Metafile

Metafile is a generic term for a file format that can store multiple types of data. This commonly includes graphics file formats. These graphics files can contain raster, vector, and type data. A common use for these files is to provide support for an operating system's computer graphics; e.g., Microsoft Windows uses Windows Metafile, and Mac OS X uses PDF.

Some examples:

v t e Computer files
Types	Binary file / text file File format List of file formats File signatures Magic number Metafile Sidecar file Sparse file Swap file System file Temporary file Zero-byte file
Properties	Filename 8.3 filename Long filename Filename mangling Filename extension List of filename extensions File attribute Extended file attributes File size Hidden file / Hidden directory
Organisation	Directory/folder NTFS junction point Temporary folder Directory structure File sequence File system Filesystem Hierarchy Standard Path
Operations	Open Close Read Write
Linking	Alias File descriptor Hard link Shadow Shortcut Symbolic link
Management	File comparison File compression File manager Comparison of file managers File system permissions File transfer File sharing File verification

See also[edit]