EMZ File Extension
Windows Compressed Enhanced Metafile
- File Type emz
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Visio
- Category Vector Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a EMZ file?
Windows Compressed Enhanced Metafile, identified by the EMZ extension, is a Vector Image Files type and includes 120 files.
The Windows Compressed Enhanced Metafile (EMZ) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.
EMZ file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to view a EMZ file, you can use one of 7 programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, PaintShop Pro and XnView.
Programs that support EMZ files
How to open a EMZ file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a EMZ file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with EMZ files, Adobe Photoshop, PaintShop Pro and XnView are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of Microsoft Visio, just access the Microsoft website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Following installation, EMZ files should be automatically opened with Microsoft Visio.
Set Microsoft Visio as the default EMZ program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your EMZ file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Visio application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening EMZ files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired EMZ file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Microsoft Visio. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Solve problems with EMZ files
When issues arise with EMZ files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What can lead to sudden Microsoft Visio crashes?
Microsoft Visio crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged EMZ file?
Open the damaged EMZ file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged vector image files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt EMZ file?
Common indications of damaged EMZ vector image files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the EMZ file;
- Opening the file in Microsoft Visio or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Photoshop results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a EMZ file?
To edit EMZ files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the vector image files. Online EMZ editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Windows Compressed Enhanced Metafile.
List of Top EMZ editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of EMZ editors that match your needs.
| EMZ Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.8 out of 5 (52 reviews) |
| Adobe Illustrator | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| WMF Converter Pro | Cristallight | Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| PaintShop Pro | Corel | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (46 reviews) |
Convert to and from EMZ
If handling a EMZ file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PDF or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a EMZ file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as Adobe Photoshop, XnView and Picture Resize Genius, you can convert EMZ files to various formats without losing data quality.