Microsoft Word allows you to import a variety of different graphic and picture files into a new or existing document. The graphic/photo importing tool automatically converts the file into a format Word can display and print. You can also import a Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) into a Word document, but you have to install an external graphics converter before the file can be formatted properly. CGM graphic fields include, but are not limited to, 2D vector graphics, raster graphics and text-based graphics. Once imported, CGM files display and print like other graphic files within Word.
Installing the CGM Converter
Step 1
Close any open Word documents or other Microsoft Office files by clicking on the "X" in the upper-right-hand corner of the open dialog box(es).
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Step 2
Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Add or Remove Programs."
Step 3
Scroll down the list of programs. Locate and click on "Microsoft Office." If you see "Microsoft Word" listed, click on it.
Step 4
Click on "Change."
Step 5
Click on "Add or Remove Features." Click "Next."
Step 6
Click on "Microsoft Office" in the "Features to install" list.
Step 7
Click on "Office Shared Features" to expand the listing.
Step 8
Click on "Converters and Filters" to expand the listing. Click on "Graphic Filters."
Step 9
Click on the "CGM" icon to install the converter. A sub-menu will appear. Click "Run."
Step 10
Click "Update." The CGM converter will install. Follow the prompts to complete and exit the installation process.
Step 11
Click on the "X" in the upper-right-hand corner of the "Add or Remove Programs" dialog box after the converter installation is complete.
Importing a CGM File
Step 1
Open Microsoft Word.
Step 2
Click "File," "Open." Navigate to the directory containing the document you want to import the CGM file into.
Step 3
Double-click on the document's file name to open the document.
Step 4
Place your cursor in the location where you want to insert the CGM file.
Step 5
Click "Insert," "Picture," "From File."
Step 6
Navigate to the directory containing the CGM file. The file will have a ".cgm" extension.
Step 7
Click on the CGM file to see a preview of the graphic in the preview pane.
Step 8
Double click on the CGM file to import it into your Word document. The CGM converter will automatically convert and import the file.
Tip
If your computer has Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed and you cannot see the CGM file after you have inserted it, modify your computer's registry file to repair the picture-viewing bug within the Office Service Pack 2 installation (see "Resources").