Compressed Windows Metafile (.wmz)

The WMZ file extension represents Compressed Windows Metafile, a format primarily used for storing vector graphics. These files are compressed versions of WMF (Windows Metafile) files, utilizing Gzip compression to reduce their size. Introduced by Microsoft in the late 1980s, the WMF format was designed to store both vector and bitmap graphics, making it versatile for various applications. As technology advanced, the need for more efficient storage and transfer methods led to the development of the WMZ format. By compressing WMF files into WMZ, users benefited from reduced file sizes, facilitating easier sharing and storage, especially in environments with limited bandwidth or storage capacity.

WMZ files are often found in older Microsoft Office documents, where embedded images or clip art are saved in this compressed format. When a document containing WMF images was saved as an HTML file or sent via email, the images were automatically converted to WMZ files to optimize file size. Despite the decline in the use of WMF and WMZ formats with the advent of more modern image formats like EMF (Enhanced Metafile) and other vector graphics standards, WMZ files still hold historical significance. They can be opened and decompressed using various utilities that support Gzip compression. Once decompressed, the resulting WMF files can be viewed and edited in applications like Microsoft Office, and Adobe Illustrator.