BM File Extension

X Windows System Bitmap Image

File Type bm
Popularity
4.6 (37 votes)
Application GIMP
Category Raster Image Files

What is a BM file?

The BM file extension is linked to X Windows System Bitmap Image and belongs to the Raster Image Files category, which includes 575 files.

BM file support extends to various operating systems, including Mac OS, Linux and Windows. To view a BM file, you can choose from 2 programs such as XnView and GIMP.

MIME types

image/bmp

Windows

Mac OS

Linux

How to open a BM file?

If you cannot open a BM file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

When it comes to opening and working with BM files, XnView and GIMP are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of GIMP, just access the The GIMP Team website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.

Once installed, GIMP will be set as the default program, and BM files will open automatically.

Setting GIMP as default BM viewer

Changing Default Programs in Windows

Right click on your BM file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
Choose GIMP from the available applications listed in the pop-up window to set it as the default application to open your BM file;
Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to confirm your selection.

Change the default app for a file type in Mac

Initiate a right click or use Control + left click on the desired BM file to open a menu where you can select various actions;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate GIMP. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

Tips and tricks to solve problems with BM files

Certain problems with BM files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.

What can lead to sudden GIMP crashes?

The likely cause of GIMP crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for The GIMP Team products.

Restarting your computer is an essential troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. It is recommended to restart your computer before making any changes to the software settings.

What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged BM file?

Open the corrupted BM file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted raster image files.

How do I know if my BM file is corrupted?

Common indications of damaged BM raster image files are:

The file does not open or opens with errors;
Editing the archive in GIMP results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
File hangs or crashes in GIMP or other programs;
Unexplained increase in BM file size;
Error messages appear while working with the file;

How to edit a BM file?

To edit BM files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the raster image files. Online BM editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for X Windows System Bitmap Image.

Best BM editors in 2026

Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of BM editors that may suit your needs.

BM Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
GIMP	The GIMP Team	Windows, Linux, Mac OS	4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews)

Convert to and from BM

If handling a BM file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPG, PDF, IMG or other supported types.

Keep in mind that converting a BM file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.

Offline software like XnView allows you to convert BM files to other formats while maintaining quality.