Convert ARW to BMP
Free, instant and private — your ARW files are converted right in your browser and never uploaded to a server.
How to convert ARW to BMP
- Step 01
Add your ARW files
Drop them into the box above or click to browse. You can add several files at once.
- Step 02
Conversion starts instantly
It runs in your browser using its built-in image engine — no upload, no queue, no waiting.
- Step 03
Download your BMP files
Save each file individually or grab them all at once. Done.
Why convert ARW to BMP?
Some old Windows software, embedded tools and legacy pipelines only accept the uncompressed BMP format and have no idea what to do with a RAW sensor file. Converting ARW to BMP runs the full RAW pipeline and repackages every pixel into that simpler container — much larger than the ARW, but readable by software that's never heard of RAW formats at all. It happens entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
ARW vs BMP at a glance
ARW is Sony's RAW format — every photographic detail the sensor captured, before any in-camera processing, editable but unreadable by most everyday software. BMP is Windows' raw bitmap format — pixel data stored uncompressed, which makes files enormous.
| Property | ARW | BMP |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .arw | .bmp, .dib |
| Full name | Sony Alpha RAW | Bitmap Image File |
| First released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Developed by | Sony | Microsoft |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Animation | No | No |
| Best for | unprocessed camera sensor data from Sony Alpha and mirrorless cameras | raw uncompressed bitmaps from Windows apps |
ARW to BMP — frequently asked questions
Is this ARW to BMP converter really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermarks and no daily limits.
Are my ARW files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion happens entirely on your device using your browser's built-in image engine. Your ARW files never leave your computer or phone — which is also why the conversion is nearly instant.
Why is my BMP so much bigger than the ARW?
BMP stores every pixel's color raw with no compression at all, while ARW holds compact sensor data. A large size increase from ARW to BMP is normal and expected.
Why would I need a BMP instead of an ARW?
Mostly for compatibility with older Windows programs, embedded systems or technical tools that expect a simple, uncompressed bitmap and have no RAW decoder of their own.