Convert anything, at global scale.
200+ formats and automation APIs that feels instant.
CONVERT
From
To
Drop files or choose a source
Upload multiple files at once, mix formats, and fine-tune every conversion with format-aware settings.
Max 2GB per file · Drag & drop ready · Mixed file types welcome
VECTOR
MetaPost Converter
Convert MetaPost files with ConverterHQ using workflows tuned for vector compatibility, predictable output, and practical downstream use.
Quality and compatibility profile
Core technical and historical facts used for conversion quality, compatibility decisions, and SEO uniqueness.
| Feature | Fact sheet |
|---|---|
| Category | VECTOR |
| Extensions | .mp, .mps |
| MIME types | application/x-metapost |
| Created | 1994 |
| Inventor | John Hobby |
| Status | active |
| Programming Language | ✅ |
| Postscript Output | ✅ |
| Mathematical Graphics | ✅ |
| Tex Integration | ✅ |
| Transparency support | ❌ |
| Animation support | ❌ |
| Layer support | ❌ |
| Vector scaling | ✅ |
| Reflowable text | ❌ |
| Multitrack content | ❌ |
| Camera raw data | ❌ |
| HDR content | ❌ |
| Structured data | ❌ |
| Streaming delivery | ❌ |
About this format
MetaPost format context
Format: MetaPost
Overview
MetaPost matters because technical publishing needed a programmable vector-graphics language that could integrate diagrams, labels, and mathematics with TeX-era document production instead of treating illustrations as a separate offline step.
TeX and scientific publishing workflows needed a way to generate precise scalable graphics, especially diagrams with embedded mathematical text, that matched the typography and automation of the surrounding document pipeline.
MetaPost now remains strongest in TeX-centric publishing, technical graphics, and specialist diagram workflows where programmable vector output matters more than mainstream design-tool interoperability.
MetaPost is closely associated with TeX community.
MetaPost is usually selected for workflows that center on illustration, diagramming, brand asset delivery.
Typical Workflows
- illustration
- diagramming
- brand asset delivery
Common Software
- MetaPost
- LuaTeX/MPlib
- TeX Live
- ConTeXt
Strengths
- Excellent fit for programmatic technical diagrams.
- Strong integration with TeX text and mathematics.
- Produces scalable vector output suited to print-oriented publishing.
Limitations
- Much narrower ecosystem than mainstream illustration formats.
- Often converted onward for broader design or web delivery workflows.
Related Formats
- TEX
- SVG
- EPS
Interesting Context
John Hobby developed MetaPost from MetaFont ideas, and the system later evolved into the MPlib era so TeX and LuaTeX workflows could keep high-quality vector graphics close to typeset documents.
TeX/LaTeX academic document production ecosystem: LuaLaTeX, pdfTeX, and the mpost command-line tool.
Used for mathematically precise diagrams in academic papers, textbooks, and scientific publications.
Status: active. Introduced: 1994. Invented by: John Hobby. Stewarded by: TeX community.
How MetaPost fits into workflows
Workflow role: MetaPost
Precise technical diagram generation for academic papers and textbooks, mathematical figure production in TeX and LaTeX publishing workflows.
History of MetaPost
Format history: MetaPost
John Hobby developed MetaPost from MetaFont ideas, and the system later evolved into the MPlib era so TeX and LuaTeX workflows could keep high-quality vector graphics close to typeset documents.
Original problem: TeX and scientific publishing workflows needed a way to generate precise scalable graphics, especially diagrams with embedded mathematical text, that matched the typography and automation of the surrounding document pipeline.
Why MetaPost still matters
Current role: MetaPost
MetaPost matters because technical publishing needed a programmable vector-graphics language that could integrate diagrams, labels, and mathematics with TeX-era document production instead of treating illustrations as a separate offline step.
Modern role: MetaPost now remains strongest in TeX-centric publishing, technical graphics, and specialist diagram workflows where programmable vector output matters more than mainstream design-tool interoperability.
When to use MetaPost
- illustration
- diagramming
- brand asset delivery
Advantages of MetaPost
- Excellent fit for programmatic technical diagrams.
- Strong integration with TeX text and mathematics.
- Produces scalable vector output suited to print-oriented publishing.
Limitations of MetaPost
- Much narrower ecosystem than mainstream illustration formats.
- Often converted onward for broader design or web delivery workflows.
Formats related to MetaPost
MetaPost technical profile
| Feature | Fact sheet |
|---|---|
| Category | vector |
| Extensions | .mp, .mps |
| MIME types | application/x-metapost |
| Created year | 1994 |
| Inventor | John Hobby |
| Status | active |
| programming_language | True |
| postscript_output | True |
| mathematical_graphics | True |
| tex_integration | True |
| supports_transparency | False |
| supports_animation | False |
| supports_layers | False |
| supports_vector_scaling | True |
| supports_reflowable_text | False |
| supports_multitrack | False |
| camera_raw | False |
| hdr_capable | False |
| structured_data_capable | False |
| streaming_ready | False |
| sources | {'url': 'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MetaPost', 'title': 'MetaPost', 'relevance': 'Language overview', 'source_type': 'reference'}, {'url': 'https://www.tug.org/metapost.html', 'title': 'MetaPost documentation', 'relevance': 'Official documentation', 'source_type': 'official'} |
MetaPost quality and compatibility
Format profile: MetaPost
Size profile: small. Quality profile: scalable. Editability profile: high. Compatibility profile: moderate. Archival profile: good. Metadata profile: moderate. Delivery profile: strong. Workflow profile: design. Status: active.
Notable capabilities: vector scaling.
Software that opens MetaPost
- MetaPost
- LuaTeX/MPlib
- TeX Live
- ConTeXt
Conversion options
Convert MetaPost to
FAQs
Q: What is MetaPost typically used for?
A:
MetaPost is commonly used for illustration, diagramming, brand asset delivery.
Q: What are the advantages of MetaPost?
A:
MetaPost is broadly compatible across common software.
Q: What should I watch out for when converting MetaPost?
A:
Check output quality and compatibility on representative sample files.
Sources
Language overview
Official documentation