PEF to XWD Converter

Easily convert PEF to XWD — works in any browser

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Simple Interface

A clean, minimal workflow — upload your PEF image, choose XWD, and download. No confusing options or hidden settings to worry about.

Image Integrity

Convertio optimizes the PEF to XWD pipeline for quality — the resulting file reflects the full detail captured in your original image.

Privacy First

Your uploaded PEF files are erased immediately after conversion, and the resulting XWD is removed from servers within 24 hours — keeping your data private.

How to convert PEF to XWD

1

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

2

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

3

Let the file convert and you can download your xwd 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
XWD (X Window Dump) is a screen capture image format defined as part of the X Window System by the MIT X Consortium, dating to approximately 1987. The xwd command-line utility captures the contents of an X window or the entire screen and saves it as an XWD file — functionally equivalent to a screenshot utility but predating the concept by years. XWD files contain a detailed header specifying the X server's visual type, bit depth, byte order, bitmap unit and padding, the window's dimensions, border width, and color map information, followed by the raw pixel data exactly as represented in the X server's framebuffer. This means XWD files faithfully capture the exact pixel representation used by the display hardware — including server-specific byte ordering, padding, and color organization — making them primarily useful on the system where they were captured or on systems with compatible display configurations. The header also stores the window name string and the full color map entries for indexed-color visuals. XWD supports all X11 visual types: StaticGray, GrayScale, StaticColor, PseudoColor, TrueColor, and DirectColor, at any bit depth supported by the X server. One advantage is exact framebuffer fidelity: XWD captures the window's pixel data in its native format without any color space conversion or compression, making it the definitive record of what the X server was actually displaying. The format's integration with the X11 command-line toolkit provides another practical benefit — xwd can capture specific windows by ID or name, be triggered remotely via SSH, and piped directly to format converters. XWD files are handled by ImageMagick, GIMP, xwud (the viewer companion to xwd), and xv.
Developer: MIT X Consortium
Initial release: 1987

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reasons to convert PEF to XWD?

PEF files from Pentax DSLRs store rich tonal data that requires specialized tools — converting to XWD makes them accessible on any device or platform.

What software can open XWD?

XWD files can be opened with X Window system tools, GIMP, IrfanView, and XnView.

Does converting PEF to XWD affect quality?

Your PEF image data is processed carefully during conversion. The resulting XWD retains the maximum quality the target format can support.

How fast is the PEF to XWD conversion?

Speed depends on file size, but most PEF to XWD conversions complete in under a minute. Server-side processing ensures quick turnaround.

How long are converted files stored?

Converted XWD files remain available for download for up to 24 hours, after which they are automatically deleted from Convertio servers.

Is PEF to XWD conversion free?

Yes — basic PEF to XWD conversion is free. If you need to process larger batches or bigger files, premium options are available.