What is Windows Metafile Format?

Windows Metafile format is used for graphic design and high-quality printing. Although Windows Metafile is old, there are benefits of normal operation with the integration of graphic design software. However, sometimes, you may accidentally delete the WMF files.

Now, file loss can be very stressful, which is why you need to recover the information. Windows Metafile format ensures that you can still access the basic and simple designs for a very realistic touch. You need to adopt the WMF file when you're in the printing and graphic designing process. Despite the introduction of modern software, many people still use WMF, considering the benefits.

This blog guides you through everything about what is WMF file, the common causes of deletion, and why using them is beneficial.

What is Windows Metafile (WMF)?

Windows has launched the Windows Metafile as a graphics file format. It stored vector and bitmap graphics. WMF files have a series of graphic commands for lines, colors, shapes, and images. It also has limited bitmap data information, which allows the images to be scaled easily without any loss in data quality.

Windows Metafile is usually a 16-bit format that can be used for simple illustrations and embedded graphics in documents. However, for modern software, WMF may not be compatible and may be prone to security issues. EMF files have replaced WMF, thereby ensuring compatibility with formats such as JPEG and PNG.

Common File Extensions (.wmf, .emf) and Types

WMF (Windows Metafile format) and EMF (Enhanced Metafiles Format) are often used for vector graphics in Windows environments. Both, .WMF and .EMF have different capabilities.

• WMF (Windows Metafile): This extension is used for WMF files that support basic vector graphics and bitmap data. It was designed only for Windows 3.0 but is also compatible with all legacy systems. It can assist with simple graphic applications. However, modern software does not support it because of an outdated file system.

• EMF (Enhanced Metafile): The .emf extension is used for EMF files, which are more of an enhanced version of WMF. This file extension is known for supporting higher resolution with better details and can help with complex images as well. It was introduced with Windows NT and is compatible with graphics applications and Windows systems.

Difference Between WMF and EMF (Enhanced Metafile Format)

WMF image format have become very outdated because they are not supported by modern graphics. However, most people prefer using WMF because it offers better and more scalable graphics across Windows systems.

The differences between Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF) and Windows Metafile Format (WMF) are highlighted in the table below:

Technical Structure of WMF

The technical structure of the Windows Metafile format has been designed for storing vector graphics data and commands. This file is aimed at rendering images for Windows. WMF files will use a 16-bit binary format, which will have a series of records that describe various drawing operations like fills, shapes, and lines. Furthermore, it also controls the commands for brush patterns, texts, and pending colors.

WMF image file usually begins with the header, which contains essential information such as file size, file type, and box coordinates. Every record has an identifier, parameter, and size across the graphic operation. This helps in quick parsing, thereby rendering graphical content across compatible devices. In some cases, you may have to convert PNG to WMF to get better access to the images and view them for better details.

Common Reasons for Losing WMF Files

Losing WMF files is a very common issue that many users face. The loss usually happens because of human and technical reasons. Some of the common reasons why the WMF files may be lost are as follows:

• Accidental Deletion: Unintentional or accidental deletion is one of the main reasons why the users have lost the WMF image format files. Most users prefer clearing their PC space; in that respect, they accidentally remove unwanted files. Before you even realize it, the files will be gone.
• Storage Device Formatting: When formatting a storage device like a USB, you have to be extra careful. Sometimes, you may have accidentally erased all the files, even WMF files. Formatting the storage device to improve its performance may also lead to accidental loss of the WMF files.

• File corruption: WMF image format files are always at risk of being corrupted because of software malfunctions. Furthermore, unwanted shutdowns or storage issues can cause file corruption. Corrupted files become unreadable, and the data is eventually lost.
• Malware Attack: Viruses and malware target computer files, often leading to accidental deletion. Furthermore, malware will also lead to WMF encryption. Malware and ransomware are damaging, which may lead to file locks.
• Software compatibility issues: An incompatible software using which you open or edit WMF files can lead to file deletion or corruption. Trying to access WMF PNG files with unsupported programs will risk the file's integrity, thereby leading to losses.

How to Recover Deleted WMF Files on Windows with Wondershare Recoverit?

If you have accidentally deleted WMF extension files on Windows, you must not panic. While it can be a very scary situation, the good thing is that you can always recover the lost data. Wondershare Recoverit is one of the most reliable tools supporting 500+ data loss scenarios.

