Convert BMP to GIF — Compact Legacy Format
BMP files are uncompressed and enormous, while GIF uses LZW compression to produce much smaller files. For simple graphics, screenshots, and diagrams that already use few colors, BMP-to-GIF is an effective way to reduce file size while maintaining the image’s essential visual content.
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Modern format with excellent compression. Limited browser support.
Apple's format. Excellent quality at small sizes.
Lossless format. Large files, ideal for print/archival.
256 colors max. Best for simple graphics.
Uncompressed bitmap. Very large files.
Vector trace. Best for logos and simple graphics. Not a pixel-perfect conversion.
Same format? You might want to compress instead.
SSIM-optimized — finds the lowest file size at your chosen visual fidelity.
Need to crop first? Use the Crop tool. Want to adjust or filter? Try the Editor.
Resize tool → Live preview, percentage scaling, and dimension presets.
Tip: Use PNG or WebP for transparent output. Standalone tool →
Lossless format — files can be large
GIF is limited to 256 colors
Best for logos, icons, and line art. Photos produce stylized results.
BMP files are uncompressed and can be very large. Consider TIFF (LZW) or PNG for lossless with smaller file sizes.
Leave empty for all pages. Multi-page PDFs produce a ZIP.
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BMP vs GIF Comparison
| Feature | BMP | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Bitmap Image File | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Lossy Compression | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lossless Compression | ✅ | ❌ |
| Transparency | ❌ | ✅ |
| Animation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Browser Support | Most browsers (legacy format) | All browsers, all devices |
| Color Depth | 16.7M (24-bit) | 256 (8-bit) |
| Typical Use | Windows legacy, uncompressed images | Animations, simple graphics, memes |
| Year Introduced | 1986 | 1987 |
Why Convert BMP to GIF?
BMP’s lack of compression makes files impractical for sharing or web use. GIF applies LZW compression and works particularly well for images with large flat color areas. If your BMP is a screenshot, diagram, or simple graphic, GIF can produce surprisingly compact files. For photographic BMPs, consider JPG or WEBP for better quality.
How to Convert BMP to GIF
Upload your BMP file by dragging it into the converter or clicking to browse. Files up to 50 MB are supported.
KoalaPic reads the uncompressed pixel data and quantizes to a 256-color GIF with dithering.
Download the compact GIF file. Both files are deleted after 1 hour.
Quality Note
Works well for BMP images with few colors (screenshots, diagrams, pixel art). Photographic BMPs will lose significant color detail during the 256-color quantization. For photos, PNG or JPG are much better format choices.