Windows Bitmap (BMP)


The Windows bitmap (BMP) file format was developed as a standard for representing graphic images as bitmaps on the Windows operating system.

To import a bitmap file

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1 Click File Import.
2 Locate the folder in which the file is stored.
3 Choose BMP - Windows bitmap (*.bmp; *.dib; *.rle) from the list box next to the File name box.
4 Click the filename.
5 Click Import.
6 Click the drawing page.

To export a bitmap file

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1 Click File Export.
2 Locate the folder in which you want to save the file.
3 Choose BMP - Windows bitmap from the Save as type list box.
4 Type a filename in the File name list box.
5 Click Export.
6 In the Convert to bitmap dialog box, adjust the width, height, resolution, color mode, or any of the other settings.

Windows Bitmap (BMP) technical notes

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Importing a BMP file

You can import Windows Bitmap files conforming to the Windows and OS/2 BMP specifications.
Windows Bitmap files may be black-and-white, 16 colors, grayscale, paletted, or RGB color (24-bit), and print accordingly, depending on your printer.
Run-length encoding (RLE) compression may be used on all bitmaps, except RGB color (24-bit), and black-and-white bitmaps.
The resolution ranges from 72 to 300 dpi, or higher if you choose custom settings.
The maximum image size is 64,535 × 64,535 pixels.

Exporting a BMP file

Because raster images such as bitmaps are mapped pixel by pixel to the page, the resolution does not increase. Instead, your bitmap appears jagged, with an apparent loss of resolution.

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The features documented in the Help are available in the full version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021. Some features may not be available in this version of the product.