Wondershare Recoverit has a high success rate for file recovery. The best part is that it doesn't even affect the quality. You can download and install Wondershare Recoverit on your system to recover the data safely. Moreover, it is free on Mac OS and Windows OS, so you can use it in the long run.

Here's how you can recover Windows Metafile format files on Windows with Wondershare Recoverit:

Step 1: Launch Wondershare Recoverit on Your System

Download Wondershare Recoverit and install it in your system to use it offline. Once the file has been installed, launch it. Select the location from where the WMF PNG files were deleted from.

Step 2: Begin the Scanning Process

Select all the folders from which you want to recover the data. Once selected, click the ‘Start’ button, and Wondershare Recoverit will begin the scanning process.

Step 3: Preview and Recover

Once the scanning is complete, the recovered WMF image format files will appear on the screen. Click on all the files that you want to restore and check if they have been recovered properly. If the results are appropriate, click on the Recover option. Select the location where you want to store the recovered files. The deleted files will be recovered and saved on the PC.

Note: While saving the files, you must select the same location from where they were deleted. Recovering them in a new location will help add an extra layer of protection to data recovery, which can be useful.

Advantages of Using WMF

Using WMF can prove to be beneficial in the long run. Some of the major advantages of using WMF include the following:

• Compatibility with Windows OS

WMF PNG files are very compatible with Windows OS, which you can easily integrate into Windows applications. This compatibility drives improved and consistent performance. Therefore, you can use them for graphic management software or documents across Windows environments.

• Scalability and Lightweight Nature

Considering the scalability of WMF files, the high-quality files can be easily resized. Therefore, they can be adaptable to different screen sizes and resolutions without any difference in quality. WMF extension files are also lightweight, which contributes to better storage requirements and improved system memory. As a result, simple and complex graphics can be handled smoothly.

Limitations and Challenges

Using WMF PNG files beyond Windows may pose a wide range of challenges. Some of the common ones include:

• Compatibility issues with modern software

Initially, WMF format files were developed to fit old Windows platforms. Therefore, using them on modern platforms can be challenging. Many document editing and graphic design applications do not support WMF PNG files.

If the software doesn't support WMF extension files, you may have to get additional tools for conversion and then edit these. Such compatibility issues can disrupt workflows, adding to the complexity. Moreover, when using an updated software version, you may face more challenges in getting things done.

• Security concerns

Several users have claimed that WMF files have security vulnerabilities. Therefore, there's a high chance of being exploited due to any malware. It may not work properly if you're using any third-party source to open a WMF extension.

The malicious code may prevent many users from adopting the Windows Metafile format. Many organizations prefer using better-supported file formats that have a cautionary layer so that they can use WMF files. You may have to install an additional WMF file viewer to get the images.

Tips to Avoid WMF File Loss in the Future

WMF files are always at risk of loss if you're not able to handle them properly. Once you understand the reasons for Windows Metafile format loss, you need to take preventive measures to avoid it in the future.

Some of the common tips to avoid WMF file loss are as follows:

• Backup files: Take a backup of the WMF files as it helps to create a copy of data. Therefore, if the primary source fails, you will always have a secondary source to back up the data. It is advisable to backup the files regularly to avoid data loss.
• Storage check: You must check the storage device's and computer's status. If either of them is affected, the other will be affected, leading to file loss. Constantly check the file status to ensure that it's in good condition.

• Install antivirus software: To prevent the risk of WMF file loss in the future, you must install antivirus and antimalware software on the PC. This will help you get rid of all viruses that could potentially harm the data.
• Watch out for computer freezing: Sometimes, you may want to do file management when your system freezes. However, it is advisable not to do anything if the computer freezes because it may lead to accidental file deletion. You need to be patient and wait until your PC is back to normal.

Conclusion

WMF files are essential, especially if you have been using old data. It is important that you try to recover these in case of accidental deletion. Adopting the right measures will help you open and edit WMF files. Even though this is old, Windows metafile format files are important and can be useful in the long run because of the wide range of commands. Now, if you accidentally lose the data, don’t panic and try to fix it. You can easily restore the permanently deleted WMF files as well using a data recovery tool.