Tips to open PGM file

Can't open the PGM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PGM files as well as a list of programs that support PGM files.

PGM file extension

File Name Portable Gray Map Image
File Category Raster Image Files

The PGM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PGM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PGM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 3
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PGM file?

The PGM file has been categorized as Raster Image Files. Additionally, the Raster Image Files category contains 522 of other files. Portable Gray Map Image is most often found on 3 operating systems. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The GIMP application is recommended to open the file. It was released by The GIMP Team. There are also 17 alternative programs to handle the PGM file. You can use ACDSee, PaintShop Pro, Inkscape, Canvas in case GIMP cannot be used.

How to open PGM file?

An often recurring problem with Portable Gray Map Image is that PGM is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open PGM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PGM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install GIMP

In this case, you should first verify that the GIMP application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing GIMP into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support PGM files.

Step 2. Create association of GIMP with PGM files

If, despite the installed application, the PGM file does not start in the GIMP application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PGM file with the GIMP application.

Step 3. Update GIMP to the latest version

If, however, after binding GIMP with Portable Gray Map Image there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the The GIMP Team page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PGM file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the PGM file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file PGM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected PGM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the PGM files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular PGM file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted PGM files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move PGM to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the PGM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file PGM to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.