Convert DNG to BMP on Mac
Select the DNG files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose BMP and press Return. FileFlip saves each BMP next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert DNG to BMP with FileFlip
Select the DNG files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from DNG. Type “BMP” to jump to it.
Choose BMP and press Return
The BMP files appear next to the originals with the same names. The DNG files stay as they are.
DNG and BMP
Raw files are large and most apps and websites can’t show them, so they have to be developed into a regular image before sharing. Some older Windows software and hardware only accept BMP.
What changes when you convert
- A raw file is unprocessed sensor data. Converting develops it into a finished image, so keep the DNG if you may want to edit it later.
| Property | DNG | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Digital Negative | Bitmap image |
| Made by | Adobe | Microsoft |
| Compression | Unprocessed sensor data, lossless or lightly compressed | Usually uncompressed |
| Best for | Editing photos with the most room for adjustments | Older software that requires it |
| Opens in | Lightroom, Photoshop, Photos, Preview and most raw editors | Windows and most image editors |
| File extension | .dng | .bmp |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Preview
Open the DNG in Preview, choose File → Export, pick Microsoft BMP from the Format menu and click Save. If Microsoft BMP isn’t listed, hold Option while you click the Format menu. For several files, open them together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar and choose File → Export Selected Images.
Works when macOS supports your camera model.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format bmp DSC_0001.dng \
--out DSC_0001.bmpBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about DNG and BMP
Can I convert many DNG files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose BMP. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Should I keep the DNG file?
Yes. The raw file holds more information than any finished image, so keep it if you may want to edit the photo again.
Where is the BMP file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .bmp extension. The DNG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert BMP back to DNG?
No. FileFlip opens DNG files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole shoot at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac