engineering drawings between CAD systems
Aerospace and automotive documentation
Geospatial data visualization

Convert CGM files

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Frequently asked questions

A CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) file is an ISO standard format used for storing and exchanging 2D vector and raster graphics, primarily in technical and engineering fields.

You can open CGM files using professional vector graphics software and technical illustration tools such as CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, and specialized CAD viewers.

While largely superseded by SVG for web graphics, CGM remains actively used in specialized legacy industries such as aviation, defense, and automotive manufacturing for technical manuals.

Currently, ConvertX does not have dedicated converters available for the CGM file format.