Tips to open CGM file

Can't open the CGM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open CGM files as well as a list of programs that support CGM files.

CGM file extension

File Name Computer Graphics Metafile
File Category Vector Image Files

The CGM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CGM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CGM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is CGM file?

The file in the CGM format belongs to the Vector Image Files category. Vector Image Files consists of 138 similar files. Computer Graphics Metafile is supported by 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on , Mac OS, Windows. The TurboCAD application is recommended to open the file. It was released by IMSI/Design, LLC.. Alternatively, you can use 17 other programs. You can use CorelDRAW, AutoCAD, PaintShop Pro, WordPerfect Office in case TurboCAD cannot be used.

How to open CGM file?

The main problem with Computer Graphics Metafile is that the CGM file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file CGM to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the CGM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install TurboCAD

In this case, you should first verify that the TurboCAD application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing TurboCAD into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file CGM.

Step 2. Create association of TurboCAD with CGM files

If, despite the installed application, the CGM file does not start in the TurboCAD application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the CGM file with the TurboCAD application.

Step 3. Update TurboCAD to the latest version

If, however, after binding TurboCAD with Computer Graphics Metafile there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the IMSI/Design, LLC. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the CGM file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the CGM file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file CGM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected CGM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of CGM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged CGM files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact N/A
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted CGM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the CGM file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file CGM to close. However, some background programs may block the CGM file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.