Regresson: Unable to import WMF images into GIMP, or convert them using wmf2xxx

[Paddy Landau]

I have put the package on this bug as GIMP, but seeing the range of problems (described below), it is probably something else.

SUMMARY:

1. In Lucid 10.04, GIMP would flawlessly import WMF files.

2. Starting Maverick 10.10, it would not work.

3. There was, at least, a work-around, in that the tools wmf2xxx could convert the files into a different format (e.g. EPS), which GIMP could import.

4. But with Precise 12.04, even that work-around fails.

MORE INFORMATION:

* When trying to open a file with GIMP, GIMP incorrectly recognises the WMF dimensions as having dimensions of -1x-1 (see attached screen-shot), and having negative X and Y ratios. GIMP will allow you to correct the width and height, but not the resolution, making importing impossible.

* wmf2xxx fails with error code 1 but no error message.

* convert (from ImageMagick) fails with error code 1 and the message:
failed to scan file `t2.wmf' @ error/wmf.c/ReadWMFImage/186.

* Surprisingly, Libre Office Writer and Draw are able to import WMF files. Unfortunately, Libre Office crops the images, so that they anyway cannot be used.

This regression has been hanging around for 19 months, and really needs fixing. The only remaining work-around is to either boot into Windows or run 10.04 in a virtual machine, neither of which is an acceptable solution.

ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 12.04
Package: gimp 2.6.12-1ubuntu1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.2.0-24.37-generic 3.2.14
Uname: Linux 3.2.0-24-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.0.1-0ubuntu7
Architecture: amd64
Date: Sat May 19 10:19:40 2012
EcryptfsInUse: Yes
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS "Precise Pangolin" - Beta amd64 (20120301)
ProcEnviron:
 LANGUAGE=en_GB:en
 PATH=(custom, user)
 LANG=en_GB.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
SourcePackage: gimp
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Clark Everetts (clark-everettsconsulting)]

I use both Ubuntu and OSX, found that right-clicking on the image in LibreOffice (in OSX) and selecting "Save Graphics" allows one to choose another format.

I know, I know. What would be really useful is if I helped with a fix for *Ubuntu* - but I have a deadline, and needed a workaround today fast. Actually, the client sent me a bunch of .docx files with the wmf images inside, so I unzipped them and opened the /word/media/image*.wmf files in LibreOffice. When you open the wmfs this way, right-clicking yields a "Save as Picture" dialog, instead of "Save Graphics."

I have an inkling of where the problem might be; after I've put out my fires, I'll look and see what turns up. After 19 months, a bit more time doesn't seem like it'll hurt that much.

[Paddy Landau (paddy-landau)]

Clark Everetts:

Thank you for posting your work-around. I have just tested it with my WMF files. Unfortunately, as Libre Office crops larger WMF files, the "saved-as" pictures are also cropped, and I have no way around that. For me, the only work-around remains either running 10.04 in a virtual machine or booting into Windows.

I clearly hear what you say about working to a deadline, as that affects me every month!

You say you may have an inkling of the problem. I am crossing my fingers that you do find the problem -- good luck!

As this bug affects you, please vote for it (click on the green writing at the top-left of this page.)

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[Clark Everetts (clark-everettsconsulting)]

Just popped in to check status. I haven't moved any closer to a real solution, unfortunately. I hadn't noticed that larger images would be cropped - sorry about that. I did vote on the bug, though. Perhaps next time I check in, I'll have better news.

[Paddy Landau (paddy-landau)]

Clark, thank you for your update. I was wondering whether or not anything would happen to this problem. I know we're not the only people with it, as I have seen complaints elsewhere on the 'net.

I have tested on the Alpha 12.10 Quantal (fully updated), and unfortunately it is still there. Still needing to boot into Windows to convert a WMF file!

[Paddy Landau (paddy-landau)]

I've just realised that this is probably a duplicate of bug #629153, which was raised almost two years ago!

Would you agree that #629153 is a duplicate? If so, I'll mark it thus.