Computer graphics metafile
File type: Vector graphic file
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.
Found 2 different file type records with the same cgm filename suffix.
File type category:
Vector graphic file
Date updated: July 14, 2025
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
Several programs, like Adobe Illustrator support opening of *.cgm files.
Much like any graphics format, even CGM format can be exported / converted to other graphical formats and even some 2D CAD files.
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Software applications that can open cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software applications that can edit cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software capable of saving cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Programs for viewing cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Multiplatform
Software apps that create cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software apps that convert cgm files:
Multiplatform
Software apps that import cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Linux/Unix
Software apps that export cgm files:
Microsoft Windows
Linux/Unix
Software apps that print cgm files:
Multiplatform
File type category:
Game file
Date updated: November 11, 2026
Heroes of Might and Magic III is a turn-based fantasy strategy game developed by New World Computing and published by The 3DO Company. Its CGM saved game records the player's progress and the state of a game in progress.
The game has been released for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. A CGM file is used by the game to resume a saved game; it is not a general-purpose document and is not meant for manual editing.
Open Heroes of Might and Magic III and use its Load Game option to select and resume the saved game. Save-file compatibility can depend on the game edition.
A CGM saved game has no standard conversion to another useful format. To continue playing, load it in Heroes of Might and Magic III; the game can then save progress in its own supported save format.
Software applications that can open cgm files:
Multiplatform
Software apps that create cgm files:
Multiplatform
Software applications that handle other tasks involving cgm files:
Multiplatform
Online conversions and file conversion information are provided by 101convert.com.
