Convert CGM to PDF to JPG Files for Free on Mac or Windows - Updated (2019)

Convert CGM or PDF Files to JPG in Mac OSX or Windows

Without Paying for Expensive Application Software

A few years ago, I was asked if I was aware of a way to convert a .cgm (computer-generated metafiles) file into a .jpg image.

Specifically, how to CONVERT CGM or PDF to JPG without expensive software.

It is no longer news that ADOBE offers the Creative Cloud platform that makes the entire catalog of ADOBE software available to customers via subscription. For the monthly price of $49.99, you have access to all the software and cool apps from ADOBE.

ADOBE CC is available for free for 30 days without any commitment, so you can perform this conversion for the cost of the time to download and install Creative Cloud.

Method 1: Convert Your CGM Files to JPG/PNG or CGM File to PDF Using Adobe Illustrator CC

To follow my the first of my suggested methods to covert CGM to jpg or pdf download ADOBE Illustrator.

Converting a CGM File Into a JPG, PNG, or PDF Using Adobe Illustrator CC

1. Open up your cgm file from within Illustrator
• Click on file -> open and then locate your cgm file and open it
2. Export the cgm file as either a jpg or png file within Adobe Illustrator
• Click on file -> export -> export as and then select jpg, png or whichever option you desire from the dropdown list at the bottom of the "export as dialog box."
3. Save the cgm file as a pdf file within the Adobe Illustrator
• Click on file -> then save as and the choose pdf format and make sure you take a second and make sure that you have named the file correctly up at that the top of the "save as dialog box."

Method 2: Convert CGM Files to PDF or CGM Files to JPG/PNG For Free

Download the latest and free copy of Apache Open Office. You can find this from SourceForge or here for immediate download. Install Apache OpenOffice, and from the home screen, click on Drawing.

Open up the cgm file that you want to convert and then export it as a pdf file: File > Export as PDF.

At this point, Mac users and Windows users will be forced to choose different methods of converting the pdf to jpg.

For Mac OSX

1. Right-click (or command+click) on the pdf file that you wish to convert to a jpg;
2. Open the pdf file using the preview application; and,
3. Within Preview, go to File and choose Export and choose to export the file as a jpg.

For Windows OS

Find a Mac to borrow or buy; or,

1. Open MS Paint;
2. Open the pdf file, make sure that the entire pdf image is visible on your screen and then take a screenshot of it - press the "PrintScreen" key while holding down the "alt" key;
3. Place your mouse pointer in the drawing area of MS Paint and right-click the mouse, select the paste option and you will successfully import your into Paint; and,
4. Under File, select Save As and save the pdf as a jpg.

Mission accomplished, and unless you actually purchased a Mac for this last bit, you were able to do this without spending a dime.

Best of luck to you and I hope you found this a bit interesting.

How to Rename The Wireless Devices Connected To Your Mac

Rename Any Wireless/Bluetooth Device: Keyboard, Mouse, or TrackPad Connected To Your Mac

There a several instances that may arise where you might want to rename your Apple Wireless Keyboard, Mouse or Trackpad. 

For example, you might be selling one of the devices, or you may have "outgrown" the name that you gave one of the devices back during your experimental college days. 

The process to rename any wireless/Bluetooth device that is connected to your Mac computer is quite simple. 

Before proceeding, make sure that the wireless device you intend to rename is connected to your Mac. 

To Rename Bluetooth Devices Connected to Your Mac:

• Open up System Preferences

• Click on the Bluetooth icon within the System Preferences window Right-click* on the wireless device you wish to rename. 

• Choose Rename from the pop-up that appears after you right-click.

• Enter a new name (it cannot be blank) for the device, and you have accomplished the task. 

If you are selling the wireless device, I would advise you to rename the keyboard to Apple Wireless Keyboard and then remove it from your computer by right-clicking on the device's new name and choosing remove. 

* If your mouse does not allow you to right-click - the right click on any Mac can be accomplished by holding the control key while clicking with the mouse. 

Detailed Instructions on How to Rename a Wireless Device on Mac (Mac OS)

Figure 1. System Preferences Icon

STEP 1: Open Systems Preferences > Bluetooth

Figure 2. System Preferences Window

STEP 2: Once you have opened the System Preferences window, click on the Bluetooth icon to open the Bluetooth window.

STEP 3: You right-click on the wireless device you want to rename, remove, or disconnect. You will be given those exact choices in a pop-up window, and you click once on your intended selection.

When you choose the device to rename the current name will be outlined in a dialogue box.

 

Position your cursor in the box and delete the current name (you can position your cursor at the end of the current name and press the delete key to remove the current name).

Once the current name is deleted, type in the new name for the device in the same box and press the enter key.

Follow similar steps to remove or disconnect your wireless device from your Mac.