PNG to BMP Converter

Convert PNG images to BMP bitmap format for legacy applications.

PNG vs BMP: Technical Overview

BMP (Windows Bitmap) is one of the simplest image formats ever made. It stores pixels row by row, normally without any compression, together with a small header describing the width, height and color depth. That simplicity is its purpose: almost any program, microcontroller library or old Windows API can read a BMP without an image-decoding library. PNG, in contrast, compresses its pixels losslessly with DEFLATE and supports a full alpha channel. Both formats are lossless, so the visible image doesn't change, but a BMP of the same picture is usually many times larger than the PNG. The practical difference is transparency. BMP technically has a 32-bit variant with an alpha channel, but most software ignores it, so reliable BMP output is 24-bit color with no transparency.

Why Convert PNG to BMP?

BMP is needed where software is simple or old. Embedded devices and microcontroller displays, some label and thermal printers, industrial and scientific equipment, legacy Windows programs and certain game-modding tools only read uncompressed BMP files. Converting a PNG gives those systems pixels they can load without a PNG decoder.

BMP is also used in programming and education, because the file layout is easy to read and write directly, and in some older Windows workflows such as custom boot or login images and resource files. If a tool rejects your PNG with an unsupported-format error, BMP is often the format it's actually waiting for.

What Changes During PNG to BMP Conversion

The image keeps its exact pixel dimensions and colors, since both formats are lossless. Transparency is flattened onto a white background, because most programs that read BMP ignore alpha; this avoids transparent areas turning black. The file grows a lot. BMP stores every pixel uncompressed: in our tests a small 5 KB PNG graphic at 800 × 600 became a BMP of about 1.9 MB. As a rule, a 24-bit BMP is width × height × 3 bytes, so a 12-megapixel image is about 36 MB.

PNG vs BMP: Key Differences

Feature	PNG	BMP
Compression	Lossless DEFLATE	Usually none
Transparency	Full alpha channel	Flattened to white (24-bit)
File size (800 × 600)	A few KB to 1 MB	About 1.4 MB, always
Decoder needed	PNG/zlib library	None, trivial to read
Best for	Web, graphics, screenshots	Legacy and embedded software
Web support	Universal	Displays, but rarely used

When to Convert PNG to BMP

Loading images onto microcontroller displays or embedded devices (Arduino, ESP32 libraries)

Supplying graphics to label printers, thermal printers or industrial equipment

Using images in legacy Windows software that doesn't open PNG

Learning image processing, where BMP's raw pixels are easy to read in code

Game modding tools and older engines that expect BMP textures

Creating images for systems that forbid compressed formats

How to Convert PNG to BMP

Click 'Select File' and choose your PNG image
Our system prepares the image
Click 'Convert to BMP' button
Wait for the conversion to complete
Download your BMP image

Processing typically takes a few seconds. For larger files, conversion may take slightly longer. All conversions are free with no daily limits.

Tips for Best PNG to BMP Results

1.Check the size your device expects first; many embedded displays need exact dimensions such as 128 × 64 or 320 × 240.
2.If your PNG has a transparent background, set the background color you want in an editor first, since BMP output is flattened to white.
3.Expect large files: keep the PNG for storage and sharing and use the BMP only where it's required.
4.Some microcontrollers need 1-bit or 16-bit BMPs; CNVRT outputs standard 24-bit color, which most tools accept or can reduce.

Benefits of Converting PNG to BMP

Legacy application support
Uncompressed bitmap format
Fast conversion
No signup required

PNG to BMP — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the BMP so much larger than my PNG?

BMP usually stores pixels without compression, so its size depends only on dimensions: about width × height × 3 bytes. PNG compresses losslessly, so it's often a fraction of the size.

Does BMP support transparency?

Not reliably. Most programs ignore BMP alpha, so CNVRT flattens transparent areas onto white rather than letting them turn black.

Is there any quality loss?

No. Both formats are lossless and the dimensions stay the same, so the visible colors are identical (apart from transparency being filled with white).

What bit depth is the BMP?

Standard 24-bit color, which is the most widely supported BMP variant.

When should I not use BMP?

For websites, email and sharing. PNG, JPG or WebP are far smaller and supported everywhere; BMP is only worth it when a specific program requires it.