Computer Graphics Metafile - Definition and Overview

Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) is a file format for 2D vector graphics, raster graphics, and text. All graphical elements can be specified in a textual source file that can be compiled into a binary 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.

Its roots are from the areas of technical illustration and professional design. But it shares a lot of functionality with other good formats like SVG or DXF.

It is defined by ISO/IEC 8632.

External links

• http://www.cgmopen.org/webcgm/overview.html
• http://xml.coverpages.org/webCGM.html
• http://www.w3.org/TR/NOTE-cgm-970618.html

Example Usage of Computer