Need Uncompressed Bitmap Images?
PNG compression is great for web use, but some applications need raw, uncompressed image data. Windows software development, legacy systems, and certain industrial applications specifically require BMP format.
Converting PNG files to BMP gives you direct pixel data without any compression algorithms. Every color value is stored exactly as-is, making BMP ideal for applications that need predictable, straightforward image data.
How to Convert PNG to BMP
- Upload your PNG file - Drag and drop or click to select your image
- Confirm BMP as output - BMP is selected for uncompressed bitmap output
- Download your BMP file - Your image is now in raw bitmap format
The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting.
Why Convert PNG to BMP?
While PNG is the modern standard for web graphics, BMP serves specific purposes where uncompressed data matters:
- Windows Software Development - BMP is the native image format for Windows applications. Many Windows APIs and frameworks handle BMP more efficiently than other formats
- Legacy System Compatibility - Older systems and industrial equipment often only accept BMP files. Medical imaging devices, CNC machines, and embedded systems frequently require bitmap format
- Guaranteed Quality Preservation - BMP stores every pixel without any compression. There is zero chance of compression artifacts or quality degradation
- Simpler Image Processing - BMP is raw pixel data in a straightforward structure. Processing BMP files requires less computational overhead than decoding PNG compression
In our testing, BMP files processed approximately 15-20% faster in image manipulation software compared to PNG due to the lack of decompression overhead.
PNG vs BMP: Technical Differences
Understanding when each format excels helps you make the right choice:
PNG Advantages
- Lossless compression reduces file size by 50-80%
- Alpha channel supports full transparency
- Web-optimized and universally supported online
- Smaller files for storage and transfer
BMP Advantages
- No compression means no decoding overhead
- Direct pixel access for faster processing
- Native Windows format with deep OS integration
- Predictable file structure for programmatic access
- Supports 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32-bit color depths
A 1920x1080 PNG image might be 2-3 MB compressed. The same image as BMP will be around 6 MB uncompressed. The trade-off is size versus processing simplicity.
Common Use Cases
Windows Application Development
Building Windows desktop applications often requires BMP for icons, splash screens, and UI elements. The Windows GDI (Graphics Device Interface) handles BMP natively, making it the path of least resistance for developers.
Industrial and Embedded Systems
Manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and embedded systems frequently require BMP. These systems prioritize reliability and simplicity over file size. A CNC machine or medical imaging device needs predictable image data, not the smallest possible file.
Game Development Resources
Some game engines and texture pipelines work with BMP as an intermediate format. The uncompressed data is easier to process during asset compilation, even if the final game uses compressed textures.
Print Production Workflows
Certain print workflows and RIP (Raster Image Processor) software prefer BMP input. The lack of compression ensures what you send is exactly what gets printed, with no surprises from decompression algorithms.
What About Transparency?
PNG supports full alpha transparency - BMP traditionally does not. Standard BMP files use a solid background color where PNG would have transparency.
If your PNG has transparent areas and you need to preserve that information, consider PNG to TIFF conversion instead. TIFF supports transparency while still offering uncompressed options.
For images without transparency, or where you can accept a solid background color, PNG to BMP works perfectly. In our testing, the converter handles the background substitution cleanly without any edge artifacts.
Batch Conversion
Need to convert multiple PNG files to BMP? Upload them all at once. Whether you have 5 images or 50, batch conversion saves time compared to processing files one by one.
This is particularly useful for developers converting entire asset folders or designers preparing multiple images for a legacy system.
Color Depth Options
BMP supports various color depths that affect both file size and color accuracy:
- 24-bit (True Color) - 16.7 million colors, standard for photographs and detailed graphics
- 32-bit - 24-bit color plus an 8-bit alpha channel (limited support)
- 8-bit - 256 colors, smaller files for simple graphics
- 4-bit and 1-bit - 16 colors and monochrome, respectively
Our converter produces 24-bit BMP files by default, preserving full color information from your PNG source. This ensures no color data is lost in the conversion.
Alternative Formats to Consider
Depending on your specific needs, other formats might serve you better:
- PNG to TIFF - Uncompressed option that supports transparency and layers
- PNG to JPG - Smaller files when quality loss is acceptable
- PNG to WebP - Modern format with better compression and transparency support
Choose BMP specifically when you need raw bitmap data for Windows software, legacy systems, or processing pipelines that require uncompressed input.
Works Everywhere
Convert PNG to BMP directly in your browser on any device:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Desktop and mobile devices
No downloads, no plugins, no registration. Your images are processed locally in your browser for speed and privacy.