WMF (Windows Metafile) is a widely used graphics format in Windows environments, especially for sharing scalable drawings across different applications. In ZWCAD, WMF plays an important role in exporting CAD drawings for presentations and documents, as well as importing external graphics into your design workflow.
This guide will introduce WMF in ZWCAD, including what it is, when to use it, how it differs from DWG and DXF, and step-by-step instructions for importing and exporting WMF files.
WMF (Windows Metafile) is a graphic file format developed by Microsoft for Windows systems. Essentially, it is a vector graphic format, though it can contain a small amount of raster content.
WMF describes graphics by recording a series of Windows GDI commands used to draw the image, rather than storing pixel data directly. This allows WMF files to be scaled and printed without noticeable blurring, making them suitable for scenarios requiring clear graphics.
In ZWCAD, WMF is mainly used to export CAD drawings into a Windows-recognizable metafile format or to insert external metafiles as graphics into a drawing.
WMF is often used in the following circumstances：
● Displaying drawings in documents, reports, and presentations
WMF files can be easily inserted into Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other office software. As scalable vector graphics, they ensure that lines remain sharp and text clear when printed or projected.
● Transferring graphics between different Windows applications
When you only need to share CAD drawings as illustrations or background graphics for other software (such as typesetting, supervision reports, or technical documents) rather than for precise editing, WMF is a lightweight and versatile format.
● Temporary metafile exchange and block insertion
In CAD softwares like ZWCAD, WMF files can be inserted as blocks, used for metafile exchange, quickly saving data curves, or clipboard-based graphic data transfer between workflows.
Before choosing a file format, it is important to understand how WMF differs from native CAD formats like DWG and exchange formats like DXF. Each format serves a different purpose in the ZWCAD workflow.
| Dimension | WMF | DWG | DXF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Drawing commands, Windows graphic format | Native CAD engineering format, stores complete 2D/3D geometry, layers, blocks, etc. | CAD exchange format, structured text-based data for CAD data transfer |
| Primary Use | Export as “scalable illustration” to documents, PPT, reports; focused on presentation | Main file for everyday design, drawing, and editing; contains all design information | Exchange geometric and layer information between different CAD software; Import CAD data into non‑CAD software for use |
| Editability | Usually treated as a “graphic block” after insertion; text may become graphic lines and cannot be edited as original CAD entities | Fully editable: modify lengths, move, stretch, snap points, edit layers and properties | Can be imported and geometry/layers can be re-edited, but not as flexible as DWG native |
| File Structure | Recorded by GDI commands, simple structure, suitable for quick drawing and rendering | Binary structure, compact and information-rich | Text format (ASCII), readable, but files are usually larger |
Importing WMF files allows you to reuse graphics from other applications or integrate external visuals into your drawing. WMF files are inserted as block references, making them easy to position and scale.
Step 1: Click Insert > Windows Metafile..., select the WMF file you want to convert (you can also use the WMFIN command to perform this step).
Step 2: Click on the canvas to specify the insertion point for the block, then set the X scale factor, Y scale factor, and rotation angle (you can also press Enter to use the default values). The WMF file will then be inserted.
Exporting WMF files is useful when sharing drawings with non-CAD applications, especially for documents, reports, and presentations.
WMF file exporting does not support solid fill and gradient fill, both will be lost. The WMF file exporting also does not support SHX fonts, and content using SHX fonts will be converted to polylines and cannot be edited as text.
Step 1: Click Export, select Windows Metafile (*.wmf) as the file type, and then click Save. (you can also use the WMFOUT command to perform this step)
Step 2: Select the area you want to export and press Enter to complete the export.
To achieve better results when using WMF files in ZWCAD, consider the following tips:
● Use WMF for presentation, not editing
● Avoid using fills and SHX fonts
● Adjust scale after import if needed
● Use WMF for cross-software compatibility
WMF is a practical format for sharing and presenting CAD drawings outside of ZWCAD. While it does not retain full editing capabilities, it provides clear and scalable graphics for documents and presentations. By understanding its usage and limitations, you can integrate WMF into your workflow effectively.
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