What is the difference between BMP and SVG?

BMP (Bitmap Image File) zero quality loss — completely uncompressed. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) infinitely scalable without quality loss. The best choice depends on your specific needs.

Can I convert BMP to SVG?

Yes, you can convert BMP to SVG online for free with SquishConvert. Upload your .bmp file, select SVG as the output format, and download your converted file in seconds.

Format comparison

BMP vs SVG

How do BMP and SVGcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.

.bmp

Full guide →

Bitmap Image File

BMP is an uncompressed raster image format native to Windows. While it produces very large files, BMP preserves every pixel with zero quality loss, making it useful for raw image data and legacy applications.

.svg

Full guide →

Scalable Vector Graphics

SVG is a vector image format based on XML. Unlike raster formats, SVG images scale to any size without losing quality, making them perfect for logos, icons, and responsive web design.

Specification	BMP	SVG
Full name	Bitmap Image File	Scalable Vector Graphics
Extension	.bmp	.svg
MIME type	image/bmp	image/svg+xml
Category	Image	Image
Developer	Microsoft	W3C
Year introduced	1986	2001
Compression	Lossless	Lossless

BMP advantages

Zero quality loss — completely uncompressed
Simple format, easy to read and write
Native Windows support
No compression artifacts

BMP limitations

Very large file sizes
No transparency support in most versions
Not suitable for web use
Outdated format for most modern applications

SVG advantages

Infinitely scalable without quality loss
Tiny file sizes for simple graphics
Can be styled with CSS and animated with JavaScript
Text remains searchable and accessible

SVG limitations

Not suitable for photographs or complex images
Can be slow to render with many paths
Security concerns when accepting user uploads
Inconsistent rendering across browsers for complex SVGs

Which should you use?

Both BMP and SVG have their strengths. BMP excels at legacy windows applications, while SVG is better for logos and brand marks.

Best uses for BMP

Legacy Windows applications

Raw image data storage

Intermediate format during editing

Embedded systems and simple displays

Best uses for SVG

Logos and brand marks

Icons and UI elements

Data visualizations and charts

Responsive web graphics

Convert between BMP and SVG

Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.

BMP to SVG SVG to BMP

Related format comparisons

PNG vs BMP JPG vs BMP WebP vs BMP BMP vs GIF PNG vs SVG JPG vs SVG WebP vs SVG GIF vs SVG

Specification

BMP

SVG

Full name

Bitmap Image File

Scalable Vector Graphics

Extension

.bmp

.svg

MIME type

image/bmp

image/svg+xml