raster format

What is a .XPM file?

XPM (X PixMap) is the X Window color icon format, stored as editable C source — long used for application icons and cursors on Unix and Linux.

Full name
X PixMap
Developed by
X Consortium
Released
1989
Extension
.xpm
MIME type
image/xpm
Transparency
Varies

How to open a XPM file

XPM opens in GIMP, ImageMagick and text editors; convert to PNG for everyday use.

What XPM 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
Excellent compatibilityNo transparency support
Limited support — may need converting

Need more than a conversion?

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

Frequently asked questions

XPM (X PixMap) is the X Window color icon format, stored as editable C source — long used for application icons and cursors on Unix and Linux.

XPM opens in GIMP, ImageMagick and text editors; convert to PNG for everyday use.

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

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

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