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
XPM at a glance
XPM
Convert to XPM when maintaining or restoring X11-era icon assets or other historical Unix interface graphics.
It is useful where text-based icon compatibility matters more than modern compression.
PGM Raw at a glance
PGM Raw
Convert to PGM raw when a pipeline needs direct grayscale raster data for vision research, microscopy or scientific-image preprocessing, algorithm tests, or command-line tooling where minimal format overhead matters.
It is particularly useful as an intermediate format between automated processing steps.
Format comparison
| Feature | XPM | PGM Raw |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Image | Image |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Compression / quality | depends | depends |
| File size characteristics | medium | medium |
| Compatibility | broad | broad |
| Editability | moderate | moderate |
| Created year | 1989 | 1988 |
| Inventor | Daniel Dardailler, Colas Nahaboo (Groupe Bull) | Jef Poskanzer |
| Status | legacy | active |
| Transparency | Not supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Not supported | Not supported |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Common software |
|
|
| Archival suitability | moderate | moderate |
| Metadata handling | moderate | moderate |
| Delivery profile | strong | strong |
| Workflow fit | delivery | delivery |
| Layer support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Vector scaling | Not supported | Not supported |
| Camera raw data | Not supported | Not supported |
| HDR support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Streaming ready | Not supported | Not supported |
When to use each format
When to use XPM
- capture ingest
- editing
- web or print delivery
- Important for long-tail compatibility and archival conversion.
When to use PGM Raw
- capture ingest
- editing
- web or print delivery
- Minimal binary grayscale format that is easy to implement.
FAQs
Why convert XPM to PGM Raw?
Convert to PGM raw when a pipeline needs direct grayscale raster data for vision research, microscopy or scientific-image preprocessing, algorithm tests, or command-line tooling where minimal format overhead matters.
It is particularly useful as an intermediate format between automated processing steps.
What changes when converting XPM to PGM Raw?
This conversion changes how the format behaves in downstream tools and delivery environments.
What should I review after converting XPM to PGM Raw?
Check the exported file for Little metadata or presentation support.; Not designed for polished end-user delivery.; Some older software assumes narrower sample-depth behavior..