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What is BMP?

Bitmap Image File

BMP is a legacy Microsoft image format that stores raw, uncompressed pixel data. It's still found in Windows software and embedded systems, but creates massive files compared to modern formats.

Convert BMP filesAll image conversions

History of BMP

BMP (Bitmap) is Microsoft's native image format, dating from 1990. It stores raw uncompressed pixel data — massive files but trivially simple to read. Today BMP mainly exists for Windows software compatibility, embedded systems, and edge cases where simplicity matters more than size.

Technical specs

Format name
Bitmap Image File
File extension
.bmp
MIME type
image/bmp
Category
Image
Compression
Lossless

When to use BMP

Reach for BMP when you need windows software compatibility, embedded systems and microcontrollers, legacy graphics workflows. It excels at these scenarios because lossless and simple to read and wide windows software support.

Pros

  • +Lossless and simple to read
  • +Wide Windows software support

When to avoid BMP

Avoid BMP when massive file sizes — no compression, and no transparency. In those cases, look at the alternatives below.

Cons

  • −Massive file sizes — no compression
  • −No transparency
  • −Should be converted to PNG or WebP for modern use

Common uses for BMP

Alternatives to BMP

BMP is rarely the right choice today. PNG for lossless, WebP for web, JPG for photos.

JPGJPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)PNGPortable Network GraphicsWebPWebPAVIFAV1 Image File FormatGIFGraphics Interchange FormatSVGScalable Vector GraphicsTIFFTagged Image File Format

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BMP — Frequently Asked Questions

Is BMP still used in 2026?

Rarely. BMP survives in specific Windows software and embedded systems. For everyday image needs, PNG, JPG, WebP, or AVIF are all better choices.

Can I open a BMP file on my phone?

Yes, all phones display BMP, though it's an unusual choice on mobile due to file size.

Why is my BMP file so large?

BMP is uncompressed or lightly compressed — every detail of the original signal is preserved. That fidelity costs disk space. To shrink files significantly, convert to a more compressed format from the same category.

Can I convert BMP to another format for free?

Yes — Zen Convert converts BMP files to every other image format we support, for free, in your browser. No signup, no watermark.

Is BMP open-source?

BMP is Microsoft's format, openly documented, and royalty-free in practice.

What is BMP? — Bitmap Image File Format Explained | Zen Convert