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Harlequin-PGB

Global Graphics Page Graphics Buffer

image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb Released 1990s · by Global Graphics Software (Hybrid Software Group)

The image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb MIME type represents the Page Graphics Buffer (PGB) format, developed by Global Graphics Software (now part of Hybrid Software Group) for their industry-standard Harlequin RIP (Raster Image Processor). PGB files are highly optimized, high-resolution raster images that contain pre-rendered page separations, screening patterns, and trapping data. They are heavily utilized in professional commercial printing, Computer-to-Plate (CTP) operations, and prepress proofing workflows to inspect digital plates before physical printing.

Printing & Prepress Production Ready

Technical Specifications

MIME Type
image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb
Extensions
.pgb
Container
Proprietary Harlequin Raster Container
Compression
Uncompressed & Run-Length Encoding (RLE)
Algorithms
Proprietary RLENone
Color Depth
1-bit (Monochrome Separations), 8-bit (Grayscale), 8-bit/10-bit (Contone), CMYK / N-Color Spot Channels
Metadata
ICC
Capabilities
Transparency
Animation
Progressive Loading
Alpha Channel
HDR Support

Magic Bytes & HTTP Headers

File Signature (Magic Bytes)
Unknown (Proprietary Harlequin Header)
ASCII: Unknown
HTTP Headers
Content-Type: image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb
HTML Accept Attribute
accept="None"

Browser Support Matrix

Browser Status Min Version
Chrome Chrome
Not Supported
Firefox Firefox
Not Supported
Safari Safari
Not Supported
Edge Edge
Not Supported
Internet Explorer Internet Explorer
Not Supported Legacy

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages
  • Unlike generic 1-bit TIFFs, PGB files inherently encapsulate vital print-job metadata within their headers (e.g., job name, page number, separation colors, screening angles)
  • Highly optimized for ultra-fast viewing and processing within professional printing workflows
Limitations
  • Completely proprietary and closed-source, locking its usage strictly to Harlequin-powered RIP environments
  • Zero support in standard desktop operating systems, web browsers, or consumer image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP

Developer Code Snippets

import magic
# Libmagic lacks definitions for the proprietary PGB format. It will likely identify the file as 'application/octet-stream'.
print(magic.from_file('separation.pgb', mime=True))
const mime = require('mime');
// Many JS MIME libraries map .pgb to image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb purely based on historical IANA registry associations
console.log(mime.getType('separation.pgb')); // Outputs 'image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb'
import "net/http"
// The standard net/http library cannot detect Harlequin PGB files internally via byte sniffing. You must rely on extension string matching.
$mime = mime_content_type('separation.pgb');
echo $mime; // Standard server environments will map this to application/octet-stream

File Detection Steps

How to programmatically detect a image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb file by reading its raw bytes:

  1. 1 Due to its specialized role in enterprise prepress environments, standard magic file databases (like libmagic) do not contain definitions for the proprietary Harlequin PGB format.
  2. 2 Identification within server architectures relies entirely on the HTTP Content-Type header emitted by RIP integrations or string-matching the .pgb extension.

Software Support

H
Harlequin RIP (Global Graphics)
F
FirstPROOF (Hamillroad Software)
C
Compose Express RIP

Conversion Tools

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Interactive iframe Widget
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JSON API

All data on this page is available as a free, open JSON API. Use it in your project, documentation, or tooling.

GET https://freewebptojpg.com/mime/image/harlequin-pgb.json Open JSON
Free to use
No auth required
CORS enabled
Use from any domain
Cached 24h
Cache-Control headers set

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PGB file?

A PGB (Page Graphics Buffer) file is a proprietary, high-resolution raster image generated by the Harlequin RIP software. It contains print-ready separations, halftone screening, and ink data used for digital proofing and commercial platemaking.

What is the Harlequin RIP?

The Harlequin RIP (Raster Image Processor) is a renowned print engine developed by Global Graphics. It translates complex page description languages, like PostScript and PDF, into the pixel-perfect raster bitmaps (such as PGB or 1-bit TIFF files) required by commercial printers and platesetters.

Can I open a Harlequin PGB file in Photoshop?

No, standard image editors like Photoshop do not support PGB files. Because they contain specialized print metadata, screening patterns, and prepress separations, you must use dedicated print inspection software (like FirstPROOF) or RIP-integrated viewers to open them.

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