Tips to open XPM file

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

XPM file extension

File Name X11 Pixmap Graphic
File Category Raster Image Files

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

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XPM file?

The file with the extension XPM is the Raster Image Files file type. In addition to this file, the Raster Image Files category includes 522 related files. X11 Pixmap Graphic is supported by 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. It is recommended to use GIMP to handle this file. This is a program created by The GIMP Team. This file type can also be opened by 13 other programs. You can use CorelDRAW, ACDSee, PaintShop Pro, XnView in case GIMP cannot be used.

How to open XPM file?

The main problem with X11 Pixmap Graphic is that the XPM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open XPM, 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 XPM 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. To do this, enter the name GIMP into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file XPM.

Step 2. Create association of GIMP with XPM files

If, despite the installed application, the XPM file does not start in the GIMP application, you must create a file association. 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the XPM file with the GIMP application.

Step 3. Update GIMP to the latest version

If, however, after binding GIMP with X11 Pixmap Graphic 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 XPM 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 XPM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the XPM file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XPM file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected XPM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the XPM file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XPM 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 XPM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the XPM file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the XPM file again. However, some background programs may block the XPM file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.