PS to CGM Converter

PostScript to Computer Graphics Metafile — free

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

ISO Standard

PS to CGM produces an ISO-standard vector metafile — the international format for technical graphics interchange.

Technical Graphics

CGM is designed for engineering and defense documentation. Your PostScript content converts to a format these industries expect.

Online Conversion

No CAD or technical illustration software needed locally. The PS to CGM conversion runs on Convertio cloud servers.

How to convert PS 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

PS is the standard extension for files written in PostScript, the page description language created by Adobe Systems and first shipped in 1984 with the Apple LaserWriter. A PostScript file is a complete program that describes the precise appearance of a page — text, vector graphics, curves, fills, and even embedded raster images — using a stack-based interpreted language with full programming constructs. When sent to a PostScript-compatible printer or interpreter (such as Ghostscript), the program executes and produces rendered output. PostScript introduced cubic Bezier curves as the standard representation for smooth outlines, a mathematical model that became the foundation for virtually all subsequent vector graphics and font technology including PDF, SVG, and OpenType. The language also serves as a font format: Type 1 PostScript fonts encode glyph outlines as PostScript programs with hinting instructions for sharp rendering at low resolutions, while Type 3 fonts use the full language to define arbitrarily complex glyphs. One advantage is device independence — a PostScript file produces identical output whether rendered on a 300 dpi desktop printer, a high-resolution imagesetter, or a software rasterizer, because it describes shapes mathematically rather than as pixel grids. The human-readable text format provides another practical strength: PS files can be inspected, debugged, and modified with any text editor, and they can be generated programmatically by any software without requiring specialized libraries. PostScript files are widely handled by Ghostscript, Adobe Acrobat, preview applications, and numerous publishing and graphics tools.
Developer: Adobe Systems
Initial release: 1984
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 PS to CGM?

CGM is an ISO standard for technical graphics. Converting PS to CGM creates files compatible with CAD and technical documentation.

What programs open CGM files?

CGM opens in technical illustration tools, CAD viewers, Microsoft Office (with viewers), and applications like WebCGM viewers.

Is CGM an international standard?

Yes — CGM is defined by ISO/IEC 8632. It is widely used in technical, defense, and aviation documentation.

Is PS to CGM free?

Free PS to CGM conversion is available at Convertio. Premium tiers provide expanded limits for technical documentation work.

Does CGM support both vector and raster?

CGM can store vector graphics, raster images, and text — making it versatile for technical illustrations.

PS to CGM Quality Rating

3.0 (1 votes)
You need to convert and download at least 1 file to provide feedback!