PML File

What are PML files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PML file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your PML files.

What is a PML file?

PML files have multiple uses, and Palm Markup Language is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Palm Markup Language

Palm Markup Language (PML) is the source markup format used to build ebooks for eReader, originally developed when the product was known as Peanut. It is a simple, tag-based text file where an author writes layout and formatting instructions (chapters, headings, text style, images, links, etc.). PML is used to prepare content before it is compiled into a PDB file that eReader-compatible devices or software display.

Authors create PML files by writing or converting source documents (e.g. in HTML, RTF or word-processor formats) into PML markup. This source may reference images stored in a companion folder. A tool called DropBook (from the eReader project) reads the PML and its resources and builds a compiled ebook (often a .pdb file). Applications like Cool Reader can then open the resulting ebook files for reading.

A PML file starts with a signature sequence of bytes: two bytes 5C 76 (ASCII "\v") at offset zero. The internal text contains keywords such as TITLE and markup commands that begin with backslashes, e.g. \x for chapter start, \p for page break.

How to open PML files

We have identified one PML opener that is compatible with this specific type of PML file.

Programs that open Palm Markup Language files

Last updated: August 10, 2026

All known file formats using extension .PML

While Palm Markup Language is a popular type of PML-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .PML file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

PockEmul Session

We know that one PML format is PockEmul Session. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different PML openers which you will find listed below.

Process Monitor Log (native Format)

We know that one PML format is Process Monitor Log (native Format). We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PML files. Remember, different programs may use PML files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about PML file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.