BMP is an image file that stores raster graphics. BMP format does not use compression an thus high-resolution images saved as BMP images are larger than files saved in other comparable formats. BMP is capable of storing images in various color depths. The following color depths are supported:
Each BMP files has a header section which contains information about the color depth, file size, and file offset, followed by an array representing bitmap pixels.
Files with BMP suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
Updated: 10/14/2023
Problems with accessing BMP may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with BMP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.
Problems with opening and working with BMP files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BMP files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Adobe Photoshop or one to the listed programs: Adobe Illustrator, PaintShop Pro, Adobe Photoshop Elements. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support BMP files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe Photoshop website and download the installer.
You still cannot access BMP files although Adobe Photoshop is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Adobe Photoshop installed, it may not support BMP format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Photoshop.
If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate BMP files with latest version of Adobe Photoshop you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
Change the default application in Windows
Change the default application in Mac OS
If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the BMP file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
If the BMP is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the BMP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the BMP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
If the BMP file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with BMP extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.
Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Bitmap Image Format file.
If the systems has insufficient resources to open BMP files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.
Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Bitmap Image Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BMP files affecting older versions of given software.
If you have additional information about the BMP file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on BMP file.