Tips to open PPM file
Can't open the PPM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PPM files as well as a list of programs that support PPM files.
PPM file extension
The PPM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PPM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PPM file on each system platform.
What is PPM file?
A .PPM file is an image file. It stores graphics in text form. Rasters are saved with a numerical value that determines the color value. Offers color depths up to 24 bits. It is an uncompressed format. It is rarely used due to large file sizes and inefficiency. Virtually not used for storing larger images. In addition, it stores a lot of information about the structure, which makes the file bloated and its analysis in text form practically impossible.
How to open PPM file?
The most common problem when using Portable Pixmap Image Format is that a specific PPM is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open PPM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PPM 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
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that GIMP 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. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open PPM files.
Programs to open PPM file
Remember to download programs supporting PPM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of GIMP with PPM files
If, despite the installed application, the PPM 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. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the PPM file with the GIMP program.
Step 3. Update GIMP to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the GIMP program, it is possible that Portable Pixmap Image Format requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the The GIMP Team website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PPM file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. 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 PPM 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. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the PPM file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected PPM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the PPM file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair PPM 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.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file PPM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move PPM to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the PPM file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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