XC to XBM Converter

Transform XC into XBM images — quick and online

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Batch Processing

Batch mode lets you convert many XC files to XBM at once — no need to process one at a time.

Simple Workflow

Straightforward process from start to finish. The XC to XBM converter keeps things uncomplicated and efficient.

Private & Secure

Security comes first — XC files are deleted post-conversion, and XBM output is cleared within 24 hours.

How to convert XC to XBM

1

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

2

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

3

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

About formats

XC (X window Color) is a procedural pseudo-format built into ImageMagick, the open-source image processing suite originally created by John Cristy at DuPont and first released on August 1, 1990. Rather than reading pixel data from a file, the XC format generates a solid-color canvas of specified dimensions, filled with a single uniform color value. The color can be specified using any of ImageMagick's supported color specification methods: named X11 colors (red, dodgerblue, linen), hex triplets (#FF6600), RGB/RGBA functional notation (rgb(255,102,0)), HSL, CMYK, or any other supported color space representation. XC canvases are created through ImageMagick's command-line interface using the special colon syntax (e.g., convert -size 800x600 xc:navy output.png) and serve as foundational building blocks in ImageMagick's compositing and image construction workflows. Common uses include creating background layers for compositing operations, generating masks and mattes of specific colors, initializing canvases for drawing operations, producing test images for pipeline validation, and creating placeholder images for web and application development. One advantage is workflow integration: XC canvases feed directly into ImageMagick's processing pipeline, enabling operations like gradient overlays, text rendering onto colored backgrounds, or template generation without requiring any input file. The pseudo-format's support for ImageMagick's complete color specification system is another strength — any color expressible in any supported color space can be used, including semi-transparent colors via RGBA notation, making XC a versatile primitive for programmatic image construction.
Initial release: 1990
XBM (X BitMap) is a monochrome (1-bit) image format defined as part of the X Window System, originating at MIT around 1987. XBM files are unique among image formats in being valid C source code: each file defines the image as a static array of unsigned char values containing the packed pixel data, preceded by #define statements specifying the image width, height, and optional hot-spot coordinates (for cursor images). The pixel data is stored in hexadecimal byte values within curly braces, with each bit representing one pixel (1 = foreground, 0 = background) and bits ordered LSB-first within each byte. This design was intentional — XBM images could be #included directly into X Window application source code and compiled into the binary, eliminating the need for external file loading and runtime format parsing. The format was used throughout the X11 ecosystem for cursor shapes, window icons, toolbar buttons, and other small UI elements. One advantage is the source-code nature of the format: XBM files can be edited with a text editor, diff'd and merged in version control, generated by shell scripts, and compiled directly into C programs without any image loading library — a level of toolchain integration that no binary image format can match. The format's role as part of the X Window standard ensures it is understood by every X11-aware toolkit and application. While limited to monochrome and no compression, XBM's simplicity makes it an excellent teaching format for understanding bitmap representations. XBM files are supported by all X11 applications, ImageMagick, GIMP, web browsers (as a legacy web format), and programming environments.
Developer: MIT X Consortium
Initial release: 1987

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert XC to XBM?

Converting XC to XBM lets you save generated solid color canvases as actual image files — XBM is widely recognized and easy to share.

How do I open XBM files?

Open XBM files with X Window apps, GIMP, text editors (C source). Most operating systems handle XBM natively or with built-in viewers.

Do I need to register to convert XC to XBM?

No account is required. You can convert XC to XBM directly without signing up — just upload, convert, and download.

Can I convert multiple XC files at once?

Upload as many XC files as you need. Every file processes independently and delivers its own XBM output.

What quality can I expect from XBM output?

XBM provides monochrome X11 icon stored as C code. The converter optimizes output for the best balance of quality and compatibility.

Does the conversion happen on my device?

No — conversion runs on Convertio servers. Your device handles only the upload and download, not the processing.