Convert BMP to JPG
About BMP
The Bitmap (BMP) file format is a simple, uncompressed raster graphics format developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. Because it's typically uncompressed, BMP files store raw pixel data, resulting in very large file sizes. While this ensures maximum quality, its inefficiency makes it impractical for web use or easy sharing. It's now largely a legacy format.
About JPG
JPEG, which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the most common image format for digital photography. It uses a lossy compression algorithm, which means it discards some image data to achieve significantly smaller file sizes. This trade-off makes it ideal for web use and email, but it's less suitable for images that will undergo multiple edits, as quality can degrade with each save.
BMP vs JPG
| Feature | BMP | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | uncompressed or RLE | lossy |
| Transparency | false | false |
| Animation | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 2 | 4 |
| Patent Status | royalty-free | royalty-free |
| Year Introduced | 1990 | 1992 |
| Developed By | Microsoft | Joint Photographic Experts Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any reason to use BMP today?
In modern workflows, there are very few reasons to use BMP. Its primary advantage was its simplicity and wide support in early Windows applications. For almost any purpose, formats like PNG (for lossless quality) or TIFF (for professional work) are far superior choices.
Does BMP support compression?
While the BMP format does support a simple lossless compression method called Run-Length Encoding (RLE), it is rarely used and not very effective. The vast majority of BMP files you encounter will be uncompressed.
What's the difference between JPG and JPEG?
There is no difference in the format itself. Both refer to the same image format. The '.jpg' file extension originated from older versions of Windows that required three-letter extensions. Modern systems can handle '.jpeg', but '.jpg' remains more common.
When should I use JPEG?
JPEG is best for complex images with millions of colors, like photographs. It's not ideal for images with sharp lines, text, or flat colors (like logos), as the compression can create noticeable artifacts. For those, PNG is a better choice.
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