PSD to XPM Converter
Processing entirely on your device — large files may take a moment.
Photoshop Document and X11 Pixmap exist for different jobs: PSD is Adobe Photoshop’s native format: full layers, masks, effects and editable text in one file. Only Creative Cloud apps open it natively — everyone else needs a converted copy. Convert PNG or SVG output to XPM to feed icon themes and legacy toolkits.
Because the whole conversion happens on your device, it is instant, unlimited and genuinely private — no accounts, no watermarks, no files on anyone's server. Multiple files are converted in one go.
How PSD compares to XPM
| PSD | XPM | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless (RLE/ZIP layers) | None (ASCII text) |
| Transparency | Per-layer alpha | Single transparent color |
| Animation | Timeline exists, exported as frames | Not supported |
| Metadata | XMP, EXIF, guides, paths | Not supported |
| Best for | Design source files | Linux icons, X11 themes |
How to convert PSD to XPM
- 1
Select your files
Drag & drop your PSD files onto the area above, or click to browse. You can add multiple files at once for batch conversion.
- 2
Convert instantly
Click "Convert to XPM". The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly — no upload, no queue, no waiting.
- 3
Download results
Download each converted XPM file individually, or grab everything at once as a ZIP archive.
About the PSD format
PSD is Adobe Photoshop's native document format and the source-of-truth file of the design industry. It keeps everything editable: layers with masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, layer effects and live text. The format is big-endian and only partially documented, but its ubiquity means libraries in every language can read the common parts.
Two practical gotchas define PSD life outside Photoshop. First, files are enormous — hundreds of megabytes is normal for layered work. Second, the flattened composite other apps display is only embedded when the file was saved with “Maximize Compatibility” enabled; without it, converters that read the composite will fail. Sharing to non-designers means exporting a JPG, PNG or PDF copy.
+Strengths
- ✓Fully editable: layers, masks, effects and live text
- ✓The universal design source format
- ✓Smart objects allow non-destructive scaling and filters
!Limitations
- −Very large files
- −Full fidelity requires Photoshop or Creative Cloud apps
- −Composite preview may be missing without Maximize Compatibility
About the XPM format
XPM (X11 Pixmap) is an image format that is literally C source code: pixels are listed as character-to-color mappings inside an ASCII array. Compilers, text editors and version control all treat it as plain text, which is why Linux desktop icons and legacy X11 application assets have used it for decades.
XPM is limited to 256 colors per image and stores no alpha beyond a designated transparent character, so it is a niche target: mainly icon themes, window-manager decorations and retro programming projects.
+Strengths
- ✓Plain text — diffs and greps
- ✓Compiles straight into C programs
- ✓Tiny for small flat icons
!Limitations
- −256 colors maximum
- −Poor alpha (one transparent color)
Why convert PSD to XPM?
Think of it as moving your file to the container that fits the job. Very large files XPM works differently: Plain text — diffs and greps If any of that sounds like your task, run the conversion — it takes seconds and nothing leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this PSD to XPM converter really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily conversion limits. The site is supported by advertising.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your files never leave your device — that is what makes it instant and private.
Does it work on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android?
Yes. Anything with a modern browser works: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. No software installation is required.
Will I lose quality converting PSD to XPM?
No — XPM is a lossless format, so every pixel of the converted image matches your original PSD file. You can also adjust the quality/size balance before converting when the target format supports compression.
Will transparent areas survive the conversion to XPM?
Transparency is kept whenever XPM actually supports an alpha channel. If the target format has none (like JPG), transparent areas are flattened onto a white background — that is a property of the format, not of this tool.
Can I convert several PSD files at once?
Yes — drop as many files as you like into the tool and they are converted in one batch. When more than one file comes out, everything is bundled into a ZIP for a single download.