SGI to PDB Converter

Convert SGI to PDB e-book format — free online

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Cross-Platform

Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Convert SGI to PDB from whichever device you have at hand — no restrictions.

Simple Workflow

Upload your SGI file, select PDB, and download the result. Three steps — no learning curve, no complicated menus to navigate.

Secure Processing

Your SGI files are deleted immediately after conversion. PDB outputs are removed from servers within 24 hours — your images stay private.

How to convert SGI to PDB

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

Choose pdb or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

Let the file convert and you can download your pdb file right afterwards

About formats

SGI is the generic file extension for the Silicon Graphics Image format, also referred to by channel-specific extensions .rgb (3 channels), .rgba (4 channels), .bw (grayscale), and .int/.inta (16-bit variants). Developed by Silicon Graphics around 1986 for their IRIX operating system, the SGI format uses a 512-byte header followed by planar image data, where each color channel is stored as a complete plane rather than interleaved with other channels at each pixel. The header specifies a magic number (474), compression mode (0 for verbatim, 1 for RLE), bytes per channel (1 or 2), dimensionality (1 for scanline, 2 for image, 3 for multi-channel image), channel dimensions, pixel value range, and an 80-character image name. For RLE-compressed images, a table of offsets and lengths follows the header, allowing random access to individual scanlines without sequential decompression. Silicon Graphics workstations were the backbone of Hollywood visual effects, scientific visualization, flight simulation, and CAD/CAM industries throughout the 1990s, and the SGI format was the standard working format across these domains. One advantage is the format's robust design: the combination of scanline-addressable RLE compression, multi-channel support, 16-bit depth capability, and planar layout made it equally suitable for quick preview display and production rendering output. The format's association with the golden age of SGI-powered visual effects is another notable aspect — SGI files from this era represent production assets from landmark films and scientific visualizations. SGI images are supported by ImageMagick, GIMP, XnView, Photoshop (via plugin), and various 3D rendering and compositing applications.

Developer: Silicon Graphics

Initial release: 1986

PDB (Palm Database) is a generic database container format created by Palm, Inc. for the Palm OS platform, first appearing with the original PalmPilot in March 1996. In the ebook context, PDB files most commonly use the PalmDOC or Plucker encoding to store readable text with basic formatting. The format consists of a 78-byte header identifying the database name, creation date, and record count, followed by a record index table and the data records themselves. PalmDOC-encoded PDB files use a simple LZ77-based compression scheme to pack plain text efficiently, while Plucker extends this with HTML rendering, image support, and hyperlink navigation. PDB ebooks powered a thriving mobile reading ecosystem years before dedicated e-readers existed — millions of Palm OS users carried entire libraries on devices like the Palm V, Tungsten, and Treo handhelds. A primary advantage is extreme simplicity: the flat record structure and minimal overhead mean PDB files parse instantly even on severely constrained hardware with limited memory and processing power. The open, well-documented structure is another strength, having spawned numerous reader applications across Palm OS, Windows, and later mobile platforms. Though the Palm platform is long discontinued, PDB ebooks remain accessible through conversion tools and readers like Calibre, and the format holds historical significance as one of the earliest practical mobile ebook solutions.

Developer: Palm, Inc.

Initial release: March 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert SGI to PDB?

SGI images from IRIX workstations have limited support on mainstream systems. Converting to PDB enables viewing and editing on any device.

What software opens PDB?

Palm OS devices and emulators, Calibre e-book manager, and some legacy PDA software.

Is the original resolution preserved?

Yes — the pixel dimensions of your SGI image are maintained in the PDB output. No downscaling or cropping happens during conversion.

Is it safe to upload SGI files?

Convertio deletes uploaded files immediately after conversion. Converted output is removed from servers within 24 hours for your privacy.

Where can I upload SGI files from?

You can upload from your local device, Google Drive, Dropbox, or paste a direct URL. Convertio pulls the SGI file from any of these sources.

Can I read the PDB on my e-reader?

Yes — download the PDB file and transfer it to your e-reader or reading app. Most modern e-readers support the PDB format natively.

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