Convert GIF, BMP, and WebP images online for free. Learn when to use each format and convert between GIF, BMP, WebP, and ICO with DAMTool.
GIF & BMP Image Converter – Convert GIF, BMP & WebP Online
Have an image in an outdated or inconvenient format? GIF, BMP, WebP, and ICO each have different strengths, and choosing the wrong one can lead to unnecessary file sizes or compatibility problems.
This guide covers the less common conversions between GIF, BMP, WebP, and ICO in one place. Instead of creating multiple nearly identical articles, you can use this guide to understand which format is appropriate and choose the right DAMTool converter.
GIF, BMP, WebP, and ICO Explained
GIF
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is best known for simple animations and graphics with a limited color palette.
It can support transparency and animation, making it useful for short, simple animated images.
BMP
BMP (Bitmap) is a raster image format that stores image data with relatively little compression.
BMP can produce large files, so it is less common for modern websites.
WebP
WebP is a modern image format designed for efficient web delivery. It supports lossy and lossless compression and can support transparency and animation.
ICO
ICO is primarily used for icons, including website favicons and application icons.
Each format has a specific purpose, so conversion should depend on how you plan to use the image.
Convert GIF to BMP
GIF to BMP conversion can be useful when an application or legacy workflow specifically requires BMP.
However, BMP files are generally much larger than GIF files.
If you're converting an animated GIF, remember that BMP is not designed to preserve GIF-style animation as a single animated file.
Use this conversion primarily when BMP compatibility is required.
Convert BMP to GIF
BMP to GIF can be useful when you need a GIF-compatible image.
GIF can be more convenient for:
- Simple graphics
- Basic animations
- Older web workflows
- Platforms specifically requiring GIF
However, GIF's limited color palette makes it less suitable for detailed photographs.
Convert GIF to WebP
GIF to WebP can be useful when moving GIF content into a modern web-image workflow.
WebP can provide more efficient compression and supports animation.
This makes WebP a potentially useful alternative when website performance and file size are important.
For animated images, always verify that animation is preserved by the conversion process.
Convert WebP to GIF
WebP to GIF may be useful when a platform specifically requires GIF.
GIF has very broad support, but it has limitations compared with WebP, including a more restricted color palette.
For modern websites, WebP may be preferable when the target platform supports it.
Convert GIF to ICO
GIF to ICO can be useful when you need to turn a GIF image into an icon file.
This is more appropriate for static GIF images. GIF animation cannot be represented as a conventional single ICO icon in the same way as an animated GIF.
When creating an icon, use a simple image that remains recognizable at small dimensions.
Convert ICO to GIF
ICO to GIF can be useful when you need to use an icon as a standard GIF image.
However, GIF is generally more useful for simple graphics and animation than for high-quality photographs.
If you simply need to edit or reuse the icon as a normal image, PNG may often be a more practical choice.
Convert BMP to ICO
BMP to ICO can be useful when an existing bitmap image needs to become an icon for software, shortcuts, or other icon-based workflows.
The source image should be suitable for small display sizes.
A detailed photograph may not work well as an icon because important details can become difficult to recognize when scaled down.
Convert ICO to BMP
ICO to BMP is primarily useful for compatibility with software or workflows that require BMP.
BMP can be easier to work with in some older systems, but its files can be considerably larger than modern compressed image formats.
Conversion Comparison
| ConversionCommon Reason | |
| GIF → BMP | Legacy or BMP-specific compatibility |
| BMP → GIF | GIF compatibility or simple graphics |
| GIF → WebP | Modern web workflows and compression |
| WebP → GIF | GIF-specific compatibility |
| GIF → ICO | Create an icon from a static GIF |
| ICO → GIF | Use an icon as a GIF image |
| BMP → ICO | Create an icon from a bitmap |
| ICO → BMP | BMP-specific compatibility |
Which Format Should You Choose?
Choose GIF When
You need:
- Simple animations
- Basic graphics
- Broad compatibility
- A format specifically required by a platform
Choose BMP When
You need:
- Legacy software compatibility
- A specific BMP-based workflow
- Uncompressed or minimally compressed bitmap data
For modern websites, BMP is generally not the first choice.
Choose WebP When
You need:
- Efficient web images
- Smaller image files
- Modern browser support
- Transparency or animation support
Choose ICO When
You need:
- Website favicons
- Application icons
- Shortcut icons
- Icon-specific assets
GIF vs WebP for Animation
Both GIF and WebP can support animation, but they are not equivalent.
GIF has been supported for decades and remains useful when maximum compatibility is required.
