Convert CGM to WMF — Free Online Converter
Convert Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm) 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 .cgm 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 CGM to WMF Conversion
CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile, ISO 8632) is the technical illustration standard for aviation, defense, and engineering documentation. WMF (Windows Metafile) is Microsoft's legacy 16-bit vector graphics format, predating EMF and still required by certain legacy Windows applications, older Microsoft Office versions, and specialized industrial software deployed in maintenance facilities and engineering departments.
Converting CGM to WMF is necessary when technical illustrations must be consumed by legacy Windows-based systems that specifically require the 16-bit WMF format. These legacy systems are common in long-lifecycle industries (aviation, military, heavy equipment) where documentation infrastructure is replaced on 20-30 year cycles.
Why Convert CGM to WMF?
Legacy documentation display systems in aviation maintenance facilities, military depots, and industrial plants were deployed when WMF was the primary Windows vector format. These systems — installed on specialized workstations, maintenance terminals, and embedded display controllers — accept only WMF input. Replacing them requires re-certification, hardware upgrades, and operational revalidation that organizations defer as long as possible.
WMF is also needed for legacy Microsoft Office templates still in use across large organizations. Engineering departments with thousands of Word templates containing WMF illustration placeholders need new CGM illustrations delivered as WMF to maintain template compatibility without costly template migration projects.
Common Use Cases
- Convert CGM aviation illustrations to WMF for legacy maintenance terminal display systems in repair depots
- Export CGM engineering diagrams as WMF for insertion in legacy Word documentation templates
- Transform CGM military technical drawings to WMF for legacy documentation management display systems
- Produce WMF versions of CGM illustrations for older Windows-based IETM viewers that predate EMF support
- Deliver CGM technical illustrations as WMF for legacy industrial control system display panels
How It Works
LibreOffice imports the CGM file, parsing binary or clear-text encoding to extract vector elements. The vector content is exported as a Windows Metafile containing 16-bit GDI drawing records. CGM polylines map to WMF Polyline records, polygons to Polygon records, circles to Ellipse records, text to TextOut records, and fill patterns to CreateBrushIndirect records. The 16-bit coordinate system provides 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 16-bit coordinate precision limitations. Fine geometric detail in complex technical drawings may show slight simplification compared to EMF's 32-bit precision. Text rendering depends on available system fonts — CGM fonts may be substituted. Standard technical illustrations with line work, text labels, and solid fills convert accurately. Hatch patterns are mapped to available Windows brush styles with reasonable fidelity.
Device Compatibility
| Device | CGM | 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 the target system specifically requires it — EMF is the modern replacement with better quality
- 2Test the WMF output in the legacy target application to verify rendering before deploying
- 3For modern documentation systems, convert to SVG (web), PDF (print), or EMF (Office) instead of WMF
- 4WMF files are compact vector files — expect much smaller sizes than raster alternatives
- 5Verify text and hatch pattern rendering in the WMF — 16-bit precision and font substitution may affect accuracy
CGM-to-WMF conversion produces legacy Windows-compatible vector graphics from technical illustrations, supporting the specific requirements of legacy display systems, documentation terminals, and Office templates in long-lifecycle industries.