What is a PBM file?
PBM (Portable Bitmap) is the Netpbm black-and-white format that stores one bit per pixel. It was introduced in 1988 by Jef Poskanzer (Netpbm).
What PBM is good at
- Simplest possible image format
- Tiny for line art
- Easy for scripts to handle
Where PBM falls short
- Only pure black and white
- Photos lose all tone
When to use PBM
- Line art and scans
- Fax-style documents
- Bitmap font and pixel work
Where PBM files open
PBM files open in GIMP, ImageMagick, Netpbm and most scientific tools.
PBM compared with PNG
PBM or PNG? PBM is best for line art and scans. PNG is best for screenshots and UI graphics. Convert PBM to PNG or convert PNG to PBM.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PBM file?
PBM (Portable Bitmap) is the Netpbm black-and-white format that stores one bit per pixel. It was introduced in 1988 by Jef Poskanzer (Netpbm).
What are the advantages of PBM?
Simplest possible image format; tiny for line art; easy for scripts to handle.
What are the drawbacks of PBM?
Only pure black and white; photos lose all tone.
What programs open PBM files?
PBM files open in GIMP, ImageMagick, Netpbm and most scientific tools.
How do I convert a PBM file?
Choose the PBM converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.