Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.BMP
File Type
Bitmap Image File
Category
Image
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .bmp file format
The BMP (Bitmap Image File) format is a raster graphics image file format used to store digital images, especially on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems. BMP files store bitmap digital images independently of the display device (such as a graphics adapter), meaning they can be displayed o…
File extension
.BMP
File type
Bitmap Image File
Category
Image
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .bmp file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .bmp.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .bmp file?
File extension details and usage information
The BMP (Bitmap Image File) format is a raster graphics image file format used to store digital images, especially on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems. BMP files store bitmap digital images independently of the display device (such as a graphics adapter), meaning they can be displayed on various devices with minimal or no modification. The format supports various color depths, including monochrome, 16-color, 256-color, and 24-bit color. BMP images are typically uncompressed or use lossless compression techniques like RLE (Run-Length Encoding), although they can also contain compressed data using other algorithms. Due to the lack of advanced compression, BMP files tend to be larger in size compared to other image formats like JPEG or PNG. The format is relatively simple, making it easy to implement and widely supported by image editing software and operating systems. It is often used for storing icons, wallpapers, and other simple images where image quality is paramount and file size is less of a concern. The BMP format is also used as a basis for other image formats, such as the Windows Metafile (WMF) and Enhanced Metafile (EMF) formats.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .bmp files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .bmp files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .bmp file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .bmp file.
Why can't I open a .bmp file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .bmp format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .bmp files
To open a .bmp file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Paint
- Adobe Photoshop
- GIMP
- IrfanView
- Paint.NET
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .bmp file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.