APM File – What is .apm file and how to open it?
APM File Extension
Aldus Placeable Metafile Image – file format by Aldus Corporation
APM is a file extension for Aldus Placeable Metafile Image format, a proprietary vector graphics format developed by Aldus Corporation. It was commonly used in early desktop publishing software like PageMaker and was later adopted by Adobe Systems after the acquisition of Aldus in 1994.
APM Files: Origins and Specifications
An APM file, also known as an Aldus Placeable Metafile Image, is a legacy file format developed by Aldus Corporation in the late 1980s. Primarily designed for use with Aldus PageMaker, a popular desktop publishing software at the time, APM files were intended to store and exchange vector-based graphics and images within the PageMaker workflow. The format encapsulates vector objects, such as lines, shapes, and text, along with rasterized images, within a compact and portable file structure.
The APM format is characterized by its reliance on the PostScript page description language. PostScript is a powerful language that allows for the precise description and rendering of complex graphics and text objects. By integrating PostScript into the APM format, Aldus sought to ensure compatibility with a wide range of printers and output devices, enabling users to print high-quality documents with accurate and consistent graphics reproduction.
APM File Format
An Aldus Placeable Metafile Image file (.APM) stores a bitmap image in a format designed specifically for use in desktop publishing applications. Developed by Aldus Corporation, the format was intended to facilitate the placement of high-resolution images within page layout documents. APM files contain both bitmap image data and meta information describing the image’s size, resolution, and color depth. This metadata allows the image to be scaled and rotated while maintaining its original quality.
Opening APM Files
To open an APM file, one can utilize a range of software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and GIMP. These programs provide comprehensive image editing capabilities and support the import and export of various image formats, including APM. Additionally, stand-alone file viewers such as XnView and IrfanView can be employed to display APM images without the need for extensive editing features. For users seeking to convert APM files into other formats or modify their contents, image conversion tools like FileZigZag and Zamzar offer convenient online platforms for such tasks.
Aldus Placeable Metafile Format (APM)
The Aldus Placeable Metafile (APM) file format was developed by Aldus Corporation, the creator of the PageMaker desktop publishing software. It is used for storing graphics that can be placed within other documents, such as word processing files or presentations. APM files contain both vector and bitmap graphics, allowing for high-quality images that can be scaled without losing resolution. They also support transparency and other advanced features that make them suitable for professional-grade publishing.
Despite its advantages, the APM format has largely been replaced by more modern file formats, such as PDF and EPS. Adobe Systems, which acquired Aldus Corporation in 1994, discontinued support for the APM format in the late 1990s. As a result, APM files may not be compatible with newer software and operating systems. However, there are still a number of utilities and online tools available that can convert APM files to more current formats, ensuring that older graphics can still be used in contemporary projects.