PEF to PGX Converter

Switch from PEF to PGX — fast browser-based conversion

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Any Device, Any OS

Convert PEF to PGX from any device — Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile. All you need is a browser and an internet connection.

Your Files, Protected

Security is built into every conversion. Uploaded PEF images are deleted instantly after processing, and PGX results are cleaned up within 24 hours.

Convert Many at Once

Batch mode lets you queue several PEF images and convert each to PGX without repeating the upload-select-download cycle for every file.

How to convert PEF to PGX

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose pgx or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your pgx file right afterwards

About formats

PEF (Pentax Electronic Format) is the proprietary RAW image format used by Pentax digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, introduced in 2003 with the *ist D — Pentax's first digital SLR — and continuing through the current K-mount and medium-format 645 lineup. PEF files capture the unprocessed 12-bit or 14-bit readout from the camera's CMOS sensor in its native Bayer mosaic pattern, stored in a TIFF-based container with Huffman-coded lossless compression. The format includes embedded JPEG previews at multiple sizes, comprehensive EXIF metadata, and Pentax-specific MakerNote tags that record Custom Image mode settings, Shake Reduction (SR) gyroscope data, lens identification from the K-mount electronic interface, and the camera's Auto Level correction parameters. Pentax cameras are notable for their weather-sealed construction and compatibility with the vast legacy of K-mount lenses dating back to 1975, and PEF files from these bodies can include manual lens metadata entered through the camera's menu system. One advantage is the preservation of Pentax's distinctive color rendering — the brand's Custom Image modes (Bright, Natural, Reversal Film, Bleach Bypass, etc.) are stored as metadata rather than applied to the raw data, allowing photographers to explore different rendering interpretations during post-processing while the original sensor capture remains untouched. The format's longevity is another strength: PEF files from every Pentax DSLR are supported by Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, dcraw, RawTherapee, Pentax's own Digital Camera Utility, and other modern RAW processors.
Developer: Pentax
Initial release: 2003
PGX is a simple single-component raster image format defined as part of the JPEG 2000 standard (ISO/IEC 15444) for use in conformance testing and verification of JPEG 2000 codec implementations. Introduced around 2000 alongside the JPEG 2000 specification itself, PGX files store a single image component (one color channel or grayscale plane) with a text header followed by raw pixel data, providing an unambiguous reference representation against which encoder and decoder outputs can be compared sample by sample. The header is a single ASCII line specifying endianness (ML for big-endian, LM for little-endian), signedness (+ for unsigned, - for signed), bit depth (1 to 32 bits), width, and height. The pixel data follows as raw binary values, each occupying the minimum number of bytes needed for the specified bit depth, with one value per pixel. For multi-component images (like RGB), each component is stored in a separate PGX file. The format's deliberate simplicity — no compression, no metadata, no multi-channel support — ensures there are no ambiguities in interpretation that could mask codec bugs. One advantage is verification precision: PGX's uncompressed, exactly-specified representation allows bit-exact comparison of decoded JPEG 2000 output against reference images, essential for certifying that a codec implementation conforms to the standard. The format's role in the JPEG 2000 conformance testing framework means it is implemented by every serious JPEG 2000 codec (OpenJPEG, Kakadu, etc.) and used in the official ISO conformance test suite. PGX files can also be processed by ImageMagick and various JPEG 2000 development tools.
Initial release: 2000

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert PEF to PGX?

PEF is Pentax's proprietary RAW format with limited viewer support — converting to PGX ensures your Pentax photos remain accessible long-term.

What programs open PGX files?

You can open PGX with JPEG 2000 reference software, OpenJPEG tools, and IrfanView.

Does converting PEF to PGX affect quality?

The conversion preserves visual quality as closely as the target format allows. PGX output maintains the essential detail from your original PEF image.

How long are converted files stored?

Your PGX output stays on the server for up to 24 hours. After that, it is permanently removed — so download promptly after conversion.

Is my PEF file safe during conversion?

Convertio prioritizes privacy — your PEF file is deleted after conversion completes, and the PGX result is automatically removed within 24 hours.