.CGM File

File extension cgm is traditionally used for Computer Graphic Metafile format.

Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) is a file format for 2D vector graphics, raster graphics, and text, and is defined by ISO/IEC 8632. All graphical elements can be specified in a textual source file that can be compiled into a binary file or one of two text representations.

CGM provides a means of graphics data interchange for computer representation of 2D graphical information independent from any particular application, system, platform, or device.

As a metafile, i.e. a file containing information that describes or specifies another file, the CGM format has numerous elements to provide functions and to represent entities, so that a wide range of graphical information and geometric primitives can be accommodated.

Rather than establish an explicit graphics file format, CGM contains the instructions and data for reconstructing graphical components to render an image using an object-oriented approach.

Although CGM is not widely supported for web pages and has been supplanted by other formats in the graphic arts, it is still prevalent in engineering, aviation, and other technical applications.

MIME types:
image/cgm

Files with cgm extension can be typically found as graphics files in Computer Graphics Metafile format. It is used for 2D vector graphics, raster graphics, and text, and is defined by ISO/IEC 8632. All graphical elements can be specified in a textual source file that can be compiled into a binary file or one of two text representations.

How to open:

Several programs, like Adobe Illustrator support opening of *.cgm files.

How to convert:

Much like any graphics format, even CGM format can be exported / converted to other graphical formats and even some 2D CAD files.