Metafile

Metafile is a generic term for a file format that can store multiple types of data. This commonly includes graphics file formats. These graphics files can contain raster, vector, and type data. A common use for these files is to provide support for an operating system's computer graphics; e.g., Microsoft Windows uses Windows Metafile, and Mac OS X uses PDF.

Some examples:

  • (PICT) Macintosh PICT resource, superseded by PDF in Mac OS X
  • (WMF) Windows Metafile = (EMF) Enhanced Metafile
  • (EPS) Encapsulated PostScript
  • (CGM) Computer Graphics Metafile
  • (PDF) Portable Document Format
  • (CDR) Corel Draw File
  • (SVG) Scalable Vector Graphics
  • (WPG) Word Perfect Graphics File
  • (RTF) Rich Text Format file