What is a BMP File Format? Uses & How to Open & Convert it?

source; Corel Painter

BMP (Bitmap) is a standard image file format used by Windows-based computers. BMP files are lossless, meaning they do not compress image data, and therefore, can result in large file sizes. In this article, we will discuss what a BMP file format is, where it is used, and how to open and convert it.

What is a BMP File Format?

BMP is a raster graphics image file format that was developed by Microsoft for Windows. BMP files store pixel data for an image in a straightforward manner: a bitmap image is created by coloring individual pixels with a specified color. BMP files are generally uncompressed, which means they are larger in size than compressed image formats like JPEG or PNG.

Where is BMP File Format Used?

BMP files are primarily used for images and graphics in Windows-based systems. Some common uses of BMP files include:

• Windows desktop wallpapers
• Icons and cursors for the operating system
• Graphics and images used in software applications
• Image editing software and digital cameras

source; PDF Candy

How to Open BMP Files?

BMP files can be opened using several software applications, including the built-in Windows Photo Viewer, Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop, and GIMP.

To open a BMP file in Windows Photo Viewer:

1. Right-click on the BMP file you want to open.
2. Click on Open With.
3. Click on Windows Photo Viewer.

To open a BMP file in Microsoft Paint:

1. Open Microsoft Paint.
2. Click on File in the top left corner.
3. Click on Open.
4. Select the BMP file you want to open.

Also Read: Xvid Files: A Guide for Video Editors & Enthusiasts (Play & Convert)

To open a BMP file in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open Adobe Photoshop.
2. Click on File in the top left corner.
3. Click on Open.
4. Select the BMP file you want to open.

To open a BMP file in GIMP:

1. Open GIMP.
2. Click on File in the top left corner.
3. Click on Open.
4. Select the BMP file you want to open.

source: Paintshop Pro

How to Convert BMP Files?

If you want to convert a BMP file to a different image format, you can use various image conversion software applications. Here are the steps to convert BMP files using two popular image conversion tools: Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.

To convert a BMP file in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open Adobe Photoshop.
2. Click on File in the top left corner.
3. Click on Open.
4. Select the BMP file you want to convert.
5. Click on File in the top left corner again.
6. Click on Save As.
7. Select the desired image format from the dropdown menu in the Save As dialog box.
8. Click on Save.

Also Read: How to Get Adobe InDesign for Free or with Creative Cloud?

To convert a BMP file in GIMP:

1. Open GIMP.
2. Click on File in the top left corner.
3. Click on Open.
4. Select the BMP file you want to convert.
5. Click on File in the top left corner again.
6. Click on Export As.
7. Select the desired image format from the dropdown menu in the Export Image dialog box.
8. Click on Export.

In summary, BMP files are widely used for images and graphics in Windows-based systems. They are generally uncompressed and larger in size compared to compressed image formats like JPEG or PNG. BMP files can be opened using several software applications, including the built-in Windows Photo Viewer, Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop, and GIMP. If you want to convert a BMP file to a different image format, you can use various image conversion software applications, including Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.