File Extension Database

Open XPM File

XPM file extension is primarily associated with X Pixmap file format, a file format created by the X Window System for creating icon pixmaps. It's a plain text file in the XPM2 format and often used for creating simple graphics for user interface components such as icons and buttons. XPM files serve a crucial role in the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the X Window system, widely used in UNIX-based systems.

Opening XPM Files

The most common way to open XPM files is by using graphic software. Graphic tools like GIMP (www.gimp.org) or ImageMagick (www.imagemagick.org) are capable of opening, editing, and saving XPM files. Especially in X Window System in Linux, many tools use XPM format for graphical resources. Hence, Linux users can usually open XPM files easily with pre-installed software.

Conversion of XPM Files

An XPM file can be converted to other image file formats. Software like XnConvert (www.xnview.com/en/xnconvert/) can be used to convert XPM files into other image formats like PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, etc, supporting over 500 image formats. The conversion process is straightforward; users generally just need to import the XPM file, select the output format, and start the conversion.

Creating XPM Files

Many graphic editors can create XPM files. For instance, GIMP, a highly flexible and powerful tool, allows you to design icons and save them in the XPM format. It supports editing pixel by pixel, contributing to detailed and finely adjusted icons. For programmers, they can define XPM files directly in source code since XPM is a plain text file format. A manual user guide is available to help understand how to include XPM file within a C source file.

XPM File Important Information

XPM files are an essential part of various systems, particularly UNIX-like operating systems. Given its plain-text nature, it's easily be used within a C programming context. However, XPM has its limitations. Given it is a raster-based format and lacks support for advanced features like layers, gradients, shadows, etc., it can't be compared with the flexibility and power of other modern formats like SVG or PNG. Therefore, its usages are quite specific and limited to basic graphics in GUI elements. Despite this, the XPM format is widely supported due to its simple format and backwards compatibility.

How Can I Open XPM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open XPM file is to find a XPM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XPM 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 XPM 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 XPM file opener then try to search online for "XPM viewer", "application to open XPM file" or "open XPM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open XPM file

How Can I Open XPM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a XPM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XPM 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 XPM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as XPM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open XPM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open XPM file then try to search for "XPM viewer", "application to open XPM file" or "read XPM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read XPM file

How Can I Open XPM File on Android

If you downloaded a XPM 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 XPM 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 "XPM".
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 "XPM viewer", "XPM 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 XPM File on iPhone or iPad

To open XPM 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 XPM 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 "XPM". This way you can find apps which can open XPM 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 "XPM viewer" or "XPM file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.