XPM to XZ Converter
Processing entirely on your device — large files may take a moment.
X11 Pixmap and XZ Compressed File exist for different jobs: XPM (X11 Pixmap) is an image written as C source code — plain ASCII text that compilers and editors ingest directly, the classic icon format of Linux desktops and legacy X11 apps. Unpack XZ into ZIP/TAR for tools that cannot read LZMA2.
This converter runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — your files never leave your device, nothing is uploaded, and there are no watermarks, sign-ups or queues. Drop in several files at once to convert them as a batch.
How XPM compares to XZ
| XPM | XZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | None (ASCII text) | LZMA2 |
| Best for | Linux icons, X11 themes | Packages and releases |
How to convert XPM to XZ
- 1
Select your files
Select your XPM file.
- 2
Convert instantly
The file bytes are gzip-compressed in place — the same archive your server or build tool produces, made locally.
- 3
Download results
Download the .gz file — ready to upload, serve or attach.
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)
About the XZ format
XZ wraps the LZMA2 algorithm: the best ratio of the common Unix compressors, which is why distribution packages and source releases pick it when bandwidth matters more than CPU.
Windows Explorer and many cross-platform tools cannot open it — unpacking to ZIP or TAR makes the payload portable.
+Strengths
- ✓Highest common ratio
- ✓Standard for Linux packages
- ✓Integrity checks built in
!Limitations
- −Memory-hungry at high settings
- −Sparse support outside Linux
Why convert XPM to XZ?
There is a concrete reason this conversion exists: 256 colors maximum XZ sidesteps that — Highest common ratio If that is your situation, the tool above settles it in seconds, entirely on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this XPM to XZ 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 XPM to XZ?
No — XZ is a lossless format, so every pixel of the converted image matches your original XPM file. You can also adjust the quality/size balance before converting when the target format supports compression.
Are the files inside my XPM archive modified?
No. Contents are unpacked in memory and repacked into XZ byte-for-byte — the conversion changes the container, never the files inside it.
Is there a size limit for archive conversion?
There is no upload cap because nothing is uploaded — the practical limit is your device memory. A few hundred megabytes of unpacked content works comfortably on a modern computer.