LanguageCGM
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.
What is cgm file?
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
How to open cgm file?
Several programs, like Adobe Illustrator support opening of *.cgm files.
How to convert cgm file?
Much like any graphics format, even CGM format can be exported / converted to other graphical formats and even some 2D CAD files.
Suggested software to open cgm file:
Associated software actions with the cgm file
Software applications that can open cgm files:
Adobe Illustrator (Microsoft Windows)
Actify DesignShare (Microsoft Windows)
CorelDraw Graphics Suite (Microsoft Windows)
Canvas (Microsoft Windows)
Corel PaintShop Pro (Microsoft Windows)
Adobe Illustrator for Mac (Apple macOS / Mac OS X)
Apache OpenOffice Impress (OpenOffice.org Impress) (Multiplatform)
Software applications that can edit cgm files:
Adobe Illustrator (Microsoft Windows)
Actify DesignShare (Microsoft Windows)
CorelDraw Graphics Suite (Microsoft Windows)
Canvas (Microsoft Windows)
Corel PaintShop Pro (Microsoft Windows)
Adobe Illustrator for Mac (Apple macOS / Mac OS X)
Software capable of saving cgm files:
Adobe Illustrator (Microsoft Windows)
Actify DesignShare (Microsoft Windows)
CorelDraw Graphics Suite (Microsoft Windows)
Canvas (Microsoft Windows)
Corel PaintShop Pro (Microsoft Windows)
Adobe Illustrator for Mac (Apple macOS / Mac OS X)
Programs for viewing cgm files:
Actify DesignShare (Microsoft Windows)
Larson VizEx Reader (Microsoft Windows)
IrfanView (Microsoft Windows)
XnView MP (Multiplatform)
Software apps that create cgm files:
Adobe Illustrator (Microsoft Windows)
Actify DesignShare (Microsoft Windows)
CorelDraw Graphics Suite (Microsoft Windows)
Canvas (Microsoft Windows)
Corel PaintShop Pro (Microsoft Windows)
Adobe Illustrator for Mac (Apple macOS / Mac OS X)
Software apps that convert cgm files:
XnView MP (Multiplatform)
Software apps that import cgm files:
UniConvertor (Microsoft Windows)
MicroStation (Microsoft Windows)
SDI Convert (Microsoft Windows)
UniConvertor for Linux (Linux/Unix)
Software apps that export cgm files:
UniConvertor (Microsoft Windows)
MicroStation (Microsoft Windows)
SDI Convert (Microsoft Windows)
UniConvertor for Linux (Linux/Unix)
Software apps that print cgm files:
IrfanView (Microsoft Windows)
Canvas (Microsoft Windows)
Apache OpenOffice Impress (OpenOffice.org Impress) (Multiplatform)
XnView MP (Multiplatform)
Heroes of Might and Magic III saved game
File type category:
Game file
Date updated: September 8, 2017
The cgm file extension is associated with the Heroes of Might and Magic III, a turn based fantasy strategic computer game for Microsoft Windows, macOS (OS X) and Linux and also Android and iOS.
The cgm file stores player's progress in the game.
How to open cgm file?
Use Load Game option to open saved games.
Suggested software to open cgm file:
Associated software actions with the cgm file
Software applications that can open cgm files:
Heroes of Might and Magic III (Multiplatform)
Software apps that create cgm files:
Heroes of Might and Magic III (Multiplatform)
Software applications that handle other tasks involving cgm files:
Heroes of Might and Magic III (Multiplatform)