CGM file format
| Extension | .cgm |
| Category | images |
| Programs | ACD Systems Canvas 12 Adobe Illustrator CS5 Adobe Illustrator CS6 Autodesk AutoCAD 2012 Autodesk AutoCAD 2013 CADSoftTools ABViewer Corel PaintShop Pro X4 Corel WordPerfect Office X5 |
| Description | Computer Graphics Metafile is explicitly used as a format for storing and sharing positional graphics while retaining the details and quality of the image irrespective of the technological platform or device on which it is utilized. The CGM format has been in use as far back as 1986 when it was first released. Unlike some image formats that handle two-dimensional positional image, or bitmap image alone, CGM supports both. Image files are saved as CGM when highly fine details are essential. Such applications include structure design images in aviation, engineering, and other similar technical fields. |
| Technical details | With most graphics applications used for computer-aided design and detailed simulation of engineering designs, CGM is the most prolific file format for archiving such works. CGM is a metafile file format that permits representing all graphical elements of an image in a plain-text, binary, or character-based source document. Each of the mentioned CGM source data representation comes with its merit. Binary coded CGM files are accessible for programs to decode and analyze. Character-based CGM files produce the smallest file size, relative to the other encoding methods, forthwith becomes the fastest to transfer. Plain-text CGM files have the advantage of being editable with any text editor. |