VML File – What is .vml file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose

A Vector Markup Language (VML) file carries the extension .VML. It is a proprietary markup language created by Microsoft to describe two-dimensional vector graphics and display them within web pages or documents. VML enables the creation of shapes, lines, text, and other graphical elements using XML-like syntax. It was widely used in older versions of Internet Explorer and other Microsoft applications.

Characteristics and Compatibility

VML files are XML-based and define graphics using a series of tags and attributes. These tags specify the shape, size, color, and other properties of the graphical elements. Compared to modern web standards like SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), VML is less versatile and compatible. It is only fully supported by older versions of Internet Explorer and may not display correctly in other browsers. Modern browsers favor SVG, which offers a more standardized and cross-platform approach to vector graphics.

Open VML File with Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is a professional diagramming and vector graphics application that can open and edit VML files. It is the primary software used to create and modify VML files. Once Visio is installed, users can open a VML file by navigating to the file in Windows Explorer, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Open with” > “Microsoft Visio.” Visio will load the VML file, allowing users to view, edit, and save the vector graphics content.

Open VML File with Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word, a popular word processing software, can also open and display VML files. While Word is not intended for editing vector graphics, it provides limited support for viewing VML content. To open a VML file in Word, users can drag and drop the file into a Word document. Word will embed the VML file as an image object, which can be resized and positioned within the document. However, users should note that editing capabilities for VML files in Word are limited, and saving the document may result in the loss of vector graphics data.

Description and Usage of VML Files

A VML (Vector Markup Language) file is an XML-based format that describes vector graphics. VML was developed by Microsoft and is primarily used in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, to display and manipulate vector graphics. VML allows for the creation of complex shapes, gradients, and text effects. It supports a wide range of shapes, including lines, curves, polygons, and rectangles, and enables precise control over their appearance through attributes such as color, stroke width, and fill patterns.

Applications and Limitations

VML files are commonly used in presentations, documents, and spreadsheets to enhance visual appeal and convey information effectively. They can be embedded within HTML documents or incorporated into web pages to provide interactive vector graphics. However, VML has limitations compared to modern vector graphics formats like SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). VML is not widely supported by web browsers and may not display correctly across different platforms. It is primarily used within Microsoft Office applications and lacks the cross-platform compatibility of SVG. Additionally, VML files can be relatively large in size compared to SVG, especially for complex graphics.

Other Extensions