Convert PNG to BMP on Mac
Select the PNG 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 PNG to BMP with FileFlip
Select the PNG 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 PNG. Type “BMP” to jump to it.
Choose BMP and press Return
The BMP files appear next to the originals with the same names. The PNG files stay as they are.
PNG and BMP
PNG is lossless, which makes photos saved as PNG several times larger than they need to be. 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 | PNG | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | Bitmap image |
| Made by | PNG Development Group | Microsoft |
| Compression | Lossless | Usually uncompressed |
| Best for | Screenshots, logos, graphics and images with text or transparency | Older software that requires it |
| Opens in | Everywhere, including every web browser | Windows and most image editors |
| File extension | .png | .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 PNG 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 screenshot.png \
--out screenshot.bmpBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about PNG and BMP
Does converting PNG 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 PNG 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 PNG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert BMP back to PNG?
Yes, FileFlip converts BMP to PNG 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