Convert PBM to XBM

The PBM (Portable Bitmap) file extension, part of the Netpbm project, originated in the late 1980s to facilitate efficient and portable graphics file interchange. Primarily, PBM files are used to store monochrome bitmaps in a simple ASCII text format, ensuring easy compatibility across different systems and platforms. This format supports only black-and-white imagery, making it particularly useful in scenarios where simplicity and minimalism are prioritized, such as in Unix environments for bitmap manipulation and transfer. Its historical significance lies in promoting a standardized approach to bitmap graphics in early computer technology.

The XBM (X11 Bitmap Graphic) file extension is a plain-text binary file format historically used in the X Window System to store monochrome bitmap images. Its primary use is for defining small, simple graphics such as icons and cursors. Originating from the 1980s, XBM files enable the inclusion of image data directly in C source code, facilitating easy integration and compilation within applications. While their use has declined with the advent of more advanced graphics formats, XBMs remain relevant for legacy systems and specific low-resource environments.