pbmtoybm

Convert a PBM image file to YBM

$ pbmtoybm [path/to/input_file.pbm] > [path/to/output_file.ybm]

pbmtoybm [pbmfile]

pbmfile
    The path to the PBM (Portable BitMap) input file. If pbmfile is omitted, pbmtoybm reads its input from standard input (stdin).

The pbmtoybm command is a utility within the Netpbm image manipulation toolkit. Its primary function is to convert a Portable BitMap (PBM) image file into a Yale B&W Bitmap (YBM) format file. PBM is a very simple, text-based or raw binary format for monochrome (black and white) images, where each pixel is either black or white. The YBM format, on the other hand, is an older, less common format primarily associated with Yale systems, often used for legacy displays or printers.

This command is typically used in scenarios where compatibility with older systems or specific legacy hardware requiring the YBM format is necessary. It reads a PBM image from a specified file or from standard input if no file is provided, and then writes the resulting YBM image to standard output. As part of the Netpbm suite, pbmtoybm emphasizes simplicity and pipeability, allowing it to be easily integrated into shell scripts for image processing workflows.

Given the obscurity of the YBM format today, pbmtoybm is not a frequently used command for general image conversion, but it remains a testament to Netpbm's comprehensive support for a wide array of image formats, old and new.

The YBM format is an extremely old and largely obsolete image format. It is not widely supported by modern image viewers, editors, or printing systems. This command is primarily useful for interacting with very specific legacy hardware or software that still utilizes the Yale B&W Bitmap format. For general image conversion, other more common formats (like PNG, JPEG, GIF, or even newer Netpbm formats like PNM) should be used.

pbmtoybm reads its PBM input from a file specified on the command line or from standard input (stdin) if no file is given. It writes the resulting YBM output to standard output (stdout). This design makes it easy to use in shell pipelines, for instance, `cat image.pbm | pbmtoybm > image.ybm` or `some_command_generating_pbm | pbmtoybm | another_command_reading_ybm`.

This command is part of the extensive Netpbm toolkit, a collection of utilities that handle various image formats, promoting a "toolbox" approach where simple tools are combined to perform complex tasks. All Netpbm tools are designed to work seamlessly with each other via pipes.

The pbmtoybm command is part of the Netpbm package, which has a long history dating back to the late 1980s as a collection of simple, composable tools for image format conversion and manipulation. Netpbm originated from Jef Poskanzer's pbmplus package. The philosophy behind Netpbm tools, including pbmtoybm, is to provide atomic operations that can be chained together using standard Unix pipes, promoting flexibility and scriptability. The inclusion of pbmtoybm reflects Netpbm's commitment to supporting a broad spectrum of image formats, including older and more obscure ones like YBM, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of historical and specialized systems. Its development has mirrored the evolution of the Netpbm suite, focusing on robustness and adherence to the Unix philosophy.

pam(1), pbm(5), pbmtoanything(1), anytompbm(1), netpbm(1)