PBM Types

Primary PBM File Association

.PBM

File Format:	.pbm
Category:	Portable Bitmap Image

Portable Bitmap Image is a 1-bit black and white image that is formatted in text format. Each pixel is represented by a byte; 1 represents black and 0 represents white pixels.

Organization:	Unknown Developer
Division:	Raster Image Files
Subkey:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pbm

Software Programs That Open The Portable Bitmap Image:

Microsoft Word by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Mac

ACD Systems ACDSee by ACD Systems

Windows

ACD Systems Canvas by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Lemkesoft GraphicConverter by Lemkesoft

Mac

Linux

AbiWord by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

Adobe Photoshop CC by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Windows

Mac

Graphics Converter Pro by Newera Software Technology, Inc.

Windows

Mac

Netpbm by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Troubleshoot PBM Files

Common Problems Opening PBM Files

Missing Microsoft Word

When trying to open your PBM file, you get the error "Can't Open PBM File Type". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Word for %%os%% installed. You won't be able to double-click to open your PBM because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.

Tip: Another PBM-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.

Incorrect Microsoft Word Version

Your Portable Bitmap Image file is incompatible with Microsoft Word because you might have the wrong version installed. Installing the latest version of Microsoft Word from Microsoft Corporation is recommended. The primary cause of this problem is that your Portable Bitmap Image file was created by a different (newer) version of Microsoft Word than what's installed.

Tip: Right-clicking on your PBM, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.

Regardless, most of the PBM file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Word installed.

Other Causes of PBM File Opening Problems

Assuming you have the right Microsoft Word version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening PBM files. Other PBM opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Problems unrelated to software:

• Invalid PBM file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Corruption of the PBM file description inside the Registry
• Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the PBM format
• PBM file corruption
• Your PBM is infected with malware
• Hardware related to PBMs has device driver corruption
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Portable Bitmap Image file successfully