Convert PIX to PBM

The PIX file extension stands for Alias/Wavefront Run-Length Encoding (RLE) Image Format. Developed by Alias Systems Corporation (later acquired by Autodesk), it was designed for storing bitmap images in PowerAnimator and Alias 3D software. This format was instrumental in creating high-resolution 3D models and animations for movies and video games in the 1990s. The RLE compression minimized file size without compromising image quality, optimizing performance for graphics-heavy tasks. Although its usage has declined in favor of more versatile formats, PIX played a significant role in the evolution of computer graphics technology.

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.