What is a .emf file?
Enhanced Metafile · Image · Microsoft · 1993
EMF is the 32-bit successor to WMF, a Windows vector image format that stores drawing commands. It scales cleanly and is the format Windows uses when you copy vector graphics between applications.
What is a .emf file used for?
An Enhanced Metafile records GDI drawing operations. Its header holds the signature bytes for ' EMF' at offset 40, and the file replays as scalable vector art. EMF+ is a later variant that adds GDI+ features.
EMF is common when pasting charts or diagrams from Office, and as a spooler format for printing. Inkscape and LibreOffice can open and convert it.
How to open a .emf file
The .emf format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .emf file.
Windows
- Microsoft Office
- LibreOffice
- Inkscape
- IrfanView
macOS
- LibreOffice
- Inkscape
Linux
- LibreOffice
- Inkscape
How to convert a .emf file
You can convert a .emf file to svg, png, pdf using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.emf file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .emf file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for EMF. For a full breakdown, see the EMF file signature page.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 20 45 4D 46 | 40 | ' EMF' record signature at offset 40 |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .emf file?
EMF is the 32-bit successor to WMF, a Windows vector image format that stores drawing commands. It scales cleanly and is the format Windows uses when you copy vector graphics between applications.
How do I open an EMF file?
Office and LibreOffice open EMF, and Inkscape can open and convert it to SVG. IrfanView views it as an image.
What is the difference between EMF and WMF?
EMF is the newer 32-bit format with more drawing commands and better fidelity; WMF is the older 16-bit one. Both are Windows vector formats.
How do I convert EMF to PNG?
Open it in Inkscape or IrfanView and export as PNG, or use LibreOffice Draw to import and re-export.
Related formats
Sources
Details on this page were checked against authoritative references: