Convert GIF to BMP on Mac
Select the GIF 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 GIF to BMP with FileFlip
Select the GIF 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 GIF. Type “BMP” to jump to it.
Choose BMP and press Return
The BMP files appear next to the originals with the same names. The GIF files stay as they are.
GIF and BMP
GIF is limited to 256 colors and makes large files. Some older Windows software and hardware only accept BMP.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the image itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | GIF | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Graphics Interchange Format | Bitmap image |
| Made by | CompuServe | Microsoft |
| Compression | Lossless, up to 256 colors | Usually uncompressed |
| Best for | Short animations and simple graphics | Older software that requires it |
| Opens in | Everywhere, including browsers and chat apps | Windows and most image editors |
| File extension | .gif | .bmp |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | 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 GIF 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.
Good for a few files now and then.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format bmp animation.gif \
--out animation.bmpBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about GIF and BMP
Does converting GIF to BMP lose quality?
Both formats are lossless, so the image itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
Can I convert many GIF 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.
Where is the BMP file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .bmp extension. The GIF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert BMP back to GIF?
Yes, FileFlip converts BMP to GIF as well.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole folder of images at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac