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Comparison/BMP vs PNG

Bitmap Image File vs Portable Network Graphics

BMP vs PNG

Technical analysis 2026: differences, performance and which one you should use for your project.

Quick Verdict

"BMP stores every pixel uncompressed, so it weighs far more than PNG. Pick PNG unless a legacy program asks for BMP."

Format A

BMP

The native Windows format (legacy). It stores color information for every pixel without compression, resulting in very large files.

CompressionLossless
Transparency Yes
Animation No
Year1990

Best for:

  • Legacy Windows applications
  • Simple educational purposes
Format B

PNG

Designed to replace GIF, it is the king of lossless compression and transparency. Ideal for graphics, logos and screenshots.

CompressionLossless
Transparency Yes
Animation No
Year1996

Best for:

  • Logos
  • Graphics with text
  • Images with transparent background
  • Screenshots

Detailed Analysis

When comparing BMP (Bitmap Image File) with PNG (Portable Network Graphics), it is important to understand the historical and technical context. BMP was established in 1990, while PNG appeared in 1996.

The main technical difference lies in their compression algorithm. BMP uses lossless compression: it keeps all the original data with no quality loss. PNG, on the other hand, uses lossless compression: it keeps all the original data with no quality loss.

Compatibility

BMP

High (Not recommended)

PNG

100% (Universal)

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