Convert BMP to GIF
Turn BMP images into GIF images. Everything happens in your browser, so your images never leave your device.
Why convert BMP to GIF?
BMP files are usually uncompressed, so they're far larger than they need to be and awkward to share. GIF opens everywhere, from browsers to chat apps, and suits simple graphics with few colours.
GIF's 256-colour limit
GIF can only show 256 colours in an image, so a BMP with photos, gradients or soft shadows will be reduced to a palette and may show banding or a grainy dithered look. Logos, line art and flat graphics with few colours convert cleanly.
Where GIF files work
Every browser, chat app and image viewer supports GIF, animation included.
BMP and GIF compared
| Property | BMP | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Usually uncompressed | Lossless, 256 colours |
| Transparency | No | On/off only |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Typical file size | Very large | Small for simple graphics; large for animations |
| Best for | Legacy and embedded software | Short animations, simple graphics |
| Support | Desktop apps; rare on the web | Universal |
Questions
Will converting BMP to GIF make the background transparent?
No. BMP has no transparency, so the GIF keeps the same solid background. Remove the background in an editor first if you need a transparent GIF.
Will converting BMP to GIF reduce quality?
It can. GIF is limited to 256 colours, so photos and gradients lose colour detail. Simple graphics with few colours look the same.
Are my BMP images uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion runs in your browser, on your own device, so your images are never sent to a server. Once the page and converter have loaded, it keeps working even if your connection drops.