File Extension Database

Open CGM File

A CGM extension file is an image saved in a vector graphics format, designed to support the compatibility needs of many graphics applications.

Originally, the CGM file was used for clipart libraries, but newer revisions are now commonly used for CAD drawings.

These CGM files can also include raster graphic and text data written to text source files that are later compiled in binary format.

CGM files are encoded either with binary encoding, which is a standard encoding of the file, and that allows software programs to read the file quickly and efficiently, either with character-based encoding, which produces the smallest possible file size, and which saves disk space and allows for faster data transfers, or with clear text encoding, which allows users to read and understand the content of the file and modify it using a basic text editor.

Software to open a CGM file

Typical CGM application file locations:

"g:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5\Programs\CORELDRW.EXE" -DDE

Frequently used application names to open CGM files:

Corel

Frequently associated Windows objects:

CorelDraw.Graphic.15

How Can I Open CGM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CGM file is to find a CGM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CGM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CGM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CGM file opener then try to search online for "CGM viewer", "application to open CGM file" or "open CGM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CGM file

How Can I Open CGM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CGM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CGM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CGM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CGM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CGM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CGM file then try to search for "CGM viewer", "application to open CGM file" or "read CGM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CGM file

How Can I Open CGM File on Android

If you downloaded a CGM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CGM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CGM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CGM viewer", "CGM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CGM File on iPhone or iPad

To open CGM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CGM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CGM". This way you can find apps which can open CGM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CGM viewer" or "CGM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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