WebP provides a more modern image format with better compression capabilities and support for features such as transparency.
For a modern website, WebP can often be a more efficient choice when the target browsers and platform support it.
BMP vs Modern Image Formats
BMP is an older format and can produce very large files because it generally does not provide the same level of compression as modern formats.
For website use, WebP, JPG, or PNG will often be more practical depending on the image.
BMP still has value when compatibility with a specific application or legacy workflow is more important than file size.
Does Image Conversion Preserve Quality?
Not always.
The result depends on both the source and target formats.
Converting between formats can change:
- Compression
- Color information
- Transparency
- Animation
- File size
For example, converting a detailed image to GIF can reduce its color information because GIF uses a limited color palette.
Similarly, converting a compressed image to another lossy format can introduce additional quality loss.
What Happens to Transparency?
Transparency depends on the target format.
GIF: Supports transparency with limitations.
WebP: Supports transparency.
ICO: Can support transparent icon images.
BMP: Transparency support varies by implementation and should not be assumed to behave like PNG or WebP.
If preserving a transparent background is important, check the target format before converting.
What Happens to Animation?
Animation is especially important when converting GIF or WebP.
A static image format cannot automatically preserve an animation in the same way as an animated source.
If your source is animated, verify that the target format and conversion tool support animated output.
If animation is not preserved, you may end up with only one frame or a static image.
Common Use Cases
Legacy Software
Convert images to BMP when an older application specifically requires the format.
Website Optimization
Convert suitable GIF or BMP images to WebP when preparing images for modern web use.
Icons
Convert BMP or GIF graphics to ICO when creating application icons or other icon-based assets.
Platform Compatibility
Convert WebP to GIF when working with a service that specifically accepts GIF.
Simple Graphics
GIF can still be useful for simple graphics and basic animations.
Common Mistakes
Using BMP for Websites
BMP files can be unnecessarily large for web delivery.
Converting Animated Images Without Checking
Animation may not survive every conversion.
Expecting GIF to Preserve Detailed Colors
GIF has a limited color palette, so photographs may lose color detail.
Assuming Conversion Improves Quality
Changing formats cannot restore information that has already been lost.
Renaming the Extension
Changing .gif to .webp or .bmp to .ico does not convert the actual image.
A proper conversion re-encodes the image into the target format.
Tips for Better Image Conversion
Start with the purpose.
Choose the target format based on where the image will be used.
Keep your original file.
Don't delete the source until you've checked the converted image.
Check animation.
If the source is animated, confirm that the target format supports the required animation.
Check transparency.
Make sure the target format can handle transparency if it is important.
Compare file sizes.
Don't assume a particular format will always produce a smaller file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert GIF to BMP online?
Yes. GIF images can be converted to BMP when a BMP-specific workflow or application requires it.
Can I convert BMP to GIF?
Yes. BMP images can be converted to GIF, although GIF is generally more appropriate for simple graphics than detailed photographs.
Can I convert GIF to WebP?
Yes. GIF images can be converted to WebP for modern web-image workflows. If the GIF is animated, verify that animation is preserved.
Can I convert WebP to GIF?
Yes. WebP images can be converted to GIF when GIF compatibility is required.
Can I convert GIF to ICO?
Yes. Static GIF images can be converted to ICO for icon-related use cases.
Can I convert BMP to ICO?
Yes. BMP images can be converted into ICO files when an icon format is required.
Is WebP better than GIF?
For many modern web applications, WebP can provide more efficient compression and additional capabilities. GIF remains useful for broad compatibility and certain simple animations.
Is BMP good for websites?
Generally, BMP is not the most efficient choice for websites because BMP files can be large. Modern formats such as WebP, JPG, and PNG are often more appropriate.
Related Image Tools
For common conversions, DAMTool also provides dedicated tools such as:
These tools are better suited when you already know the exact format conversion you need.
Pro Tip
Before converting an image, ask one simple question: "Where will I use this file?"
If the answer is a modern website, WebP may be a strong choice. If it's a favicon, ICO is appropriate. If it's a photograph, JPG is often practical. If it's a simple animation, GIF or WebP may be suitable depending on compatibility requirements.
Conclusion
GIF, BMP, WebP, and ICO each serve different purposes.
GIF remains useful for simple animations and graphics, BMP is mainly relevant to specific or legacy workflows, WebP is designed for efficient modern image delivery, and ICO is primarily used for icons.
By grouping these less common conversions into one comprehensive guide, DAMTool can provide useful information without creating dozens of pages targeting nearly identical search queries.