pamtosrf

Convert PAM image to Sun rasterfile

TLDR

Convert a Netpbm image or a stream of Netpbm images to SRF format

$ pamtosrf [path/to/file.pam] > [path/to/output.srf]

PARAMETERS

[pamfile]
Optional input PAM file. If not specified, input is read from standard input.

The pamtosrf command converts a PAM (Portable Arbitrary Map) image into a Sun rasterfile. PAM is a general format for grayscale, color, and bitonal images, while Sun rasterfile is an older format primarily used by Sun Microsystems. pamtosrf reads a PAM image from standard input and writes a Sun rasterfile to standard output.

This conversion involves reformatting the image data to match the Sun rasterfile specifications, which includes header information and pixel data arrangement. Due to format differences, certain PAM features like comments or complex color models might be lost during conversion. The command is commonly used when interoperability with systems or software that require Sun rasterfile format is needed. While rasterfile format isn't as commonly used nowadays, pamtosrf remains useful for legacy systems or specific image processing pipelines.

The output Sun rasterfile can be used in various applications and platforms that are still supporting this raster format. The simplicity of the rasterfile format also makes it easy to manipulate programmatically.

CAVEATS

The rasterfile format is relatively old and simple. The pamtosrf command does not preserve all the information from the PAM image (e.g. comments). Color profiles and extended features of PAM will not be transfered.

USAGE EXAMPLES

Convert a PAM file to a rasterfile:
pamtosrf < I>input.pam > output.ras

Convert from standard input:
cat input.pam | pamtosrf > output.ras

HISTORY

The pamtosrf command is part of the Netpbm suite, which was originally developed by Jef Poskanzer. It has been maintained and improved by numerous contributors over the years. pamtosrf provides a bridge between the modern PAM format and the legacy Sun rasterfile format, enabling compatibility with older systems and software that still rely on rasterfiles.