FAX to CGM Converter

Turn FAX into CGM format online — no install needed

Drop files here. 1 GB maximum file size or Sign Up
to
Facebook Amazon Microsoft Tesla Nestle Walmart L'Oreal

Works Everywhere

Convert FAX to CGM from any device — Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile. All you need is a web browser.

File Safety First

All uploaded FAX data is deleted post-conversion. CGM files are cleaned from servers within 24 hours.

Fax to Digital

Bridge the gap between legacy FAX encoding and CGM — preserve and modernize your fax document archive.

How to convert FAX to CGM

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose cgm or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your cgm file right afterwards

About formats

FAX is a generic image file extension associated with facsimile transmission formats standardized by the ITU-T (formerly CCITT), with the underlying Group 3 compression standard ratified in 1980. FAX files typically contain monochrome (1-bit, black and white) image data compressed using the Modified Huffman (MH) encoding defined in ITU-T Recommendation T.4, which assigns variable-length codes to run lengths of consecutive white or black pixels along each scanline. The standard resolution for Group 3 fax is 204x98 dpi (normal mode) or 204x196 dpi (fine mode), reflecting the capabilities of thermal and laser fax machines of the era. FAX files encountered digitally are often raw Group 3 encoded bitstreams or TIFF wrappers with CCITT Group 3 compression (TIFF compression tag 3). The Group 3 encoding scheme is highly efficient for typical business documents — pages with mostly white space and black text — achieving compression ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 compared to uncompressed bitmaps. One advantage is universal fax system compatibility: Group 3 encoding is the mandatory baseline for all fax machines worldwide, meaning FAX files contain data in exactly the format transmitted over telephone lines, preserving the original fax data without transcoding losses. The format's role in business communications history provides another dimension — billions of fax transmissions using this encoding moved legal documents, medical records, and business correspondence for decades, and archived FAX files represent an important documentary record. FAX images can be viewed and converted using LibreOffice, ImageMagick, GIMP, and standard document management systems.
Developer: ITU-T
Initial release: 1980
CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) is a vector graphics standard defined by ISO 8632, first published in 1987 and developed through the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 committee. The standard defines a device-independent format for storing and transferring two-dimensional vector graphics, raster images, and text. CGM supports three encoding methods: character encoding (compact text representation), binary encoding (efficient machine-readable form), and clear-text encoding (human-readable for debugging). The format describes graphical primitives including polylines, polygons, ellipses, circular arcs, splines, and text with associated attributes for color, line style, fill patterns, and clipping boundaries. CGM found its strongest adoption in technical documentation, particularly in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors where long-term archival and precise technical illustration are critical. One advantage is formal standardization — as an ISO standard, CGM provides vendor-neutral, specification-driven interoperability guaranteed across compliant implementations. The format's adoption in specialized industries is another practical strength: WebCGM, a W3C profile of CGM, became the mandated illustration format for interactive electronic technical manuals in the aerospace industry (ATA iSpec 2200), ensuring CGM's continued relevance in aviation maintenance documentation. While general-purpose vector work has moved to SVG and PDF, CGM persists in regulated industries where certified, standards-based graphics interchange is mandatory.
Initial release: 1987

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert FAX to CGM?

FAX to CGM enables use of fax content in design workflows where resolution-independent vector output is needed.

What software opens CGM?

Use Corel DRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or CGM-compatible viewers to view CGM files.

Is any detail lost during conversion?

FAX files are typically monochrome scans. The converter maintains full resolution and sharpness in CGM output.

Does the FAX to CGM converter cost anything?

The converter is free for standard use. Premium plans offer expanded limits and priority queue access.

Can I batch convert FAX to CGM?

Upload multiple FAX files together — the converter processes each one and delivers separate CGM outputs.

Are my uploaded files kept private?

Absolutely. Uploaded FAX files are deleted after conversion and CGM results are purged within 24 hours.