BMP File

Category: Raster Image Files

What is a BMP file?

The BMP file format, or the Device Independent Bitmap (DIB) belongs to the category of raster images and stores bitmap digital images. These images do not depend on graphics adapter, which allows you to access them on multiple platforms in a hassle-free manner.
You can store either monochromes or color image and with varying color depths in a BMP file. Such file format is capable of containing different levels of color depth per pixel depending on the file header. These images can contain fixed as well as variable-size structures in a given sequence.
You can use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, ACD System Canvas, and CorelDRAW to either create or access a bitmap image. Apple Preview, Apple Photo, and Windows Photos are also capable of previewing BMP files.

How to Open BMP Files

File Viewer Plus

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Adobe Illustrator

Corel PaintShop Pro

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

ACD Systems Canvas

Microsoft Photos

Microsoft Paint

Apple Preview

Apple Photos

ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio for Mac

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

SKYLUM ColorStrokes

How to Make BMP Files

Exact steps for creating BMP files will vary by program and operating system. Download one of the above listed programs and you should be able to follow typical procedure for opening files or creating files from the File menu. Typically you will select File > Open or File > New and continue through the prompts. Some programs may follow a different procedure for either creation or opening of files.