File Extension Database

Open BMP File

A BMP file extension is one of the most popular image formats out there.

The BMP format is an uncompressed raster image, made up of a rectangular grid of pixels.

This BMP file contains a file header, which in turn contains a bitmap identifier, file size, width, height, color options, and the start point of the bitmap data.

Additionally, the BMP file contains the bitmap pixels, each with a different color.

Importantly, BMP files can contain different levels of color depth per pixel, depending on the number of bits per pixel specified in the file header.

BMP files are so versatile that they can also be stored using a grayscale color scheme.

Open a BMP file

It is possible to open BMP files using native programs, both from Windows, such as macOS and Linux.

A large number of image and graphics programs can also be used to open BMP files:

Typical BMP application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Opera.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files\Paint.NET\PaintDotNet.exe "%1"
%SystemRoot%\System32\rundll32.exe "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll"
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll", ImageView_Fullscreen %1
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"
"g:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde
c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe /dde
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /dde
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Typical BMP mime types:

image/bmp
 ImageView_Fullscreen %1

Frequently used application names to open BMP files:

Opera
Paint.NET
Windows Photo Gallery
Windows Photo Viewer
QuickTime
Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0
Microsoft Visual Studio 9.0
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Opera.Image
Paint.NET.1
Paint.Picture
QuickTime.bmp
VisualStudio.bmp.10.0
VisualStudio.bmp.9.0
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.bmp.14.0

How Can I Open BMP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BMP file is to find a BMP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BMP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open BMP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as BMP file opener then try to search online for "BMP viewer", "application to open BMP file" or "open BMP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BMP file

How Can I Open BMP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BMP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BMP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with BMP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BMP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BMP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BMP file then try to search for "BMP viewer", "application to open BMP file" or "read BMP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BMP file

How Can I Open BMP File on Android

If you downloaded a BMP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded BMP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "BMP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "BMP viewer", "BMP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open BMP File on iPhone or iPad

To open BMP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the BMP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "BMP". This way you can find apps which can open BMP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "BMP viewer" or "BMP file" online in your favorite search engine.

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