Can I convert PEF to PPM / PNM on iPhone, Android, Mac or Windows?

Yes. ConvertPixels works in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on any device, so you can convert PEF to PPM / PNM on your phone or computer without installing an app.

Is there a free PEF to PPM converter with no sign-up?

Yes, this one. Converting PEF to PPM on ConvertPixels is free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily cap. Convert up to 30 files per batch, each up to 50 MB.

Can I convert PEF to PPM without losing quality?

Yes. PPM is a lossless format, so your converted file is pixel-for-pixel the same as the PEF. (It can't add back detail the original never had.)

Can I batch convert PEF to PPM?

Yes. Add up to 30 PEF files and convert them in one batch. You can even choose a different output format for individual files, then download them separately or together as a ZIP.

Is it safe to upload PEF files to ConvertPixels?

Yes. Uploads use an encrypted connection and are processed automatically - nobody views them. Your originals are deleted straight after conversion and the results within an hour, or instantly if you click "Delete from server now".

Convert

PEF to PPM / PNM Converter

Convert PEF images to PPM / PNM online in seconds - free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Batch convert up to 30 files and download them together as a ZIP.

Free
No sign-up
No watermark
Private by design

Choose filesor drag and drop files hereUp to 30 files · 50 MB each

Image Converter

How to use it

1
Drop your PEF files onto the converter
2
Press Convert to turn them into PPM / PNM
3
Download your PPM / PNM images one by one or as a ZIP

PEF to PPM / PNM

Why convert PEF to PPM?

The main difference: PEF is an unprocessed sensor data format, while PPM is a lossless format.

Develop RAW into a ready-to-use photo

A PEF file holds the raw readings from the camera sensor, not a finished picture. Converting it to PPM applies the camera's colors and gives you a normal photo you can share, print or post right away.

Where PPM works best

PPM is ideal for simple uncompressed images for scientific and developer tools. Converting gives you a file that works in the apps and websites that ask for PPM.

PEF vs PPM / PNM: what's the difference?

Property	PEF	PPM / PNM
Compression type	Unprocessed sensor data	Lossless (exact pixels, larger files)
Transparent background	No	No
Animation	No	No
Where it opens	None (needs a RAW editor)	None
Used for	Straight-from-camera photos for editing	Simple uncompressed images for scientific and developer tools

What is a PEF (camera RAW) file?

PEF is the camera RAW format of Pentax - Pentax DSLRs (newer models can also save DNG). Instead of a finished photo, a RAW file stores the unprocessed data straight from the camera's sensor.

That gives photographers maximum room to adjust exposure, white balance and color afterwards, but RAW files are large (often 20-60 MB) and need special software to view. Converting to JPG produces a normal photo you can share right away.

How to open a PEF (camera RAW) file

Pentax Digital Camera Utility opens PEF files, and Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop (Camera Raw), Capture One, darktable and RawTherapee support them too. Mac Photos and Preview open most RAW formats; on Windows, the free Raw Image Extension adds support to the Photos app. Without any of these, convert PEF to JPG online.

Extension: .pef
Made by: Pentax cameras
Contains: Unprocessed sensor data
Best for: Editing straight-from-camera photos

What is a PPM / PNM file?

PPM, PGM, PBM and PNM are the Netpbm formats: deliberately simple, uncompressed image files from the 1980s. They store pixels as plain numbers, which makes them easy for programs to read and write.

You'll mostly meet them in scientific computing, image-processing scripts and developer tools - rarely in everyday use.

How to open a PPM / PNM file

GIMP, IrfanView, XnView and Photoshop open Netpbm files, as do Linux image viewers. Windows Photos and browsers can't, so convert to PNG for a lossless, much smaller copy.

Extensions: .ppm, .pgm, .pbm, .pnm
Compression: None
Best for: Scientific and developer tools
Family: Netpbm