What is a PFM file?
PFM (Portable Float Map) is a simple image format used for storing high-dynamic-range (HDR) images with floating-point precision. It is often used in graphics research and rendering applications.
Unlike standard images that use 8 bits per color channel, PFM uses 32-bit floating-point numbers, allowing for a vast range of brightness values. Our Online PFM Viewer visualizes these specialized files.
How to View PFM Files Online
Upload PFM
Drag and drop your .pfm file into the viewer.
Visualize
The viewer maps the floating-point values to a visible range (tone mapping).
Analyze
Inspect the HDR content or convert it to a standard format like PNG.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PFM used for?
It is used for HDR images, depth maps, and scientific visualization where high precision is needed beyond standard 0-255 pixel values.
Can I open PFM in Photoshop?
Standard Photoshop may require plugins. PFM is more common in 3D rendering pipelines and tools like HDRShop.
Is PFM compressed?
No, PFM is typically an uncompressed raw dump of floating-point values, making files relatively large.