PGM File Extension
Portable Gray Map Image
- File Type pgm
- Developer Jef Poskanzer
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Raster Image Files, Dangerous Files
- Format Text and Binary
What is a PGM file?
Portable Gray Map Image files, recognized by the PGM extension, fall into the Raster Image Files and Dangerous Files categories, amounting to 661 files.
PGM file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to view a PGM file, you can use one of 15 programs, such as XnView, IrfanView and ImageJ.
MIME types
- image/x-portable-bitmap
- image/x-pgm
- image/x-portable-pixmap
- image/x-portable-anymap
- image/x-portable-graymap
File Signature
HEX code: 50 35 0A. ASCII code: P5.
Programs that support PGM files
Windows
Online Services
How to open a PGM file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a PGM 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 PGM files, XnView, IrfanView and ImageJ 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, PGM files should be automatically opened with Adobe Photoshop.
Set Adobe Photoshop as the default PGM program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your PGM 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 PGM files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired PGM 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 PGM files
When issues arise with PGM 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 PGM file?
Open the damaged PGM 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 PGM file?
Common indications of damaged PGM raster image files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the PGM 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 Ulead PhotoImpact results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a PGM file?
To edit PGM files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the raster image files. Online PGM editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Portable Gray Map Image.
List of Top PGM editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of PGM editors that match your needs.
| PGM Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| ImageJ | Wayne Rasband | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| PhotoFiltre Studio | Antonio Da Cruz | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| Ulead PhotoImpact | Corel | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
Convert to and from PGM
If handling a PGM file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPEG, PDF or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a PGM file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as Picture Resize Genius, you can convert PGM files to various formats without losing data quality.