Help Database

Windows Metafiles are a type of vector graphics file that are very useful in situations where zooming in on the image is necessary.  When other graphics file types, such as .jpg files, are resized, we often see pixelation becaused the images are pixel-based;  however, this does not occur with Windows Metafiles.

An enhanced metafile (.emf) can be exported from any vector-based view - that is, any view except rendered and ray trace views.

To export a Windows Metafile:

1. Launch Chief Architect and Open  a Chief Architect plan that you would like to export as a metafile.
   
   
   
2. Accurately position the view on screen.
   
   
   
3. From the menu, select File> Export> Metafile (WMF, EMF) .  The cursor will now display the Zoom icon .
   
   
   • Move the cursor to the upper left corner of the area to be exported, and then click and drag the cursor diagonally from the upper left corner to the lower right corner across the area to be exported.
     
     
   • A red outline will follow the cursor and show the selected area.
     
     Everything included inside the red outline will be included in the .emf file; everything outside the red outline will be excluded.
     
     
   • Release the mouse to open the Metafile Size dialog.
     
     
     
     
   • In the Metafile Size dialog, specify the desired Width or Height of the metafile.
     
     When one value is edited, the other changes to maintain its aspect ratio.
     
     
   • Specify the descried Dots per Inch (DPI) for the metafile.
     
     A larger value results in a higher quality metafile, but also a larger file size.
     
     
   • Click OK to open the Export Metafile dialog, which is a typical Save As dia­log.
     
     
     
4. In  the Export Windows Metafile dialog:
   
   
   • Click the Save In: drop-down arrow and choose the location on your computer where you would like to save your metafile.
     
     
   • In the File Name: field, type a short, meaningful name for the file. 
     
     
   • Select the desired file format from the Save as type: drop-down list. By default, .emf is selected.
     
     
   • Click the Save button to close the dialog and export your view as a .wmf or .emf file for use in other applications.