APM File Extension
Aldus Placeable Metafile
- File Type apm
- Developer Adobe Systems
- Popularity
- Application GIMP
- Category Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a APM file?
The APM extension is related to Aldus Placeable Metafile and is classified in the Raster Image Files category, which contains 575 files.
The Aldus Placeable Metafile (APM) was developed by Adobe, which created file format and 81 programs to work with them.
APM files are supported by Linux, Windows and Mac OS. To open a APM file, you can choose from 2 programs such as GIMP and Microsoft Windows.
Programs that support APM files
How to open a APM file?
If you cannot open a APM file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
GIMP and Microsoft Windows stand out as the preferred programs to manage APM files effectively. To install the current version of GIMP, go directly to the official The GIMP Team website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.
After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle APM files via GIMP.
Set GIMP as the default APM program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired APM file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
- Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for GIMP. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your APM file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- In the pop-up window, select the GIMP application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening APM files.
Solve problems with APM files
APM files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.
What are the ways to check if my APM file is damaged?
APM raster image files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in GIMP;
- The file stops responding or freezes in GIMP or other programs;
- Unexplained APM file size inflation;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
Why does GIMP crash or shut down frequently?
Insufficient updates for The GIMP Team products can cause GIMP to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged APM file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged APM file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged raster image files.
How to edit a APM file?
To make changes to APM files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the raster image files. Online APM editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Aldus Placeable Metafile.
Best APM Editor Software in 2026
With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of APM editors.
| APM Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |