What is .bmp?
A .bmp (Bitmap) file is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device. It typically stores color data for each pixel in the image without compression.
This quick guide explains when to use .bmp files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .bmp files
- You need a simple, uncompressed image format for legacy Windows applications.
- You are working with raw pixel data where compression artifacts are unacceptable.
- You are saving images for use as Windows wallpapers (historically).
How to open .bmp files
BMP files are widely supported and can be opened by almost any image viewer, including Microsoft Photos, Apple Preview, Adobe Photoshop, and web browsers.
Algorithm details
BMP files consist of a file header, a bitmap information header, an optional color table, and the array of bytes that define the bitmap bits. Data is usually stored as a 2D array of pixels.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Supported by all major web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
- Rendering: Renders natively in `<img>` tags.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compression | Usually uncompressed, resulting in much larger file sizes than PNG or JPEG. |
| Quality | Lossless quality (pixel-perfect), but inefficient for storage. |
| Transparency | Standard BMP does not support transparency (alpha channel), unlike PNG. |
How to create bmp files
- Paint: The default format for Microsoft Paint for many years.
- Image Editors: Can be saved from Photoshop, GIMP, etc.
- Screenshots: Some older systems save screenshots as BMP.
How to convert bmp files
- To PNG/JPG: Easily converted using any image editor or online converter to save space.
- FileXhost: Upload to view or share.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Simple structure, easy to decode
- No compression artifacts (lossless)
- Universal support on Windows systems
Disadvantages
- Very large file sizes compared to compressed formats
- No native support for transparency (usually)
- Not suitable for the web due to size
Tools & software
Viewers
Microsoft Photos, Apple Preview, IrfanView
Editors
Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP
Browsers
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Frequently asked questions
Why are BMP files so big?
Because they store color data for every single pixel without compression. A 1920x1080 image requires about 6MB of data regardless of the content.
Should I use BMP for my website?
No. Use PNG or JPEG (or WebP) instead. BMP files take too long to download.
Is BMP the same as PNG?
No. Both are lossless, but PNG uses compression to reduce file size significantly, while BMP usually does not.
Technical specs
- File type
- Image
- Extension
- .bmp
- MIME type
- image/bmp, image/x-bmp
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Can be very large due to lack of compression. Up to 25 MB per file on free plans.
Share .bmp files instantly
Upload your .bmp file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .bmp file