Computer Graphics Metafile

Use

You can import and view Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm) files. You can also save files to this format.

The .cgm format is one of the CALS standard formats for representing 2D technical illustrations and is an object-oriented graphic format. It was developed by experts working under the auspices of ISO and ANSI, and was designed specifically as a common format for the platform-independent interchange of raster (bitmap) and vector data. It is used primarily to store vector graphics information.

CGM files typically contain either vector or raster data, but rarely both. Used in its primary role as a vector format, it offers the advantage of small file size and resolution independence, while not being tied to a specific software package or hardware platform. CGM was adapted by the Department of Defense as one of the CALS initiative standards.

Supported

Binary version

Features

This format contains export options. You can use them to customize the way in which your file is saved.

Export Interface

Field	Functional Description
Version	Establishes the version in which to save the file 1 (Most Compatible): Saves the files in version 1 of the .cgm format. This version is the most compatible. 3 (Best Curves): Saves the files in version 3 of the .cgm format. This version produces the best curves. 4 (Hotspots): Saves the files in version 4 of the .cgm format. This version stores hotspot information.
Numeric Precision	Establishes the level of precision in which to save numbers in the file 16 bit Integer: Saves the numbers as integers. This creates the smallest file size. 32 bit Floating Point: Saves the numbers as floats. This is the default setting. 32 bit Fixed Point: Saves the numbers as fixed points
Encode Raster Images with RLE	Determines whether raster images are written in compressed or uncompressed form. The standard way is to write them as uncompressed. RLE (Run Length Encoding) is the compressed form. This option switches RLE ON or OFF.
XML Companion File	Writes information about application structures, (groups), and hotspots to an .xml file. This is created in the same folder as the .cgm file.