PNG to BMP

Convert PNG to BMP online. Transform PNG images to uncompressed bitmap format for legacy system compatibility.

PNG

tool.page.format.png

Convert PNG to BMP Online

Convert your PNG images to BMP (Bitmap) format for compatibility with legacy Windows applications and systems that require uncompressed image data. BMP stores pixel information without compression, resulting in larger files but ensuring exact data preservation. Our converter transforms PNG files including those with transparency into standard BMP format.

Since BMP doesn't support transparency, any transparent areas in your PNG will be converted to a solid background color (typically white). If preserving transparency is important, consider keeping the PNG format or converting to TIFF which supports alpha channels.

PNG vs BMP: Key Differences

PNG uses lossless compression to reduce file sizes while maintaining quality and supporting transparency. BMP stores raw pixel data without compression, making files significantly larger but universally compatible with older software. A 1000x1000 pixel image might be 500KB as PNG but 3MB as BMP.

Both formats preserve image quality without lossy artifacts. The main differences are file size (PNG is much smaller), transparency support (PNG yes, BMP no), and compatibility (BMP works with more legacy systems). Choose BMP when specific software requires it; otherwise PNG is generally the better choice.

When to Convert PNG to BMP

  • Legacy software requirements — older applications that only accept BMP input
  • Windows system resources — some Windows customization tools require BMP
  • Embedded systems — hardware displays that read raw bitmap data
  • Image processing pipelines — systems expecting uncompressed pixel arrays
  • Game development — certain game engines use BMP for textures

BMP Format Technical Details

BMP files contain a header with image dimensions and color depth, followed by raw pixel data. Common color depths include 24-bit (16.7 million colors) and 32-bit (with alpha channel, though rarely used). The format stores pixels bottom-to-top by default, which can affect compatibility with some image processing tools.

While BMP technically supports RLE (Run-Length Encoding) compression, most applications expect uncompressed BMP files. The format's simplicity makes it easy to read programmatically, which is why it remains popular in certain technical applications despite large file sizes.

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions About PNG to BMP Conversion

What happens to PNG transparency when converting to BMP?

Standard BMP format doesn't support transparency. Transparent areas in your PNG will be filled with a solid color (usually white). If preserving transparency is essential, consider TIFF or keep the PNG format. 32-bit BMP technically supports alpha channels, but compatibility varies.

Why would I need to convert PNG to BMP?

Convert to BMP when: working with legacy Windows software that only accepts BMP, certain embedded systems or hardware displays require raw bitmap data, specific industrial applications need uncompressed pixels, or older game engines require BMP textures. For most modern use cases, PNG is superior.

Will the BMP file be much larger than the PNG?

Yes, usually 5-10 times larger. PNG uses efficient lossless compression while BMP stores raw pixel data. A 500KB PNG might become 3-5MB as BMP. The exact ratio depends on the image content—PNGs with large solid areas compress more efficiently.

Is image quality lost when converting PNG to BMP?

No quality loss occurs for the pixel data itself—both formats are lossless. However, transparency information is lost if present in the PNG. The visual appearance of opaque pixels remains identical between the two formats.

What color depth does the BMP output use?

Our converter produces 24-bit BMP files (8 bits per color channel), supporting over 16 million colors. This matches most PNG files. If your PNG uses 48-bit color (16 bits per channel), it will be converted to standard 24-bit color.

Can I convert BMP back to PNG?

Yes, using our BMP to PNG converter. However, if the original PNG had transparency, that information was lost during conversion to BMP and cannot be recovered. The round-trip conversion preserves pixel colors but not transparency.

Which applications require BMP format?

Some legacy applications requiring BMP include: older Windows software, certain CAD programs, some game engines, embedded system displays, industrial imaging equipment, and specific scientific instruments. Modern applications typically support PNG natively.

Does BMP support different color modes?

BMP supports various color depths: 1-bit (monochrome), 4-bit (16 colors), 8-bit (256 colors), 16-bit, 24-bit (true color), and 32-bit. Our converter produces 24-bit BMP for full color representation of your PNG images.

Is BMP or PNG better for archiving images?

PNG is almost always better: it produces smaller files with identical quality, supports transparency, includes better metadata handling, and has broader software support. Use BMP only when specific compatibility requirements demand it.

How does the conversion handle PNG with indexed colors?

Indexed color PNGs (8-bit with palette) are expanded to 24-bit true color during conversion. This increases file size but ensures maximum compatibility with BMP-reading software that may not handle palettized BMP files correctly.

PNG to BMP | File Converter Lab