BMP is Windows' basic bitmap that stores pixels as they are, without compression. BMP opens in most environments, but another format such as SVG may suit some uses better.
SVG is an XML-based vector format that stays sharp at any size. Converting BMP to SVG is not like changing the format of an ordinary file, though: it is tracing (an estimate) that redraws the image as shapes. It works well for simple images such as logos and icons but not for photos, so read the cautions below first.
This converter reads the file itself to confirm it is BMP, then converts it to SVG right in your browser. Your image is never uploaded.
BMP vs SVG: what's the difference?
| Item | BMP | SVG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | Vector (stored as math) |
| Transparent background | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Introduced | 1990 | 2001 |
| Support in programs and upload forms | broad | moderate |
| Shown directly in browsers | Yes | Yes |
| Photo file size (JPG = 1) | about 12× | n/a |
What is BMP?
BMP is a bitmap format from Windows that mostly stores pixel values as they are, without compression. Its simple structure makes it easy for programs to read, but the files are so large that it is rarely used on the web.
What is SVG?
SVG stores lines, shapes and curves as math in text (XML) instead of pixels. It stays sharp however far you zoom, and a simple logo can be just a few KB.
What changes when you convert BMP to SVG
It is an estimate, not an exact copy
Converting BMP to SVG here means tracing: finding the outlines of areas of color in the image and redrawing them as shapes. It isn't an ordinary conversion that preserves the original pixels, so the result is not identical to your BMP file; edges may shift a little and small details can disappear.
It suits BMP images with few colors and clear edges
BMP images with few colors and sharp edges, such as logos, icons and flat-color illustrations, convert fairly well. Photos and images with many gradients come out rough and the file size grows a lot.
Colors are simplified to the number you set
SVG reduces the colors to a set number (2-64) to build the shapes. Subtle color differences in your BMP file disappear, and smooth gradients can split into bands. You can adjust the number of colors and the level of detail in the conversion options; for logos and icons, 4-16 colors is often enough.
Text becomes shapes, not a font
Text inside the BMP image is drawn as shapes in the SVG, not as text. You can't edit or search it later, and small or blurry text can be hard to read. If you need to edit the text, use the original design file.
The background becomes one big shape
BMP has no transparent background, so the background color is included in the SVG as a large shape. If you don't need it, delete that shape in an editor after converting, or start from an original with a transparent background.
How size and file size change
An SVG grows with the number of shapes. A simple logo can be smaller than the BMP original, but a complex image becomes much larger. After converting, the result screen compares the size with the original and tells you when it is larger. Tracing is done on an image reduced to at most 1024px on a side, and only the display size (width and height) of the SVG is set to the size you chose, so it stays sharp when enlarged.
When to convert
- You have a BMP logo or icon without an original vector file (AI, Figma and so on) and want a form that doesn't break when enlarged
- You want to change the color or size of a simple graphic with code on the web
- You need a base outline for a program that takes outlines (vectors), such as cutting, embroidery or laser tools; the result may need cleaning up