pbmtowbmp

Convert a PBM image to a WBMP file

$ pbmtowbmp [path/to/input_file.pbm] > [path/to/output_file.wbmp]

pbmtowbmp [<pbmfile>]

pbmtowbmp is a command-line utility from the Netpbm package, designed to convert images from the Portable Bitmap (PBM) format into the Wireless Application Protocol Bitmap (WBMP) format. PBM is a simple, monochrome image format, while WBMP is a compact, monochrome format specifically designed for WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) enabled mobile devices. This tool was historically essential for preparing simple black-and-white graphics for display on older mobile phones or devices with limited graphical capabilities. It processes one PBM image at a time, reading from standard input or a specified file, and outputs the WBMP data to standard output. As part of the Netpbm suite, it emphasizes simplicity and inter-operability through shell pipes.

Limitations:
Only supports monochrome (black and white) images.
The WBMP format is largely superseded by more advanced image formats for modern mobile devices.
The tool expects valid PBM input; behavior with non-PBM input might be undefined or result in errors.

pbmtowbmp reads a PBM format image from standard input if no file is specified, or from the provided <pbmfile>. It writes the resulting WBMP format image to standard output. This design makes it highly suitable for use in shell pipelines with other Netpbm utilities.

1. Convert a PBM file to WBMP:
pbmtowbmp image.pbm > image.wbmp

2. Convert a PNG file to WBMP via PBM intermediate:
pngtopnm image.png | pnmtopbm | pbmtowbmp > image.wbmp

pbmtowbmp is a component of the Netpbm project, a comprehensive toolkit for graphics file format conversion. Its period of peak relevance coincided with the widespread adoption of WAP-enabled mobile phones, primarily from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. During this era, the WBMP format was crucial for delivering lightweight, simple images to devices with stringent bandwidth and display constraints. While mobile technology has significantly advanced beyond WBMP's initial scope, pbmtowbmp continues to serve its specific niche as a testament to the enduring utility of the Netpbm philosophy.

pbm(5), wbmptopbm(1), pnm(5), netpbm(1)