Free online WMF to PS converter

Source format: WMF

WMF stands for Windows Metafile. It is a classic Microsoft graphics format used to store vector drawings and simple bitmap content in a device-independent way. WMF files were widely used in older Windows applications, office documents, clip art libraries, and desktop publishing workflows. They are still encountered when opening legacy documents or exchanging simple illustrations between Windows programs.

WMF is mainly valued for its compact size and its ability to preserve line art, shapes, and text-like drawing commands. However, it is an older format with limited modern support compared with newer vector formats.

Target format: PS

PS stands for PostScript, a page description language used in printing and publishing. A PS file describes how text and graphics should be rendered on a page, making it useful for high-quality print output, prepress workflows, and compatibility with PostScript-capable printers and RIP software.

Compared with WMF, PostScript is better suited for professional printing because it is designed around page layout and device-independent rendering. It is widely supported by print tools, document processors, and conversion utilities.

How to perform the conversion

The most reliable approach is to use a desktop graphics or document tool that can open WMF and export or print to PostScript. If your workflow includes the built-in online converter on this website, you can use it directly for a quick conversion. For local software, LibreOffice Draw is often a practical choice because it can open WMF files and export to PS-compatible output through printing or export workflows.

1. Open the .wmf file in LibreOffice Draw or another application that supports WMF import.
2. Check the artwork for correct scaling and page size, especially if the WMF contains only a drawing and no page information.
3. Use File → Export As or File → Print, depending on the application’s available output options.
4. If exporting directly to PostScript is available, choose .ps as the output format.
5. If the program only prints to a file, select a PostScript printer or Print to file option and save the result as .ps.
6. Open the resulting .ps file in a PostScript viewer or send it to a PostScript-capable printer to verify the output.

In some workflows, Inkscape or other vector editors may also import WMF, but support can vary depending on the complexity of the file. If the WMF contains only simple vector shapes, conversion is usually straightforward.

Notes on quality and limitations

WMF to PS conversion is usually lossless for simple vector artwork, but results depend on the contents of the source file. Basic lines, fills, and text-like elements typically convert well. More complex WMF files may include features that do not map perfectly to PostScript, such as unusual Windows-specific drawing commands, embedded bitmaps, or font substitutions.

Because WMF is an older Windows format, some files may render differently outside their original environment. Pay attention to fonts, line widths, and page scaling, since these are common sources of visual differences. If the WMF includes bitmap content, the PS output may become larger or depend on rasterization quality. For best print fidelity, inspect the converted file before final production.