Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM)

What Does Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) Mean?

A computer graphics metafile (CGM) is an open and free file format as well as an international standard. It is used in 2-D format for:

  • Vector graphics
  • Raster graphics
  • Text

CGM contains numerous function provisions and entitity representations in its format and it uses object-oriented approaches for image production. A metafile includes information that describes other files.


Techopedia Explains Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM)

CGM hosts a graphics data interchange format pertinent to 2-D computer graphics. It stands alone from any specific application, system, device or platform. CGM format contains the data and the instructions for graphical element rebuilding to deliver an image through object-oriented methods. The CGM format supports a varied range of graphic information and geometric primitives where graphic files are detailed in a text source file that can then be gathered into a binary file.

The CGM file format isn't often used for Web pages since it has been replaced most typically by scalable vector graphics (SVG) and AutoCAD (which has superceded DFX). The WebCGM, however, was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium which supports CGM usage on the Web.


Share this Term

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Related Reading


SoftwareGraphics DesignGraphics

Trending Articles

Go back to top