To convert BMP to PNG, JPG, GIF, or WebP, you re-save the image in a format that compresses it, because BMP itself does not. A BMP file stores every pixel in full with no compression, so the same picture that is six megabytes as a BMP can be a small fraction of that in almost any other format. This guide shows how to convert BMP to each common format, and which one to pick for your image.
In this guide
Why BMP files need converting
BMP stores an image as raw pixels with no compression at all. That makes it simple and lossless, but also very large: a full-screen image can run to several megabytes as a BMP while the identical picture is well under a megabyte in a compressed format. Most websites, email systems, and apps either reject BMP files or struggle with their size, which is why converting is almost always the first step. The format itself is covered in our guide to BMP files.
Converting does not change what the image looks like in any meaningful way, it just stores the same picture far more efficiently.
Convert BMP to PNG
PNG is the safest default. It is lossless, so it keeps every detail of the original exactly, while still compressing the file to a fraction of the BMP size. It also supports transparency. The BMP to PNG converter is the right choice for screenshots, logos, diagrams, and anything with sharp edges or text, where you want no quality loss at all.
Convert BMP to JPG
JPG produces the smallest files for photographs. It is lossy, meaning it discards some detail the eye is unlikely to notice in exchange for a much smaller size, and it does not support transparency. The BMP to JPG converter, and the identical BMP to JPEG converter, suit photos and complex images where the small quality trade is worth the smaller file.
Convert BMP to WebP
WebP is the modern format that usually beats both. It compresses smaller than JPG at similar quality and smaller than PNG for the same image, and it supports transparency too. The BMP to WebP converter is the best pick when the image is for the web and you want the smallest file without giving up quality.
Convert BMP to GIF
GIF is limited to 256 colours, so it is not suited to photographs, but it is fine for simple graphics with few colours, and it is the format for short looping animations. The BMP to GIF converter handles that narrower set of cases.
Which format should you choose
| Convert to | Best for | Quality | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Screenshots, logos, text, graphics | Lossless | Yes |
| JPG | Photographs | Lossy, smallest for photos | No |
| WebP | Anything for the web | Lossy or lossless, smallest overall | Yes |
| GIF | Simple graphics, animation | 256 colours only | Limited |
In short: PNG when you want no quality loss, JPG for the smallest photo, WebP for the web, and GIF only for simple or animated graphics.
Free BMP converters used in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the best format to convert BMP to?
PNG is the safest default, since it is lossless and much smaller than BMP. Use JPG for the smallest photo files, and WebP for the smallest files on the web.
Why is my BMP file so large?
BMP stores every pixel with no compression, so it is far larger than formats like PNG or JPG that compress the same image.
Does converting BMP to PNG lose quality?
No. PNG is lossless, so converting from BMP keeps every detail of the original while making the file much smaller.
Should I convert BMP to JPG or PNG?
Use JPG for photographs where the smallest file matters, and PNG for screenshots, text, or graphics where you want no quality loss and possibly transparency.
Is BMP to JPEG the same as BMP to JPG?
Yes. JPG and JPEG are two names for the same format, so the two converters produce the same result.