How do I view *.wmf files in File Explorer?


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
       #1

    How do I view *.wmf files in File Explorer?


    I have a folder dedicated to clipart and the majority of the files are *.wmf. When using File Explorer, none of them show a thumbnail, just an icon of what looks like a pencil cup full of pencils/pens. I can open them to see what they are, but trying to find something that way is way too time consuming. When I go to a file and do a "save as" to *.jpg, I get the warning that I will lose the transparency of the file, so I back out of it. I would just like to be able to see a thumbnail of my *.wmf files like my other clipart file types. Thanks.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How do I view *.wmf files in File Explorer?-wmfexample.jpg  
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  2. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #2

    Apparently you can't. Showing thumbnails of .wmf was disabled in Vista as it was a security threat (the file can run code as they are vector descriptions not pictures).

    WMF thumbnails do not display - Microsoft Community
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  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you.


    Thank you lx07 for your prompt and helpful reply. Then I'm guessing that the only way I can see what they are is to bring them into a picture editor of some kind and do a slideshow there. Thanks again.
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  4. Posts : 4,201
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Latest RP
       #4

    What I do is use Irfanview and allocate any graphics formats that are not displayed as thumbnails by windows itself to open with Irfanview.

    This means that a double click on the file will open and display it and you can then scroll through the images - The advantage of Irfanview, (apart from being totally free), is that it is very quick and displays virtually all common formats out of the box, and there is a set of plugins for rarer image types and even non image file types

    It also comes with it's own Thumbnail viewer app that can be used to browse a hard disk and can be added to the right click in Explorer

    It supports WMF - not sure if it's native or uses the free Plugins pack

    Also there are basic bitmap edit tools included, but only in the 32 Bit version

    Also you need to be careful, free software does not come without a possible price, (nothing malicious just nags to download other things). I always download from MajorGeeks (they're listed on the IrfanView site as a mirror site ) am not sure of the others
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  5. Posts : 1,811
    W7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), LM 19.2 MATE (64 bit), W10 Home 1703 (64 bit), W10 Pro 1703 (64 bit) VM
       #5

    Barman58 said:
    What I do is use Irfanview and allocate any graphics formats that are not displayed as thumbnails by windows itself to open with Irfanview.
    IrfanView is an excellent product.

    It's one of the first programs I install after I've installed/reinstalled Windows.

    It can also:
    • Perform batch conversions (file type & resize)
    • Show txt files
    • Show PDFs (if you install Ghostscript)
    • Play music and video
    Last edited by lehnerus2000; 21 Feb 2018 at 20:01. Reason: Additional
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks again.


    Thanks Barman58 and lehnerus2000 for the information on Irfanview. I used to use it a long time ago, but had forgotten what it was for and uninstalled it. All the information was very helpful, particularly where to get the download and all the capabilities of the software. Y'all rock.
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  7. Posts : 50,055
    Windows 10 Home 64bit 21H1 and insider builds
       #7

    If you don't mind using third party software Sage Thumbs shows icon and/or right click previews in File explorer of a large amount of image formats wmf among them. I've used it for years. https://sourceforge.net/projects/sagethumbs/
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  8. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thanks x4


    kado897 said:
    If you don't mind using third party software Sage Thumbs shows icon and/or right click previews in File explorer of a large amount of image formats wmf among them. I've used it for years. https://sourceforge.net/projects/sagethumbs/
    Thanks kado897. No, I don't have a problem with 3rd party software, particularly when it comes with a recommendation from a reputable source. I'll certainly give it a try. I think I will like the right-click capability a lot.
      My Computer


 

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