BMP vs BPG Format Comparison
BMP
Bitmap Image File
image/bmp
VS
Better Portable Graphics
image/bpg
BPG
A complete technical comparison of Bitmap Image File and Better Portable Graphics — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
BMP wins on browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | BMP | BPG |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | ✕ No | Yes |
| Animation Support | ✕ No | Yes |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| EXIF Metadata | ✕ No | Yes |
| ICC Color Profile | Yes | Yes |
Bitmap Image File
image/bmp
Extension
.bmp.dib
Container
BMP / DIB
Compression
Uncompressed / RLE
Algorithm
NoneRLE (Run-Length Encoding)
Color Depth
1-bit, 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
Developed by
Microsoft Corporation
Released
1985
Magic Bytes
42 4D
Better Portable Graphics
image/bpg
Extension
.bpg
Container
Custom BPG Header
Compression
HEVC (H.265) Intra-frame / Lossless
Algorithm
HEVC (H.265)
Color Depth
8-bit (Per Channel), 10-bit (Per Channel), 12-bit (Per Channel), 14-bit (Per Channel)
Developed by
Fabrice Bellard
Released
2014
Magic Bytes
42 50 47 FB
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | BMP | BPG |
|---|---|---|
Chrome
|
✓ All
|
✕ |
Firefox
|
✓ All
|
✕ |
Safari
|
✓ All
|
✕ |
Edge
|
✓ All
|
✕ |
IE (Legacy)
|
✓
|
✕ |
BMP
BMP Strengths
- Universally supported across almost all operating systems, image editors, and programming languages
- Lossless quality (since it is typically uncompressed, no visual data is lost)
- Extremely simple file structure makes it easy to read and write programmatically
Limitations
- Massive file sizes make it entirely unsuitable for web delivery or network transfers
- No native animation support
- Lacks modern features like EXIF metadata and widespread transparency support
BPG
BPG Strengths
- Exceptional compression efficiency that vastly outperforms standard JPEG at similar quality levels
- Supports high bit depths (up to 14 bits per channel), lossless compression, and alpha channel transparency within a single format
- The official JavaScript decoder allows the format to be rendered on standard HTML5 canvas elements
Limitations
- HEVC (H.265) patent encumbrance prevented native adoption in major web browsers
- Superseded conceptually by the open, royalty-free AVIF format
- Encoding BPG files is computationally intensive and requires specialized command-line tools
When to choose which format
BMP
Use BMP when…
- Windows Desktop Wallpapers
- Legacy Windows Applications
- Simple Image Editing
BPG
Use BPG when…
- High-Efficiency Image Archival
- Bandwidth-Constrained Environments (via JS decoder)
Convert & Edit Online
Free online web tools for BMP and BPG files.
Free Image Resizer
Editor
Resize, scale, crop, and modify dimensions for any photo or graphic.
Use Tool
Image Metadata Remover
Privacy
Clean EXIF, camera, lens, and location tags from your photos.
Use Tool
WebP to JPG Converter
Universal
Convert modern web images to universal high-compatibility JPG.
Use Tool
Compress WebP Images
Optimizer
Reduce image file sizes for faster web performance.
Use Tool