Importing CGM Files

With Canvas X Draw, you can open, modify, and save CGM files created in other applications. CGM file properties, including WebCGM tags are retained, and can be viewed in the Object Properties palette.

To Import CGM Files:

  1. Choose File | Open.
  2. Select the CGM file you want to open, then click Open.
  3. Select the CGM Import Options.
  4. Click OK.

CGM Import Options

CGM Options

Import Background: Imports the background.

Import With Layers: Retains the layers in the file.

CALS Compliant: Retains CALS compliance.

Offset To (0,0): Places the image at the top left of the page.

Retain Bitonal Images: Retain the foreground and background of bitonal images.

Scale Input

Automatic to One Page: Scales the incoming file to fit the page.

%: Select a percentage for scaling the incoming file.

Object Clipping

Clip Only If Necessary: This option eliminates clipping rectangles if they do not clip any of the objects assigned to them. Those objects are contained entirely within the clipping area and checking this option will allow Canvas X Draw to redraw much faster; however, if any object stripped of the clipping rectangles is moved outside that area, they will not be clipped because the clipping rectangle has been removed when setting this option. Be careful with this option if you want to move objects in the document.

Hard Clipping: This option eliminates objects that are not visible as a result of clipping.

Render Options

Render Document: Select this option to change the color mode or resolution of the file.

Color Mode: Select a color mode.

Pixels/in: Select a resolution in pixels per inch.

Seismic Options

Import Only Raw Seismic Data: Select this option to import only the seismograph samples. The subsequent trace objects will not have any wiggles or background images, only those samples. Later, using the Seismic Traces palette, you can create wiggles or background image from those samples. If this option is not selected, the wiggles and/or background image will be created on import in accordance to settings included in the CGM file.

Interpolation: Select one of the following:

  • Default: Defined in PIP file.
  • Off Always: No color interpolation.
  • 1D Always: Displays the background in baseline direction only.
  • 2D Always: Displays the lines in biaxial interpolation.

Advanced Management

Collect Lines: Select this option to collect lines.

Skip Degenerate Objects: Select this option to skip degenerate objects.

Canvas X legacy Character Height interpretation

Select this option to maintain character height consistency when opening a CGM file made in a previous version of Canvas.

Font Match

Click this button to open the CGM Font Matching dialog box. The fonts to be substituted appear in the Original Font column. Select a substitute font from the drop-down list and click OK.

After you have modified the CGM file, you can then export the file. See Working with CGM Files.