PTM File

What are PTM files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PTM 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 PTM files.

What is a PTM file?

PTM files have multiple uses, and Polynomial Texture Map is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Polynomial Texture Map

These files contain a conventional texture map that allows enhanced image quality and allows mapping of varying colors to provide more depth and variance in the outcome of the image. PTM files store second-order bi-quadratic polynomial coefficients per pixel.

Compared to a typical picture that store color per pixel, .ptm store image data that can be dynamic depending on the set up of the environment of the image.

The polynomial coefficient of the .ptm undergoes changes. The appearance of the picture or image will change based on either light or viewing position. PTM works exactly like lenticular printed images, but in computer data form.

How to open PTM files

Important: Different programs may use files with the PTM file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your PTM file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

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

Last updated: February 24, 2023

All known file formats using extension .PTM

While Polynomial Texture Map is a popular type of PTM-file, we know of 4 different uses of the .PTM file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Microsoft MapPoint Map

We know that one PTM format is Microsoft MapPoint Map. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Poly Tracker Music Module

We know that one PTM format is Poly Tracker Music Module. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

ProTracker IFF Module

We know that one PTM format is ProTracker IFF Module. 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 PTM files. Remember, different programs may use PTM 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 PTM file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.