Tips to open XBM file

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

XBM file extension

File Name X11 Bitmap Graphic
File Category Raster Image Files

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

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 2
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XBM file?

The XBM file has been categorized as Raster Image Files. Raster Image Files consists of 522 similar files. X11 Bitmap Graphic appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is XnView. This was created by Pierre-Emmanuel Gougelet. There are also 9 alternative programs to handle the XBM file. You can use ACDSee, PaintShop Pro, IrfanView, Nero Multimedia Suite in case XnView cannot be used.

How to open XBM file?

An often recurring problem with X11 Bitmap Graphic is that XBM is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that XBM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XBM 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 XnView

The first step is to check if the computer has the XnView program installed. This can be achieved by typing XnView into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file XBM with XnView. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open XBM files.

Step 2. Create association of XnView with XBM files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the XBM file to open in the XnView application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. 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 set the program to handle this type. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the XBM file with the XnView program.

Step 3. Update XnView to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the XnView program, it is possible that X11 Bitmap Graphic requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Pierre-Emmanuel Gougelet website and install the latest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the XBM file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XBM file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected XBM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the XBM file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged XBM files. 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 XBM 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.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the XBM file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the XBM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the XBM file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the XBM file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.