What is a CGM file?
A .CGM file is a Computer Graphics Metafile. It is an international standard (ISO/IEC 8632) used to store and exchange 2D vector graphics, raster images, and text. Technical industries like aerospace, automotive, and engineering frequently use .CGM files for technical illustrations and CAD drawings because the format is reliable and standardized.
How to open CGM files?
You can open .CGM files with specialized engineering and design software. Popular desktop applications that support this format include Siemens NX, Dassault Systèmes CATIA, and CorelDRAW. Other technical documentation tools like PTC IsoDraw also use this format. However, these are often expensive and complex enterprise programs that are difficult to install just to view a single file.
Software and tools
If you need to view a .CGM file without installing heavy CAD software, viewer.online/cgm analyzes .CGM files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it. Because the .CGM standard allows for different internal structures, including GZIP compression, viewer.online/cgm helps you identify the actual format of your file if you are unsure.
Best practices and conversions
If you need to share a .CGM graphic with users who do not have specialized engineering viewers, it is best to convert it to a more common format. We recommend using convert.guru to change your .CGM file into a .SVG or .PDF file, which can be easily opened on any device.
Summary
viewer.online/cgm directly opens and previews .CGM files in the browser, eliminating the need to install software or troubleshoot compatibility issues.