Open CGM files

Full name

Computer Graphics Metafile
Developer

N/A
Popularity

Have you encountered a problem with a CGM file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a CGM file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your CGM file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is CGM file?

The extension CGM identifies files in Computer Graphics Metafile format. CGM is a free and open international standard for storing 2D vector drawings, raster images and text. The standard includes many functionalities and is therefore used in many areas such as technical illustration, cartography, visualization and electronic publications.

More info

The data in these files can be in three encodings that have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In binary form, the data can be loaded and processed very easily by programs. In character-based encoding, the files are very small and can be transferred more easily. The easiest way for the user to understand and edit is plaintext encoding.
The format has been replaced by alternatives in some areas, but is often used in the CAD field for data exchange.

Programs which can open a CGM file

Windows

Mac OS

How to open file with CGM extension?

In order to open a file with CGM extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening CGM file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with CGM files, follow the instructions below.

Install TurboCAD or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening CGM files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support CGM files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of CGM files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set TurboCAD as the default program for opening CGM files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate CGM files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the TurboCAD applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where TurboCAD has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with CGM files

Sometimes problems with opening CGM files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
CGM files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open CGM files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
CGM file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)