raster format

What is a .XBM file?

XBM (X BitMap) is an X Window monochrome format stored as C source code, historically used for icons and cursors in Unix.

Full name
X BitMap
Developed by
X Consortium
Released
1986
Extension
.xbm
MIME type
image/xbm
Transparency
Varies

How to open a XBM file

XBM opens in GIMP, ImageMagick and text editors; convert to PNG for normal use.

What XBM files are used for

Photos & web images

Share, post and embed pictures across sites and apps.

Editing & design

Work with the format in editors like Photoshop and GIMP.

Storage & archiving

Keep memories and assets in a widely-readable form.

Strengths & limitations

✔ Strengths✖ Limitations
Purpose-built for its nicheNo transparency support
Limited support — may need converting

Need more than a conversion?

Remove the background from XBM images, upscale to 4K, or generate new visuals with SharkFoto AI.

Frequently asked questions

XBM (X BitMap) is an X Window monochrome format stored as C source code, historically used for icons and cursors in Unix.

XBM opens in GIMP, ImageMagick and text editors; convert to PNG for normal use.

XBM is optimised for its specific use rather than strictly lossless storage.

Use SharkFoto's free tools — upload your XBM file and convert it to a more convenient format in seconds. It's free, processed securely and never stored.

No — XBM doesn't store transparency; convert to PNG or WEBP if you need it.