PNGBMP
PNG vs BMP: Which Image Format Should You Choose?
A side-by-side comparison of PNG (Portable Network Graphics) and BMP (Bitmap Image File) — covering compression, quality, file size, transparency, and browser support.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PNG | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | PNG (Portable Network Graphics) | BMP (Bitmap Image File) |
| Compression | Lossless | None (uncompressed) |
| Typical Size | Large | Very large |
| Transparency | ||
| Animation | ||
| Max Colors | 16.7 million + Alpha | 16.7 million |
| Browser Support | Universal (100%) | Partial |
| Year Created | 1996 | 1986 |
When to Use PNG
- Logos, icons, and branding assets that need transparency
- Screenshots and UI mockups with sharp text
- Graphics with flat colors and hard edges
- Images requiring a transparent background
- Archival of images without any quality loss
When to Use BMP
- Legacy Windows applications that require BMP input
- Uncompressed image editing workflows
- Simple pixel-art creation tools
The Verdict
PNG is better in almost every way — smaller files, lossless quality, transparency support, and universal compatibility. BMP is only needed for legacy Windows software.