ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert BMP to EXR - Unlock HDR for Professional Workflows

Transform bitmap images to EXR format for VFX compositing and 3D rendering.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

Why Convert BMP to EXR?

BMP files are straightforward bitmap images with 8-bit color depth per channel. They work fine for basic images but fall short when you need high dynamic range capabilities. EXR format, developed by Industrial Light and Magic, stores 16-bit or 32-bit floating point data per channel.

If you're working in VFX compositing, 3D rendering, or any pipeline that requires EXR files, converting your BMP source images gets them into a format your professional tools expect. In our testing, the conversion preserves all original image data while enabling HDR workflows downstream.

How to Convert BMP to EXR

  1. Upload your BMP file - Drag and drop or click to select your bitmap image
  2. Confirm EXR output - EXR is selected as your target format
  3. Download the EXR file - Your image is ready for professional use

The entire process runs in your browser. No software installation, no account required.

BMP vs EXR: Technical Differences

Understanding what changes during conversion helps set expectations:

  • Color depth - BMP uses 8 bits per channel (256 values). EXR supports 16-bit half-float or 32-bit full float (millions of values)
  • Dynamic range - BMP is limited to standard dynamic range (0-255). EXR can store values far beyond this, enabling true HDR
  • Compression - BMP is typically uncompressed. EXR supports lossless compression options like ZIP and PIZ
  • Channels - EXR can store multiple layers and arbitrary data channels in a single file

When converting from BMP, your image data maps to the EXR container. The original pixel values remain intact, but now they live in a format that supports extended range editing.

Professional Use Cases

VFX Compositing

Software like Nuke, After Effects, and Fusion work natively with EXR. If you have texture references or plate elements as BMP files, converting to EXR integrates them into your compositing pipeline without format conflicts.

3D Rendering Textures

Blender, Maya, and other 3D applications handle EXR efficiently for textures and render outputs. Converting BMP images to EXR keeps your asset library in a consistent format.

Color Grading Prep

DaVinci Resolve and other grading tools prefer working with EXR sequences. Converting your BMP assets ensures they match the rest of your footage in the timeline.

What to Expect from the Conversion

Converting BMP to EXR does not magically add HDR information that was not in the original file. Your BMP image contains 8-bit data, and that data transfers to the EXR format. However, you gain several advantages:

  • Compatibility with professional VFX software
  • Ability to apply HDR adjustments without introducing banding
  • Lossless compression reduces file size versus uncompressed BMP
  • Multi-layer support for complex compositing workflows

If you need actual HDR content, you would need to start with an HDR source. For existing BMP images, this conversion gives you format compatibility with professional tools.

Alternative Formats to Consider

EXR is ideal for VFX work, but other formats may suit different needs:

  • BMP to HDR - Radiance HDR format, another option for high dynamic range workflows
  • BMP to TIFF - 16-bit TIFF works for print and photography without VFX-specific features
  • BMP to PNG - If you just need lossless compression for web use

Choose EXR when your workflow specifically requires it. For general use, simpler formats may be more practical.

Browser-Based Conversion

This converter runs entirely in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • No plugins or installations needed

Your files process locally. Nothing gets uploaded to external servers.

Pro Tip

When converting BMP texture maps for 3D rendering, batch convert your entire texture library at once. Keeping all assets in EXR format prevents format juggling during production and ensures consistent behavior in your rendering software.

Common Mistake

Expecting HDR magic from standard images. Converting an 8-bit BMP to EXR doesn't add dynamic range that wasn't captured originally. EXR enables HDR workflows, but the source content determines actual dynamic range.

Best For

VFX artists and 3D designers who need to incorporate bitmap images into professional compositing or rendering pipelines that work exclusively with EXR format.

Not Recommended

Skip EXR if you're just sharing images online or need basic compatibility. EXR requires specialized software to view. For general purposes, PNG or JPG are more practical choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

EXR (OpenEXR) is a high dynamic range image format developed by Industrial Light and Magic. It's the standard format for VFX compositing, 3D rendering, and film production workflows. EXR supports 16-bit and 32-bit floating point data per channel.

The conversion preserves your original 8-bit BMP data in an EXR container. You won't gain HDR information that wasn't in the source file. However, EXR format allows HDR adjustments without banding and integrates with professional software.

No. The conversion is lossless. All pixel data from your BMP file transfers to the EXR format without degradation. EXR can actually preserve data more accurately due to its higher bit depth capabilities.

EXR files open in professional tools like Nuke, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, Maya, Photoshop, and GIMP. Most VFX and 3D software supports EXR natively since it's an industry standard format.

Not necessarily. While EXR supports higher bit depths, it also supports lossless compression. A compressed EXR file is often smaller than an uncompressed BMP file containing the same image data.

Yes. Upload multiple BMP files and convert them all to EXR in a single batch. This is useful when preparing image sequences for VFX work or converting texture libraries.

EXR stores floating point data that preserves detail in highlights and shadows during compositing. It supports multiple layers in one file, arbitrary data channels, and lossless compression. These features make it essential for professional visual effects work.

BMP files don't support transparency. During conversion, the image converts with a solid background. If you need transparency in your EXR output, start with a source format that supports alpha channels like PNG or TGA.

Yes. Conversion happens in your browser using standard image processing. Your files are not uploaded to any server. The output is a valid EXR file compatible with industry-standard software.

For most purposes, 16-bit half-float EXR is sufficient and creates smaller files. Use 32-bit full-float only when you need extreme precision, such as depth passes or scientific imaging where every decimal matters.

BMP Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.