Properties of MP Files and How to Open a File with .mp Extension

MP files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: LaTeX MetaPost File

Autodesk Maya uses .mp file extension. This file type stores data for Maya. It is an internal format. Cannot convert .mp files. MetaPost draws diagrams in technical papers. It generates images for La...

General Information

Title	MP File Extension
Extension	.mp
Full Form	MetaPost Source File
File Type	Vector Graphics Source Code
Developer	John Hobby
MIME Type	text/plain

File Function

Primary Function	Vector graphics
Additional Functions	Typesetting, Illustrations
Features	Programmable, Scalable

File Characteristics

Quality	High precision
Supports Layers	No
Supports Transparency	Yes
Editable	Text editor

Use Cases

Technical Illustrations	Yes
Academic Papers	Yes
Mathematical Diagrams	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Low risk
Best Practices	Version control, Commenting

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	Late 1980s
Latest Update	MetaPost 2.00 (2018)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.tex, .mf, .dvi

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
TeX Live	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux
MiKTeX	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux
MetaPost	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 2: Maya PLE Project File

Maya PLE is the personal learning edition of Maya, a 3D modeling program by Autodesk. MP files contain Maya PLE projects. They can only open in Maya PLE, not the commercial Maya. MP files have waterma...