enhanced metafile (EMF)

A type of spool file used by print spoolers on NT-based operating systems. An EMF reduces the time it takes for control to be returned to an application that makes a print request. The GDI function calls that produce the application's graphics object are stored directly in the EMF. The time-consuming execution of these stored GDI functions is carried out later, in the background, when the spool file is played back.
Using EMF spool files also promotes printer device independence. For example, a picture that measures 2 inches by 4 inches on a VGA display and that is stored in an EMF maintains these original dimensions, regardless of the printer's resolution.