PBM File Extension
Portable Bitmap Image
- File Type pbm
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Raster Image Files
What is a PBM file?
Portable Bitmap Image, identified by the PBM extension, is a Raster Image Files type and includes 575 files.
PBM file support extends to various operating systems, including Linux, Windows and Mac OS. If you need to view a PBM file, you can use one of 15 programs, such as XnView, FastPictureViewer Pro and Inkscape.
MIME types
- image/x-portable-bitmap
Programs that support PBM files
Windows
Online Services
How to open a PBM file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a PBM file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with PBM files, XnView, FastPictureViewer Pro and Inkscape are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of Adobe Photoshop, just access the Adobe website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Following installation, PBM files should be automatically opened with Adobe Photoshop.
Set Adobe Photoshop as the default PBM program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your PBM file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the Adobe Photoshop application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening PBM files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired PBM file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Solve problems with PBM files
When issues arise with PBM files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What can lead to sudden Adobe Photoshop crashes?
Adobe Photoshop crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Adobe products.
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.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged PBM file?
Open the damaged PBM file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt PBM file?
Common indications of damaged PBM raster image files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the PBM file;
- Opening the file in Adobe Photoshop or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Photoshop results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a PBM file?
To edit PBM files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the raster image files. Online PBM editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Portable Bitmap Image.
List of Top PBM editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of PBM editors that match your needs.
| PBM Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Ability Photopaint | Ability Plus | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Canvas | ACD Systems | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| FastPictureViewer Pro | Rietschin | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Inkscape | Inkscape | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| PhotoFiltre Studio | Antonio Da Cruz | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
Convert to and from PBM
If handling a PBM file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as PNG, FPX, IMG or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a PBM file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as Picture Resize Genius, you can convert PBM files to various formats without losing data quality.