Convert JPEG to BMP on Mac
Select the JPEG 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 JPEG to BMP with FileFlip
Select the JPEG 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 JPEG. Type “BMP” to jump to it.
Choose BMP and press Return
The BMP files appear next to the originals with the same names. The JPEG files stay as they are.
JPEG and BMP
JPEG is lossy and has no transparency, so it’s a poor fit for graphics, screenshots or files you’ll keep editing. Some older Windows software and hardware only accept BMP.
What changes when you convert
- BMP is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
| Property | JPEG | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Bitmap image |
| Made by | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Microsoft |
| Compression | Lossy | Usually uncompressed |
| Best for | Photos you want to send, upload or print anywhere | Older software that requires it |
| Opens in | Every computer, phone, browser and photo app | Windows and most image editors |
| File extension | .jpg, .jpeg | .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 JPEG 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 photo.jpg \
--out photo.bmpBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about JPEG and BMP
Does converting JPEG to BMP lose quality?
BMP is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
Can I convert many JPEG 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 JPEG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert BMP back to JPEG?
Yes, FileFlip converts BMP to JPEG 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