Transparency
The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
Convert PCX to BMP
- In your browser
- No upload
- Private by design
What happens when you convert PCX to BMP?
Encoding mode
BMP may be uncompressed or use a header-selected encoding. Alpha is header-dependent; 32 bits alone do not establish transparency support in the receiving application. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
PCX
Source
PCX
ZSoft PC Paintbrush
Compression: LosslessTransparency: NoMetadata: Resolution, Palette information
A legacy Paintbrush raster format with planar colour storage and run-length compression.
Explore PCX format →BMP
Target
BMP
Windows Bitmap
Compression: Depends on variantTransparency: YesMetadata: DIB header, ICC (V5)
Windows raster storage with several DIB header versions. Simple uncompressed pixels are common, but alpha and compression vary.
Explore BMP format →Is PCX → BMP right for you?
Good choice when
- BMP fits your delivery use: Windows bitmap interchange.
- Your receiving application supports the required BMP variant.
- You can validate the destination’s sample precision and colour interpretation.
- You need a BMP-compatible workflow that can hold transparency added in a separate edit.
Probably not when
- You need a guaranteed output file size or archival pixel equality. Encoder settings do not guarantee either.
- You require identical samples without a defined colour and precision policy.
- You expect automatic background removal or transparency.
PCX to BMP conversion details
- Transparency
- The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
- Encoding mode
- BMP may be uncompressed or use a header-selected encoding. Alpha is header-dependent; 32 bits alone do not establish transparency support in the receiving application. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
- Sample precision & colour
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
- Metadata & colour
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
- Compression
- PCX: Lossless → BMP: Depends on variant PCX: PCX RLE is lossless for stored samples. Palette reduction is a separate potentially lossy step; colour planes are channels, not editable composition layers. BMP: BMP may be uncompressed or use a header-selected encoding. Alpha is header-dependent; 32 bits alone do not establish transparency support in the receiving application.
- Transparency
- Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.
- Colour depth
- PCX: Palette or 24-bit RGB → BMP: 1 / 4 / 8 / 16 / 24 / 32 bpp
- Dimensions
- Rendered image dimensions are retained within the converter limits; this tool does not offer resizing. Orientation handling depends on the source decoder.
- Metadata
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Common questions
Will the background become transparent?
The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
Which compression mode will BMP use?
BMP may be uncompressed or use a header-selected encoding. Alpha is header-dependent; 32 bits alone do not establish transparency support in the receiving application. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
Are bit depth and colour values guaranteed to match?
Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Will metadata and colour profiles be retained?
Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.