How to Change a BMP File to JPG

A BMP or bitmap is a file format for storing digital images, typically used in Windows systems. Because it is an uncompressed format, it preserves the color fidelity and clarity of a picture. However, it also produces large files, which makes it unsuitable for web use, where JPG is more common. The JPG format is compressed, making it more compact at the expense of picture quality. The best way to use a BMP image on the Internet is to convert it to JPG.

Instructions

Paint

1. Run the Windows Paint program, by clicking “Start” and “All Programs” and then choosing “Accessories.” The Paint window appears.

2. Choose the “File” menu and then “Open” to navigate to the BMP file you need. Double-click the file to open it in the program.

3. Choose “File” and “Save As” and then select “JPEG” from the “Save as Type” drop-down. Enter a new name as needed and click “OK.” The file is saved as a JPG.

Online

1. Browse to a free online converter like PictureResize.

2. Click “Browse” and navigate to the BMP file you need. Double-click the file to put its name in the “Select the Image to Convert” box.

3. Choose “JPEG” from the “Select Other Output Format” drop-down. If you want to resize the image, put a check-mark into “Resize Image” and choose a new size from the drop-down.

4. Click “Convert Now.” The JPG appears as a link on the website. Right-click on the link and choose “Save As” to store the JPG on your hard disk.

Photoshop

1. Buy, install and run a commercial program like Photoshop, which offers you more options.

2. Choose the “File” menu and then “Open” to navigate to the BMP file you need. Double-click the file to open it in the program.

3. Choose “File” and “Save As” and then select “JPEG” from the “Format” drop-down. Enter a new name as needed and click “Save.” The “JPEG Options” dialog box appears.

4. Choose an number for “Quality” under “Image Options.” The lower the number, the smaller the file, but the worse the image quality. Note that the projected file size appears at the bottom of the dialog.

5. Click “OK” to save the JPG.

Tips & Warnings

• These procedures specifically work with Windows XP but work in general for any version of Windows.

• Whenever possible, check the quality of the converted JPG by opening it in a program that you did not use for conversion.

References

• PictureResize
• Microsoft: Windows Paint
• Adobe: Save a file in JPEG format

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese