PBM file icon

PBM File Extension

Portable Bitmap Image

What is PBM file?

PBM filename suffix is mostly used for Portable Bitmap Image files. PBM file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. PBM file format, along with 522 other file formats, belongs to the Raster Image Files category. Users are advised to use Adobe Photoshop software for managing PBM files, although 16 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Adobe Systems Incorporated developer not only will you find detailed information about theAdobe Photoshop software, but also about PBM and other supported file formats.

Programs which support PBM file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PBM files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with PBM extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with PBM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PBM files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PBM files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Adobe Photoshop software

Install software to open PBM file Problems with opening and working with PBM files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PBM files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Photoshop or different compatible program, such as ACDSee, Canvas, Converter Pro. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PBM files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe Photoshop website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Photoshop and update if needed

Update software that support file extension PBMIf you already have Adobe Photoshop installed on your systems and PBM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Adobe Photoshop installed, it may not support PBM format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Photoshop.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PBM files to Adobe Photoshop

After installing Adobe Photoshop (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open PBM files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Associate software with PBM file on Windows

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

  • Clicking the PBM with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
  • Select Choose another app → More apps
  • To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe Photoshop installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PBM files box and clicking OK button.
Associate software with PBM file on Mac

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

  • Right-click the PBM file and select Information
  • Open the Open with section by clicking its name
  • Select Adobe Photoshop and click Change for all...
  • A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with PBM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the PBM is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper PBM file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

Check PBM file for viruses
1. Check the PBM file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PBM file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the PBM file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the PBM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with PBM extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic PBM file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PBM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Portable Bitmap Image file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Photoshop

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PBM extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Portable Bitmap Image file. It may be the case that the PBM files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Conversion of a PBM file

File Conversions from PBM extension to a different format
File conversions from other format to PBM file
Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PBM file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PBM file.

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