File extension CGM
| File type | Computer Graphics Metafile |
| Developer | N/A |
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What is a CGM file?
File with a .CGM extension contains a vector image encoded with a one of three possible methods compliant with the ISO / IEC 8632 norm. It may be coded into a text format, easily read and understood by a man, enabling change of the image with a text editor, and also a format based on symbols – the most effective one, when it comes to the levels of data compression, making its transfer easier. The third type of coding is the binary format, identified as standard due to the fact, that it is fast to read by the software.
The CGM format was created in order to make it easier to exchange vector images between different applications. It is widely used. Originally it was utilised to operate the clipart libraries, however, the latest versions are often used in professional drawings creation within the CAD software.
Program(s) that can open the .CGM file
Windows
Mac OS
How to open CGM files
If you cannot open the CGM file on your computer - there may be several reasons. The first and most important reason (the most common) is the lack of a suitable software that supports CGM among those that are installed on your device.
A very simple way to solve this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been done – the software supporting the CGM file can be found in the table. Now just download and install the appropriate application.
Possible problems with the CGM format files
The inability to open and operate the CGM file does not necessarily mean that you do not have an appropriate software installed on your computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to operate the Computer Graphics Metafile file. Below is a list of possible problems.
- Corruption of a CGM file which is being opened
- Incorrect links to the CGM file in registry entries.
- Accidental deletion of the description of the CGM from the Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the CGM format
- The CGM file which is being opened is infected with an undesirable malware.
- The computer does not have enough hardware resources to cope with the opening of the CGM file.
- Drivers of equipment used by the computer to open a CGM file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of these reasons do not exist in your case (or have already been eliminated), the CGM file should operate with your programs without any problem. If the problem with the CGM file has not been solved, it may be due to the fact that in this case there is also another rare problem with the CGM file. In this case, the only you can do is to ask for assistance of a professional staff.
Similar extensions
| .ac5 | ArtCut 5 Document Format |
| .ac6 | Artcut Software Graphics Design Format |
| .af2 | Micrografx FlowCharter 2.0 Flowchart Format |
| .af3 | Micrografx FlowCharter Flowchart Format |
| .ai | Adobe Illustrator Graphics Format |
| .artb | Artboard Vector Drawing Format |
| .asy | LTspice IV Circuit Diagram Format |
| .cag | Microsoft Clip Gallery Catalog Format |
This extension
can be converted to:
How to associate the file with an installed software?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (e.g. my-file.CGM) you have two ways to do it. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected CGM file. From the drop-down menu select "Choose default program", then click "Browse" and find the desired program. The whole operation must be confirmed by clicking OK. The second and more difficult to do is associate the CGM file extension to the corresponding software in the Windows Registry.
Is there one way to open unknown files?
Many files contain only simple text data. It is possible that while opening unknown files (e.g. CGM) with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad will allow us to see some of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to preview the contents of many files, but probably not in such a structure as a program dedicated to support them.