XPM to PS Converter

XPM to PS — convert bitmaps to vector graphics easily

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Batch Processing

Upload multiple XPM files at once and convert them all to PS in a single session — ideal when you have many legacy images to migrate.

Effortless Process

Converting XPM to PS takes just a few clicks — no technical knowledge required. Upload, choose your format, and download the result.

Cross-Platform Access

Whether you are on a desktop, tablet, or phone — convert XPM to PS from any device with a modern web browser.

How to convert XPM to PS

1

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

2

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

3

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

About formats

XPM (X PixMap) is a color image format for the X Window System, developed by Arnaud Le Hors at GROUPE BULL beginning in 1989 as the color successor to the monochrome XBM format. Like XBM, XPM files are valid C source code — each file defines the image as a static array of character strings, where the header strings specify width, height, number of colors, and characters per pixel, the color definition strings map character codes to color values (supporting X11 color names, hexadecimal RGB, and symbolic color types like 'background' and 'foreground'), and the pixel strings encode each row as a sequence of character codes that index the color palette. This ASCII art representation makes XPM images human-readable: one can often see the image content directly in the text of the source file. The format went through three revisions: XPM1 (1989, compatible with X10), XPM2 (simplified syntax), and XPM3 (1991, the current version with the static char* syntax and extended color specification). XPM was the standard format for X Window application icons, splash screens, pixmap buttons, and themed UI elements throughout the 1990s and 2000s. One advantage is the combined benefits of being a valid C source file and a color image: XPM files can be compiled into applications, edited in any text editor, processed by text tools, and version-controlled, while supporting up to 256 colors with transparency (using the 'None' color keyword). The X11 ecosystem's reliance on XPM ensures broad tool support. XPM files are handled by all X11 toolkits, ImageMagick, GIMP, and web browsers (legacy support).
Initial release: 1989
PS is the standard extension for files written in PostScript, the page description language created by Adobe Systems and first shipped in 1984 with the Apple LaserWriter. A PostScript file is a complete program that describes the precise appearance of a page — text, vector graphics, curves, fills, and even embedded raster images — using a stack-based interpreted language with full programming constructs. When sent to a PostScript-compatible printer or interpreter (such as Ghostscript), the program executes and produces rendered output. PostScript introduced cubic Bezier curves as the standard representation for smooth outlines, a mathematical model that became the foundation for virtually all subsequent vector graphics and font technology including PDF, SVG, and OpenType. The language also serves as a font format: Type 1 PostScript fonts encode glyph outlines as PostScript programs with hinting instructions for sharp rendering at low resolutions, while Type 3 fonts use the full language to define arbitrarily complex glyphs. One advantage is device independence — a PostScript file produces identical output whether rendered on a 300 dpi desktop printer, a high-resolution imagesetter, or a software rasterizer, because it describes shapes mathematically rather than as pixel grids. The human-readable text format provides another practical strength: PS files can be inspected, debugged, and modified with any text editor, and they can be generated programmatically by any software without requiring specialized libraries. PostScript files are widely handled by Ghostscript, Adobe Acrobat, preview applications, and numerous publishing and graphics tools.
Developer: Adobe Systems
Initial release: 1984

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason to convert XPM to PS?

Transforming XPM to PS means moving from a limited bitmap to page description language for printing — scalable output suitable for print, web, and design workflows.

How do I open a PS file?

Software that handles PS includes Ghostscript, Adobe Acrobat, Evince, macOS Preview — giving you options on every major operating system.

Is my XPM file safe when converting online?

Your files are secure. Uploaded XPM images are erased immediately after processing, and PS outputs are purged within 24 hours.

Can I convert multiple XPM files to PS at once?

Yes — upload several XPM files in one session and Convertio processes them all into PS simultaneously, saving you time.

What platforms support this XPM converter?

The converter works on any platform with a web browser — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS all supported for XPM to PS conversion.

What exactly is the XPM format?

XPM (color pixmap format for X Window System) originated in X11/Linux desktops. It has very limited modern application support but can be converted to modern formats on Convertio.