lookup> .pnm

.PNM·File Extension

PNM ImageA .pnm file is a PNM Image. It is a raster or vector image format used for photos, web assets and design work.

Extension.pnm
File typePNM Image
CategoryImage
Charset
Compressible

What is a .pnm file?

A .pnm file is a PNM Image. It is a raster or vector image format used for photos, web assets and design work.

In the mime-db registry it maps to image/x-portable-anymap. When serving .pnm over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to image/x-portable-anymap — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use Photoshop or GIMP to open and edit .pnm files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: image/x-portable-anymap

Common software that reads/writes .pnm:

PhotoshopGIMPPaintPreview
.pnmextension of
format
PNM Imageserved as
mime type
image/x-portable-anymapsent via header
http header
  • Web graphics and photos
  • Design assets and icons
  • Print and photography
  • Open the file with Photoshop, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .pnm extension, or export this format from Photoshop.

What programs can open .pnm files?

Common options include Photoshop, GIMP, Paint. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .pnm file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .pnm extension.

What is the relationship between .pnm and the image/x-portable-anymap MIME type?

image/x-portable-anymap is the media type identifier used for .pnm files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

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