PGM Image Editor

Purpose: edit, analyze, and convert Portable GrayMap images (PGM) in P2 or P5 formats. It targets researchers, archivists, and engineers who require deterministic grayscale processing without color. The core value is consistent header handling and pixel-level control across multiple images.
Conceptually, the tool decodes the PGM header, validates dimensions and max gray, loads pixel data, and applies per-pixel transformations. It supports thresholding, inversion, contrast stretching, gamma correction, and optional resizing, while preserving or updating header information. It can convert between P2 and P5, enabling ASCII readability or compact binary storage. Outputs maintain image dimensions unless explicitly changed.
Unique value arises from strict adherence to PGM semantics, support for ROI-based edits, and optional batch processing for pipelines. Advanced features include histogram equalization, dithering, and neighborhood filters. This reduces the need to colorize grayscale data for analysis and integrates with data workflows that consume PGM inputs.
Use cases include data normalization, artifact removal, and feature extraction from grayscale datasets. Core operations are deterministic and reproducible, ensuring traceable edits across datasets. Outputs are PGM files (P2 or P5) with optional conversion to other grayscale or color formats when needed. The tool is designed for scientific, archival, and cross-platform workflows where grayscale fidelity matters.