BMP File Extension
Bitmap Image Format
- File Type bmp
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application IrfanView
- Category Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a BMP file?
Bitmap Image Format, identified by the BMP extension, is a Raster Image Files type and includes 575 files.
The Bitmap Image Format (BMP) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.
BMP file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. If you need to view a BMP file, you can use one of 42 programs, such as IrfanView, XnView and Fotor Photo Editor.
File Signature
HEX code: 42 4D. ASCII code: BM.
Programs that support BMP files
Windows
IrfanView
XnView
WildBit Viewer- ImageJ
ACDSee Photo Manager
FastStone Image Viewer
FastPictureViewer Pro
Windows Live Photo Gallery- CrazyTalk
PhotoFiltre Studio
XnConvert- CBN Selector
FormatFactory- PhotoOnWeb
- Resort Recipe
Artweaver
TexturePacker
SketchBook
Paint 3D
Easy-PhotoPrint EX- Mayura Draw
Ability Photopaint- UVMapper
OpenOffice Draw
Xara Page & Layout Designer- Bulk Image Converter
Paint.NET
LibreOffice Draw- LEGOCAD
Axialis IconWorkshop- Easy2Convert DDS to BMP
FotoSketcher
BatchPhoto
Mac OS
Online Services
How to open a BMP file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a BMP file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with BMP files, IrfanView, XnView and Fotor Photo Editor are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of IrfanView, just access the Irfan Skiljan website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Following installation, BMP files should be automatically opened with IrfanView.
Set IrfanView as the default BMP program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your BMP file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the IrfanView application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening BMP files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired BMP file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to IrfanView. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Solve problems with BMP files
When issues arise with BMP files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What can lead to sudden IrfanView crashes?
IrfanView crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Irfan Skiljan products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged BMP file?
Open the damaged BMP file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt BMP file?
Common indications of damaged BMP raster image files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the BMP file;
- Opening the file in IrfanView or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in PhotoOnWeb results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a BMP file?
To edit BMP files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the raster image files. Online BMP editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Bitmap Image Format.
List of Top BMP editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of BMP editors that match your needs.
| BMP Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhotoFiltre Studio | Antonio Da Cruz | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (53 reviews) |
| Windows Live Photo Gallery | Microsoft | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Easy-PhotoPrint EX | Canon | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Paint X Lite | Hong Chen | Mac OS | 4.5 out of 5 (49 reviews) |
| SketchBook | Autodesk | Windows, Mac OS | 4.4 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| Fotor Photo Editor | Everimaging | Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Artweaver | Boris Eyrich | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| ImageJ | Wayne Rasband | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| PhotoOnWeb | VSO | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
Convert to and from BMP
If handling a BMP file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as AVI, DWG, JPG, JPEG, GIF or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a BMP file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as XnView, IrfanView and FormatFactory, you can convert BMP files to various formats without losing data quality.