Dynapik offers a free online tool to change image types - no need to download anything. It's quick and easy to use. You can change your PDB images to DCX format. This tool works for both professionals and casual users. Convert your images to DCX in seconds.
Palm Database
The generic database container for Palm OS.
PDB (Palm Database) is the standard file format for all data on Palm OS devices, from address books to e-books. In the context of images, a PDB file acts as a container for 'Palm Pixmap' images, typically storing them as a series of records. It was the only way to get data onto a Palm pilot.
A PDB file consists of a header (name, attributes, creation time) and a list of records. For images, these records contain the bitmap data (often compressed with RLE/PackBits). ImageMagick treats PDB files as a multi-image sequence if multiple bitmaps are stored in the records. The format is strictly structured to map directly to the device's RAM storage model.
Created by Palm Computing in 1996. It was designed to facilitate 'HotSync' between the handheld's RAM and the desktop PC. It became ubiquitous in the early 2000s PDA era.
DCX (Multi-page PCX)
A legacy multi-page image format created for PC-based fax software.
DCX is a multi-page bitmap image format that essentially acts as a container for multiple PCX files. It was developed by ZSoft Corporation, the same company that created PC Paintrush and the PCX format. The primary purpose of DCX was to serve as the file format for early digital fax software, allowing a multi-page document to be stored in a single computer file. Technically, a DCX file begins with a header containing a list of offsets (pointers) to the individual PCX images stored within the file. Each 'page' is a fully valid PCX image with its own header and palette. The format relies on the simple RLE (Run-Length Encoding) compression inherited from PCX, which is efficient for simple black-and-white fax documents but poor for complex photographs.
A DCX file consists of a 4-byte signature (987654320) followed by an array of up to 1024 32-bit integer offsets. Each offset points to the start of a PCX image structure within the file. The list ends with a zero (null) terminator. Because it is wrappers around PCX, it shares all the characteristics of that format: support from 1-bit monochrome up to 24-bit RGB color. However, since it was primarily used for faxing, the vast majority of DCX files encountered today are 1-bit black and white.
DCX became popular in the early 1990s alongside the rise of fax modems and software like WinFax. It allowed users to scan or 'print' a document to a fax driver, which would save the pages as a linear .dcx file before transmission. As PDF became the dominant document format and email replaced faxing, DCX faded into obsolescence.
Experience lightning-fast image conversions with our advanced algorithms. No more waiting for your files to be uploaded before processing.
Enjoy unlimited image conversions without any hidden fees. Our service is completely free to use, with no limitations on file size or quantity.
Convert images files between over 20 formats. We support popular formats like PNG, JPG, WebP, HEIC and more.
Use Dynapik on any device with a modern browser. We support all major platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Ensure high fidelity in your conversions. Our professional-grade output is ideal for designers, marketers, and content creators.
Your files are safe with us. We focus on your privacy and security with advanced encryption and local processing.