Free BMP to GIF converter online
Need a GIF instead of a BMP? This free converter turns BMP files into GIF images right in your browser. Add as many files as you like, adjust the settings and download the results individually or together as a ZIP.
BMP is an uncompressed bitmap format from early Windows. Because it stores every pixel raw, BMP files are enormous (a 12 megapixel photo is about 36 MB) but they are trivially simple, so old software, microcontrollers, label printers and some games still require them.
GIF is one of the oldest image formats still in use. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look grainy, and transparency is all-or-nothing. It survives because it supports animation everywhere. When you convert a GIF to a still format, FileStripe uses the first frame.
About BMP and GIF files
New to these formats? These pages explain what each one is for and how to open it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Why convert BMP to GIF?
- GIF is supported by every browser, email client, forum and chat app, including old software that rejects newer formats.
How to convert BMP to GIF
- Click the upload box or drag and drop your BMP files (you can select several at once).
- Conversion to GIF starts automatically. Change the options if you like.
- Download each GIF file or click 'Download all' for a ZIP.
Features
- Batch conversionConvert hundreds of BMP files at once.
- No uploadFiles never leave your device, so it is fast and private.
- Strips metadataThe GIF files contain no EXIF or GPS data.
- Any deviceWorks on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
BMP vs GIF: what's the difference?
| Feature | BMP | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bitmap Image File | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Released | 1990 | 1987 |
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | Lossless (256 colours max) |
| Transparency | Rarely supported | 1-bit (on/off) |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Typical file size | Huge | Medium |
| Best for | legacy Windows software, embedded devices and some printers | simple animations and reaction images |
| Compatibility | Windows apps and most editors; inefficient for the web | Universal |
| File extensions | .bmp, .dib | .gif |
| MIME type | image/bmp | image/gif |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert BMP to GIF?
Open this page, add your BMP files, and FileStripe converts them to GIF in your browser. Then download the files one by one or as a ZIP. It takes a few seconds and you don't need to install anything.
Will converting BMP to GIF reduce quality?
GIF is limited to 256 colours, so photos can look slightly grainy; logos, icons and simple graphics look the same. FileStripe builds an optimised 256-colour palette for each BMP.
Can I convert multiple BMP files to GIF at once?
Yes. Select or drop as many BMP files as you like; there is no limit on the number or size of files.
Is the BMP to GIF free?
Yes. The BMP to GIF is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no daily limits and no premium tier.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FileStripe processes your files locally in your web browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, so the BMP to GIF is safe for private photos and confidential documents and even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The BMP to GIF works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Samsung Internet on phones, tablets and computers. On a phone you can pick files from your photo library or files app and share the result straight to another app.
Last updated · Processing happens locally in your browser.