File Format Guide
What is a .BMP file?
The BMP format (short for Bitmap image) is a raster (pixel-based) image format that stores its data uncompressed, keeping the exact original at the cost of larger files.
.BMP at a glance
| Category | Image |
|---|---|
| Type | Raster |
| Compression | None |
| Transparency | No |
| Scalable (vector) | No |
| Animation / motion | No |
| Open standard | No |
| Opens in web browsers | No |
| Typical file size | Large |
How to open a .BMP file
You can open BMP files with Windows Paint, Photoshop, and GIMP. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
BMP pros and cons
Strengths
- stores exact, uncompressed pixels
- simple format that legacy Windows tools read directly
Limitations
- very large files
- no compression or transparency
- rarely used on the modern web
What .BMP files are used for
- legacy Windows applications
- raw bitmap editing
- embedded systems
Need to convert a .BMP file?
Convert BMP to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the BMP Converter