TIM to PDB Converter

Transform TIM images into lossless PDB online

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Cloud Processing

Conversion runs on remote servers, so your computer stays fast. Even large TIM images are handled without slowing your device.

No Install Required

The entire TIM to PDB conversion runs in your browser. No desktop software, no plugins — just upload and convert.

Simple Workflow

Upload TIM, pick PDB, download the result — the three-step process makes converting legacy formats effortless for anyone.

How to convert TIM to PDB

1

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

2

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

3

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

About formats

TIM (Texture Image Map) is a raster image format developed by Sony Computer Entertainment) for the original PlayStation console, released in Japan on December 3, 1994. TIM files store texture and sprite data in a format optimized for the PlayStation's GPU (the GTE/GPU subsystem), supporting 4-bit indexed color (16 colors with CLUT), 8-bit indexed color (256 colors with CLUT), 16-bit direct color (5 bits per RGB channel plus 1 semi-transparency control bit), and 24-bit true color modes. The file structure consists of a 4-byte magic number (0x10), a flag byte indicating color depth and CLUT presence, the optional CLUT (Color Look-Up Table) block containing the palette data, and the image data block containing the pixel values. Image dimensions in TIM files are specified in units of 16-bit words rather than pixels, reflecting the GPU's native memory addressing scheme — this means the width value must be interpreted differently depending on the color depth mode. TIM was part of the PSY-Q development kit used by game developers throughout the PlayStation's commercial lifespan. One advantage is direct hardware compatibility: TIM data could be transferred to the PlayStation's VRAM with minimal processing, enabling fast texture loading critical for maintaining frame rates on the console's limited 33 MHz MIPS R3000A processor. The format remains relevant in retro gaming and preservation communities, readable by tools like TIMViewer, PSXPrev, ImageMagick, and various PlayStation development and modding utilities.
Initial release: December 3, 1994
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 TIM to PDB?

PS1 TIM assets require specialized extraction tools. A PDB conversion puts those retro game textures into a universally editable format.

What programs can open PDB?

Palm OS emulators and ImageMagick process PDB image files. This database format was used for images on Palm handheld devices.

Will I lose image quality converting TIM to PDB?

Since PDB supports lossless storage, the pixel data carries over without degradation. The result faithfully represents the source TIM image.

How long does TIM to PDB conversion take?

The process is fast — cloud-based processing handles TIM to PDB conversion in seconds for standard-sized images, even on slower connections.

Does Convertio support batch TIM to PDB conversion?

Yes — upload multiple TIM files in one session and convert them all to PDB simultaneously. Batch processing saves time on repetitive tasks.

Can I convert TIM textures for game modding?

Yes — convert TIM sprites to PDB for editing, then convert back when your mod is ready. This workflow is popular among PS1 modders.