File extension .PPM
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Pixelmap Graphic | N/A | Raster Image Files |
PPM (Portable Pixmap Image File) is a bitmap image file type which uses the .ppm extension. This type of file is typically used to store black and white, grayscale, or color images, and since it is not a compressed format, PPM images can be quite large in size. It is normally used for storing images on the Linux platform, and is generally rendered via the Netpbm library, which is available for most operating systems. Other notable .ppm supporting programs include Microsoft Windows Picture Fax Viewer, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, IrfanView, etc.
File Structure and Format
The PPM file format was initially created in the late 1980s by Jef Poskanzer in order to meet the demand for a portable image file format on Unix-based systems. Since then, the format has improved with more features and better support. The structure of the file includes a brief header containing information about the image’s size and depth. This is followed by a series of color values which specify the number of pixels occupied by each color contained in the image.
The PPM format can use a 5-byte ASCII string encoding to save storage space if needed. The popular variants of this file type include .pgm, .ppx, .pnm, and .pbm.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .PPM) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .PPM extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .PPM file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .PPM extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .PPM extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .PPM file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .PPM file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .PPM file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .PPM file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .PPM file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
Do you have suggestions for this website?
contact @ fileextension.info Use the Contact Form