Convert CDR to WMF — Free Online Converter
Convert CorelDRAW Vector Graphic (.cdr) to Windows Metafile (.wmf) online for free. Fast, secure image conversion with no watermarks or registration....
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How to Convert
Upload your .cdr file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse.
Choose your output settings. The default settings work great for most files.
Click Convert and download your .wmf file when it's ready.
About CDR to WMF Conversion
CDR is CorelDRAW's native vector format for sign design, logo creation, and commercial illustration. WMF (Windows Metafile) is Microsoft's legacy 16-bit vector graphics format, predating EMF and still required by certain legacy Windows applications, older versions of Microsoft Office, and specialized industrial software. WMF stores GDI (Graphics Device Interface) drawing instructions that Windows can render at any resolution, preserving the vector nature of the original CorelDRAW artwork.
Converting CDR to WMF is necessary when CorelDRAW designs must interface with legacy Windows systems that specifically require the 16-bit WMF format rather than the more modern 32-bit EMF. Some older label printing software, industrial control systems, and legacy Office templates were built around WMF and cannot process other vector formats.
Why Convert CDR to WMF?
Certain legacy enterprise and industrial systems exclusively accept WMF input. Older label printing software deployed in manufacturing facilities, legacy versions of Microsoft Office (pre-2007), and specialized Windows-based industrial control systems were developed when WMF was the only Windows vector format available. These systems have not been updated to support EMF or modern formats, requiring WMF output from current design tools.
WMF is also encountered in existing document templates and workflow systems. Corporate environments with thousands of legacy Word or PowerPoint templates containing WMF placeholders need new artwork delivered in WMF format to maintain template compatibility. Rather than updating thousands of templates, it is more practical to deliver new designs in the format the templates expect.
Common Use Cases
- Convert CDR label designs to WMF for legacy Windows-based label printing software in manufacturing facilities
- Export CDR logos as WMF for insertion into legacy Microsoft Office templates and document workflows
- Transform CDR artwork to WMF for older industrial control and display systems requiring 16-bit metafiles
- Produce WMF versions of CDR designs for compatibility with legacy CAD and documentation applications
- Deliver CDR graphics as WMF for legacy enterprise reporting systems with WMF-specific template placeholders
How It Works
LibreOffice imports the CDR file via libcdr, parsing vector paths, text, fills, and strokes. The vector content is exported as a Windows Metafile containing 16-bit GDI drawing records — paths become Polygon/Polyline records, fills become SelectObject/CreateBrushIndirect records, text becomes TextOut records, and strokes become CreatePenIndirect records. WMF uses a 16-bit coordinate system with lower precision than EMF's 32-bit system. Colors are preserved as RGB values. The output is compatible with all Windows applications supporting metafile rendering.
Quality & Performance
WMF preserves vector scalability but with limitations compared to EMF. The 16-bit coordinate system provides lower precision for complex curves — very intricate Bezier paths may show slight geometric simplification. Text rendering depends on available system fonts. Gradients and advanced effects may be simplified to solid fills or stepped gradients. Standard vector content (paths, solid fills, text, strokes) converts accurately. For complex CorelDRAW designs, EMF provides higher fidelity than WMF.
Device Compatibility
| Device | CDR | WMF |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Partial | Partial |
| macOS | Partial | Partial |
| iPhone/iPad | Partial | Partial |
| Android | Partial | Partial |
| Linux | Partial | Partial |
| Web Browser | No | No |
Tips for Best Results
- 1Only use WMF when your target system specifically requires it — EMF is the modern replacement with better quality
- 2Simplify complex CorelDRAW effects before converting to WMF — the 16-bit format cannot represent advanced rendering features
- 3Test the WMF output in your target legacy application to verify rendering accuracy before distribution
- 4For cross-platform vector needs, convert to SVG or PDF instead of WMF
- 5WMF files are compact since they store vector instructions — expect much smaller files than raster equivalents
CDR-to-WMF conversion produces legacy Windows-compatible vector graphics from CorelDRAW designs, serving the specific needs of legacy enterprise systems, industrial software, and older Office templates that require 16-bit metafile format.