File Extension Database

Open PGM File

A file with a PGM (Portable Gray Map) extension is a grayscale image file saved in that format and encoded with one or two bytes (8 or 16 bits) per pixel.

It contains header information and a grid of numbers representing different shades of gray, from black (0) to white (up to 65,536).

PGM files are normally stored in ASCII text format, but they also have a binary representation.

The information included in a PGM file encodes the image header, the dimensions, and the number of shadows.

The PGM format is part of the NetPBM project, which is an open source package of graphics programs.

PGM images can be displayed on most platforms either with the use of the NetPBM package or any multi-format image viewer.

How Can I Open PGM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PGM file is to find a PGM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PGM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PGM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PGM file opener then try to search online for "PGM viewer", "application to open PGM file" or "open PGM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PGM file

How Can I Open PGM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PGM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PGM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PGM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PGM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PGM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PGM file then try to search for "PGM viewer", "application to open PGM file" or "read PGM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PGM file

How Can I Open PGM File on Android

If you downloaded a PGM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PGM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PGM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PGM viewer", "PGM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PGM File on iPhone or iPad

To open PGM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PGM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PGM". This way you can find apps which can open PGM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PGM viewer" or "PGM file" online in your favorite search engine.