How to convert BMP to GIF
- Add your .BMP file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .GIF in a few seconds.
- Download your new .GIF file.
What to expect
- GIF is limited to 256 colors; photos and gradients from BMP will show visible banding or color loss.
- GIF does not support full alpha transparency - only a single color can be flagged as transparent, so partial transparency in 32-bit
.bmpfiles is lost. - For lossless full-color output at a smaller file size than BMP, convert to
.pnginstead.
Frequently asked questions
Will the GIF look the same as the BMP?
Not for photos or images with many colors - GIF's 256-color palette causes visible banding. For icons and simple flat graphics the difference is usually unnoticeable.
Why does my GIF look blotchy or banded?
This is color quantization - the tool is fitting your image into 256 colors. Enabling dithering in the converter settings softens the effect.
Can I convert multiple BMP files at once?
Yes - IrfanView's batch conversion and ImageMagick both handle whole folders of
.bmp files in one go.Is GIF ever a better choice than PNG?
Only when the destination requires GIF specifically, or when you need animation - PNG does not support animation.
Programs that convert BMP: Picture Resize Free Online Images Converter · Adobe Fireworks · FormatFactory · IrfanView · Microsoft Expression Design · Paint.NET · PhotoOnWeb · Artweaver
