BMP to PDF Converter

Convert BMP images into a PDF document online for free with smallpdf.tools

BMP files: what they are and why PDF is easier

BMP, short for bitmap, is one of the oldest image formats on Windows. It stores every pixel with no compression, so files are simple but very large.

You usually meet BMP files from older software: Paint in older versions of Windows, some scanners, medical or industrial equipment and legacy business systems that export images.

A full A4 page in colour at 300 dpi is about 2480 by 3508 pixels. Stored as a 24-bit BMP, that is roughly 26 MB for a single page.

Converting to PDF makes those images easier to share, print and open on phones, many of which can't preview BMP files at all.

If several BMP files belong together, such as the pages of a scanned document, upload them in order so they become one multi-page PDF.

Check the size of the result. If the PDF is still large, Compress PDF can usually shrink it a lot, because uncompressed images leave plenty of room to save space.

Black-and-white BMP files, often produced by older fax and document systems, convert especially well and stay sharp.

Keep the original BMP files if you might edit the images later. PDF is the right format for sharing and printing, but image editors work better with image files.

If your software lets you choose, save new images as PNG instead of BMP. PNG keeps the same quality at a fraction of the size.

For a mix of image types, convert each set with the matching tool and combine the results with Merge PDF.

When to use BMP to PDF

Use BMP to PDF for images saved by older Windows software, scanners or Paint. BMP files are uncompressed and large, so a PDF is usually easier to share.

BMP to PDF: common questions

Why are BMP files so big?

BMP stores every pixel without compression. A full-page scan in BMP can easily be 20 MB or more.

Will the PDF be smaller than the BMP?

Often, yes. If it is still too large, run it through Compress PDF.

Can I convert several BMP files at once?

Yes. Upload them together and each image becomes a page.

Full guide on our blog: How to convert BMP files into a PDF document