AVIF vs BMP: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AVIF and BMP image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. BMP is best for Simple uncompressed images in Windows applications.

Quick Verdict

AVIF Best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut
✗ Slow encoding

Convert AVIF to BMP →

BMP Best for Simple uncompressed images in Windows applications

✓ Simple uncompressed format
✓ No quality loss
✓ Universal Windows support
✗ Extremely large file size

Convert BMP to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and BMP

Feature	AVIF	BMP
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	1986
MIME Type	image/avif	image/bmp
Extensions	.avif	.bmp
Lossy	✓	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✗
Animation	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	12-bit	32-bit
Hdr	✓	✗

Pros & Cons

AVIF

Pros

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut

Cons

✗ Slow encoding
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Newer format with growing adoption

BMP

Pros

✓ Simple uncompressed format
✓ No quality loss
✓ Universal Windows support

Cons

✗ Extremely large file size
✗ No transparency
✗ No compression

When to Use Each

Choose AVIF when...

You need files optimized for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio
Best compression for images
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

Choose BMP when...

You need files optimized for Simple uncompressed images in Windows applications
Simple uncompressed format
No quality loss
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and BMP for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert AVIF to BMP Runs in your browser — files never leave your device Convert BMP to AVIF Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and BMP?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while BMP is best for Simple uncompressed images in Windows applications. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or BMP better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. BMP is better for Simple uncompressed images in Windows applications. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to BMP?

Go to the AVIF to BMP converter on ChangeThisFile. The conversion runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your device. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert BMP to AVIF?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports BMP to AVIF conversion. The conversion runs in your browser with no upload required.

Which is smaller, AVIF or BMP?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. AVIF uses lossy compression for smaller files. BMP preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does AVIF support lossy?

Yes, AVIF supports lossy, but BMP does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is AVIF or BMP free to use?

Both AVIF and BMP are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — browser-based conversions have no limits and your files never leave your device.

Which format is newer, AVIF or BMP?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while BMP dates back to 1986. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.