Windows Metafile (.WMF)
WMF (Windows Metafile) is a legacy Windows vector graphics format that records 16-bit GDI drawing commands. It was the original metafile format for Windows and stores vector drawing operations including lines, shapes, text, and embedded bitmaps. WMF has been largely superseded by EMF but remains relevant for legacy compatibility with older Windows applications and documents.
Advantages of Windows Metafile
What the WMF format does well, and why you might choose it.
- Broad compatibility with older Windows applications and document formats
- Supported for import by most vector editing and office applications
- Simple format for basic vector graphics interchange on Windows
Limitations of Windows Metafile
What the WMFformat doesn't do well, and when to choose another format.
- 16-bit coordinate limitations restrict precision and maximum dimensions
- Historical security vulnerabilities in WMF rendering on Windows
- Obsolete format with no modern feature support and poor cross-platform compatibility
What WMF files are used for
- Legacy Windows document and clipart graphics
- Importing older vector content into modern applications
- Vector graphics in legacy Microsoft Office documents
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Frequently asked questions about WMF
What is a .WMF file?
WMF (Windows Metafile) is a legacy Windows vector graphics format that records 16-bit GDI drawing commands. It was the original metafile format for Windows and stores vector drawing operations including lines, shapes, text, and embedded bitmaps. WMF has been largely superseded by EMF but remains relevant for legacy compatibility with older Windows applications and documents.
What is the MIME type of WMF?
The official MIME type for WMF files is application/x-wmf. This is the value web servers and applications use to identify the format when transferring files.
What category does WMF belong to?
WMF is a Vector Converter format. Files in this category share common conversion paths and use cases.
How do I open a .WMF file?
WMF files are typically opened by software that natively supports the Windows Metafileformat. If you don't have a compatible application, the most reliable approach is to convert the file to a more universal format using the converters listed above. Most Windows Metafile files convert to widely-supported alternatives in seconds.
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