Filestack Technical Glossary

Comprehensive reference for Filestack platform architecture and services

BMP (Bitmap)

File Format

Bitmap is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, primarily on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems.

Format Characteristics

  • Uncompressed raster data (typically)
  • Simple file structure
  • Wide color depth support (1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32-bit)
  • No built-in compression (large file sizes)

Technical Structure

  • File header with metadata
  • DIB (Device Independent Bitmap) header
  • Color palette (for indexed color modes)
  • Raw pixel data storage

Legacy Usage

  • Windows system icons and cursors
  • Simple graphics applications
  • Screen capture utilities
  • Legacy system compatibility

Modern Alternatives

  • BMP to PNG for lossless web delivery
  • BMP to JPEG for photo-like content
  • BMP to WebP for modern browsers
  • BMP to PDF for document workflows

Related Terms