Convert anything, at global scale.
200+ formats and automation APIs that feels instant.
CONVERT
From
To
Drop files or choose a source
Upload multiple files at once, mix formats, and fine-tune every conversion with format-aware settings.
Max 2GB per file · Drag & drop ready · Mixed file types welcome
PGM at a glance
PGM
PBM, PGM, PPM, PNM, and later PAM come from the tool-centric tradition of keeping image interchange formats easy to parse, script, and transform.
X3F at a glance
X3F
Sigma raw support is closely tied to the company's Foveon sensor story, giving X3F a reputation and workflow profile that differ from more mainstream Bayer-centric raw ecosystems.
Format comparison
| Feature | PGM | X3F |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Image | Image |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Created year | 1988 | 2002 |
| Inventor | Jef Poskanzer / Netpbm lineage | Sigma (Foveon) |
| Status | active | proprietary |
| Transparency | Not supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Not supported | Not supported |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Layer support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Vector scaling | Not supported | Not supported |
| Camera raw data | Not supported | Supported |
| HDR support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Streaming ready | Not supported | Not supported |
When to use each format
When to use PGM
- Your source file is already in PGM.
- Preserve source expectations before exporting to X3F.
- PGM is commonly used in image workflows.
When to use X3F
- Your target workflow expects X3F.
- Improve delivery compatibility with X3F.
- X3F is commonly used in image workflows.
FAQs
Why convert PGM to X3F?
Convert to X3F when preserving Sigma camera originals or maintaining a workflow built around Foveon raw processing.
It is useful for archival retention and non-destructive editing of Sigma captures.
What changes when converting PGM to X3F?
This conversion changes how the format behaves in downstream tools and delivery environments.
Moving to X3F adds camera raw data.
What should I review after converting PGM to X3F?
Validate output quality on representative files and confirm the target format behaves correctly in the destination workflow.