PM File – What is .pm file and how to open it?


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PM File Extension

Unix XV Graphic File – file format by IBM

PM is a Unix XV Graphic File format developed by IBM. It is a monochrome bitmap image format that uses a simple run-length encoding scheme to compress the image data. PM files are typically used for storing small, simple images, such as icons and logos.

PM File Format

A PM file is a raster image file format developed by IBM for use on their AIX workstations. It was designed to provide a high-resolution, lossless image format that could be used for a variety of applications, including graphics, CAD, and medical imaging. PM files are typically large in size, as they store the full color information for each pixel in the image. This makes them unsuitable for use on the web or in applications where file size is a concern. However, their high resolution and lossless compression make them ideal for applications where image quality is paramount.

Applications of PM Files

PM files are primarily used in professional imaging applications, such as graphics, CAD, and medical imaging. They are also used in some scientific and engineering applications, where high-resolution images are required for analysis and visualization. In addition, PM files can be used in the printing industry, as they can be output to high-resolution printers without losing any detail.

Programs that open PM files:

  • ImageMagick
  • GIMP
  • XnView
  • IrfanView
  • PaintShop Pro
  • CorelDRAW
  • Adobe Photoshop

How to open PM files:

  1. Click on the PM file you want to open.
  2. Your computer will open the file in the default program associated with PM files.
  3. If you don’t have a program associated with PM files, you can download one of the programs listed above.

Additional information:

  • PM files are raster image files that were originally developed for the X Window System.
  • PM files can be compressed using a variety of methods, including LZW and Huffman compression.
  • PM files are typically used to store images that are intended to be displayed on a computer screen.

PM File Format

The PM file extension is associated with the XV Graphic File format, a raster image format primarily used on Unix-based systems. Developed by IBM, the PM format stores images in a compressed or uncompressed format, supporting both monochrome and color images. PM files are characterized by their use of a non-standard header structure and a variable-length coding scheme for image data.

Features and Usage

PM files offer several features, including support for both bitmapped and grayscale images, as well as the ability to store images with different color depths. They can also contain metadata such as image size, format, and compression method. PM files are commonly encountered in Unix environments, where they are used for various graphics-related applications, including image editing, viewing, and conversion. Due to their versatile nature, PM files have gained widespread adoption in the Unix community and are often used as a portable image format for sharing images between different systems.

Other Extensions