Free online converter for converting files to BMP3.
We ensure quality, convenience, and support for all formats.
| Data type | Image |
| MIME type | image/bmp |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Primary use cases | Legacy Windows graphics, interoperability with older software, simple lossless raster exchange, embedded/industrial systems |
BMP3 is a Windows Bitmap (BMP) image saved in the older Version 3 DIB layout (BITMAPINFOHEADER). It’s usually uncompressed, simple, and mainly used for legacy compatibility rather than the modern web.
| Data type | Image |
| MIME type | image/bmp |
| Compression | None (BI_RGB) or RLE (BI_RLE8/BI_RLE4 for indexed images) |
| Color depth | Commonly 1/4/8/16/24/32 bpp; alpha is not standardized in BMP V3 |
| Color space | RGB (typically treated as sRGB in practice; V3 header does not define ICC profiles) |
| Transparency support | No |
| Animation support | No |
| Metadata | Basic BMP/DIB header fields; no standardized EXIF/IPTC; no V3 color profile fields |
| Standard / Specification | RFC 7903 (image/bmp); Microsoft documentation for BITMAPINFOHEADER / DIB structures |
| Typical file size | Large: ≈3 MB per megapixel at 24-bit uncompressed (plus headers and row padding) |
| Year introduced | 1990 |
The BMP3 file format offers several advantages that make it suitable for common use cases.
The BMP3 file format has certain limitations that may affect its use in specific scenarios.
Keep image libraries updated; malformed headers, palettes, or metadata can trigger decoder bugs. Some BMP payloads may encapsulate other image data (e.g., JPEG/PNG), so security considerations of those decoders may also apply
Publicly documented format; no known licensing fees for implementation