How to save BMP as JPG: 5 different ways you can choose

Do you have a beautiful image saved in BMP format but want to share it on social media or send it via email? JPG format would be a better choice due to its ability to compress images while maintaining relatively good quality. If you’re wondering how to save BMP as JPG, this article will walk you through 5 different methods, from basic tools available on your computer to professional image editing software.

What is a BMP file?

The BMP format (Bitmap Picture) has been around since the early days of personal computers and was first introduced with Windows 1.0 in 1985. Developed by Microsoft, BMP is a pixel-based image format that makes it easy to display images on screen.

A BMP file, or bitmap image, is a commonly used raster image format for storing digital images. It consists of pixels arranged in a grid, with each pixel representing a specific color. The combination of these pixels forms a complete image.

Key features of BMP files include:

• Uncompressed: BMP files don’t use compression algorithms, which results in larger file sizes compared to other formats. This can be a challenge for storage and sharing.
• High Image Quality: BMP can store images with high resolution and color depth, maintaining the best image quality, especially for applications that require detail.
• Wide Compatibility: BMP is supported by most image viewing and editing software, making it easy to use across different platforms.
• Simple Structure: The BMP file format is relatively simple, making it easy for users to understand and work with.

Common uses for BMP files include:

• Storing Screenshots: BMP is an ideal format for saving screenshots due to its simplicity and high compatibility.
• Digital Art and Design: Artists and designers often use BMP to create and store their artwork.
• Technical Drawings and Diagrams: BMP is also used to store detailed technical drawings and blueprints.

While BMP files offer high image quality, their large size can be a downside. For applications that require smaller file sizes and web-friendly images, formats like JPEG or PNG are often preferred.

A BMP file typically consists of four main parts, each playing a crucial role in storing and displaying the image:

1. File Header: Contains basic information such as file size, type, and other necessary details for software to read and process the file.
2. Bitmap Information: Provides detailed information about the image, including width, height, color depth, and compression method (if any).
3. Color Table: A list of colors used in the image, with each color represented by a numerical value, allowing software to determine the color of each pixel.
4. Bitmap Data: The largest part of the file, containing the actual data for each pixel in the image, with each pixel represented by one or more bytes depending on the color depth.

Over the years, BMP has evolved through several versions, each bringing improvements and new features:

• BMP Version 1: The first version, supporting a 1-bit color (black and white), is suitable for simple applications.
• BMP Version 2: Released with Windows 3.0, supporting 8-bit color, allowing for more colors and expanded image display capabilities.
• BMP Version 3: Introduced with Windows NT 3.1, adding support for 24-bit color, enabling more accurate color display and runtime encoding for bitmaps.
• BMP Version 4: Released with Windows 95, this version added support for alpha channels, allowing for transparency handling and different color spaces.
• BMP Version 5: Added to Windows 98, supporting ICC profiles for improved color management in graphic applications.

Each new version of BMP has not only enhanced image quality but also expanded the format’s ability to store image data, catering to the growing needs of users in the fields of graphics and design.

What is a JPG file?

JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is one of the most popular image formats today, especially favored in digital photography. The format was designed to optimize the storage and transmission of digital images, using a lossy compression method to reduce file sizes while maintaining relatively high image quality.

One of the standout features of JPG is its ability to support up to 16.7 million colors (2^24) by using 8 bits for each color channel (red, green, and blue) in the RGB color space. This allows for a rich color range, making it ideal for detailed images such as portraits and landscapes.

Notably, the JPG format can compress BMP images up to ten times without significantly degrading quality. However, since JPG uses lossy compression, some image details may be lost during compression, which can affect sharpness. JPG is also a popular choice for web graphics due to its efficient compression and rich color support, which helps reduce page load times.

JPG files can also contain metadata, including information about image size, color space, and color configuration. EXIF data, typically recorded by digital cameras, provides detailed information about camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, helping users understand the shooting conditions.

With support for various compression levels, JPG offers users flexibility between smaller file sizes and better image quality, making it the ideal format for sharing images online and storing them on mobile devices and computers.

Recommended: 5 different ways to save BMP as JPG

Here are five ways to save BMP as JPG efficiently and effectively:

How to save BMP as JPG

Use an Online Converter

Using an Online Converter is a simple and effective way to save BMP as JPG without requiring software installation. They can handle multiple file formats, but users should be aware of file size limitations and that conversion speed depends on internet speed and server capacity.

How to use:

1. Visit an online converter website (such as Convertio, CloudConvert, or Zamzar).
2. Upload your BMP file to the website.
3. Select JPG as the output format.
4. Customize image quality (if available) and start the conversion.
5. Once done, download the converted JPG file to your computer.

Paint

Saving BMP as JPG is simple and easy with Paint, which is pre-installed on most Windows computers. However, Paint has limited features and is not suitable for high-resolution images, which may result in a loss of quality.

How to use:

1. Open the BMP file in Paint.
2. Go to the “File” menu → “Save As”.
3. Choose the JPG format and name the file.
4. Adjust quality (if available) and click “Save”.

Photos App

The Photos App is the default photo editing application for Windows 10 and above and macOS, with a friendly interface and basic editing tools. However, it has limitations compared to professional software, with fewer customization options.

How to use:

1. Open the Photos App.
2. Select the BMP image you want to convert.
3. Use the basic editing tools like Crop, Rotate, Adjust, Filter, Markup, Retouch, or Background.
4. After editing, select “File” → “Save As” and choose JPG as the format.

Preview

Preview on macOS is the default tool for viewing and editing images. While easy to use, it also has limited editing capabilities, which may not meet the needs of more advanced users.

How to use:

1. Open Preview.
2. Upload the BMP image you want to convert.
3. Customize the image (if needed).
4. Go to “File” → “Export” and choose JPG to save the image.

Image Editing Software

Professional image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Corel PaintShop Pro offer full control over image editing. They provide advanced tools for color adjustments, unique effects, image merging, and design, but their complex interfaces may require a learning curve.

How to use:

1. Open your preferred image editing software.
2. Select “File” → “Open” and choose the BMP image.
3. Edit the image (optional).
4. Select “File” → “Save As”, choose JPG format, and save the image.

What’s the best way to save BMP as JPG?

Online image converters have become essential tools for quickly and conveniently converting image formats. With just a few clicks, you can easily save BMP images as JPG or other formats without installing complex software.

The benefits include:

• No software installation is required, saving time and storage space.
• The process is quick, taking only a few seconds.
• They can handle various image formats to meet users’ diverse needs.
• Most tools are free, helping you save costs.
• Simple user interfaces are suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced users.

Conclusion

Converting BMP to JPG is easy and can be done through various methods, from online converters to complex image editing software. Each method has its advantages, catering to different user needs. If you’re looking for guidance on how to save BMP as JPG, this article provides effective solutions to help you achieve your goal with ease.