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PM File - What is a .pm file and how do I open it?
Learn about .PM files and view a list of programs that open them.
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What is a PM file? A PM file is a bitmap image saved in the Unix XV Graphic format, which is associated with xv, an interactive image viewing and manipulation program for Unix systems running the X Window System. It is a pixmap-style raster image that stores pixel color values in a simple format. PM files are legacy files and are primarily found in older Unix software distributions, archived projects, or historical system graphics.
More Information While now obscure, the PM format was primarily used in Unix and workstation environments, where xv was commonly used to view, convert, and perform basic image editing. Developers, researchers, and system administrators used xv and PM files to preview graphical output, test image-processing routines, or convert images between different formats supported by the program. Variants of PM-style bitmap data were also used in other graphical systems of the era, including IBM’s OS/2 Presentation Manager, which relied on similar raster image concepts for displaying graphics in its graphical user interface.
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Migas de pan
DeveloperAuran
Popularity2.5 | 2 Votes
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.PM File Extension
3 file types use the .pm file extension.
Unix XV Graphic File
| Developer | IBM |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 30 Votes |
What is a PM file?
A PM file is a bitmap image saved in the Unix XV Graphic format, which is associated with xv, an interactive image viewing and manipulation program for Unix systems running the X Window System. It is a pixmap-style raster image that stores pixel color values in a simple format. PM files are legacy files and are primarily found in older Unix software distributions, archived projects, or historical system graphics.
More Information
While now obscure, the PM format was primarily used in Unix and workstation environments, where xv was commonly used to view, convert, and perform basic image editing. Developers, researchers, and system administrators used xv and PM files to preview graphical output, test image-processing routines, or convert images between different formats supported by the program. Variants of PM-style bitmap data were also used in other graphical systems of the era, including IBM’s OS/2 Presentation Manager, which relied on similar raster image concepts for displaying graphics in its graphical user interface.
How to open a PM file
You can open PM files using xv on Linux systems, which Jasper Software and other contributors have extended since it was discontinued. Some third-party programs also support PM files, including XnViewMP and Lemkesoft GraphicConverter .
How to convert a PM file
XnViewMP can convert PM files to various file types, including the following formats:
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open PM files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
XnViewMP
Free
Newera Graphics Converter Pro
Paid
Mac
XnViewMP
Free
Lemkesoft GraphicConverter
Free Trial
Linux
xv
Free
Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: December 23, 2025
Perl Module
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.3 | 8 Votes |
NEW: Open your .PM file online with File Helper . View Online
Module containing Perl functions that can be referenced and used by Perl programs; may be one of two different types:
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1) Traditional - defines subroutines and variables for the function referencing the module to import and use.
2) Object-oriented - functions as a class definition and is accessed through method calls.
Some Perl modules may offer traditional and object-oriented functionality.
Programs that open PM files
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Platform
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X
Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
Perl Express
Open Perl IDE
Solutionsoft Perl Builder
Use and compile with Perl
Edit with a text editor
Mac
MacroMates TextMate
Free
Bare Bones BBEdit
Free Trial
Use and compile with Perl
Edit with a text editor
Linux
Use and compile with Perl
Edit with a text editor
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
Category: Developer Files
Updated: February 22, 2008
Progressive Mesh
| Developer | Auran |
| Popularity |
2.5 | 2 Votes |
A PM file may also be a 3D model used by legacy versions of Trainz Railroad Simulator. It contains data used to show a train car or other object in-game. The PM format was replaced by the .IM format.
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Trainz Railroad Simulator is a video game in which players simulate routing and operating trains. The first version of the game, titled simply Trainz, was released by Auran in 2001. The game has since received many sequels. It is now published by N3V Games.
Previous versions of Trainz used 3D models saved in the PM format, or Progressive Mesh, format. This format supported a specialized, multi-faceted form of level of detail specification.
However, advances in graphics technology rendered the PM format obsolete. Instead, Trainz began using IM, or Indexed Mesh, models, which contained a single level of detail specification.
How to open a PM file
You can use PEVSoft Trainz Mesh Viewer 2 (Windows) to view the 3D model a PM file contains. There is no program that allows users to edit PM files.
How to convert a PM file
You can use PEVSoft PM2IM (Windows) to convert a PM file to the .IM (Indexed Mesh) format. This allows you to use the model your PM file contains with later versions of Trainz Railroad Simulator.
Programs that open or reference PM files
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Platform
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X
Windows
N3V Games Trainz Simulator
Paid
PEVSoft Trainz Mesh Viewer 2
Free
PEVSoft PM2IM
Free
Category: Game Files
Updated: November 7, 2022