BMP vs PNG: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
PNG stores the same picture, pixel for pixel, in a file many times smaller — BMP is simply uncompressed. Use BMP only when an old program or device asks for it.
BMP vs PNG Side by Side
| BMP | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | BMP: Windows Bitmap | PNG: Portable Network Graphics |
| File extension | BMP: .bmp | PNG: .png |
| How it stores data | BMP: Uncompressed | PNG: Lossless compression |
| File size | BMP: large (lossless) | PNG: large (lossless) |
| Created by | BMP: Microsoft | PNG: PNG Development Group (W3C), 1996 |
| Best for | BMP: old software and devices that accept nothing else | PNG: screenshots, logos, interface graphics, images that need a transparent background |
| Watch out | BMP: files are many times larger than PNG for the same picture | PNG: photographs come out several times larger than as JPG or WebP |
| Opens with | BMP: every Windows program, most image viewers and editors | PNG: every browser, phone, image viewer and editor |
Choose BMP When
- Legacy Windows software and embedded devices that read nothing else
Choose PNG When
- Every other case: same quality, far smaller, opens everywhere
Convert Between BMP and PNG
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, BMP or PNG?
PNG stores the same picture, pixel for pixel, in a file many times smaller — BMP is simply uncompressed. Use BMP only when an old program or device asks for it.
When should I use BMP?
Legacy Windows software and embedded devices that read nothing else.
When should I use PNG?
Every other case: same quality, far smaller, opens everywhere.
What is BMP?
BMP writes every pixel to disk without compression, which makes it simple and exact but large. It survives in older Windows programs, embedded devices and tools that want raw pixels.
What is PNG?
PNG stores every pixel exactly, with an optional transparency channel. That makes it the usual choice for screenshots, logos, diagrams and anything with sharp edges or text.
Can I convert between BMP and PNG?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert BMP to PNG, or Convert PNG to BMP with the converter linked on this page.