How to Create a Bitmap Image
There are two ways to create a bitmap image: convert an existing photo, or draw one pixel by pixel. This guide covers both — and shows how to make a bitmap in minutes instead of fighting with desktop software.
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The fast way: convert a photo
The quickest way to make a bitmap is to convert a picture you already have. Drop it into the converter, choose a dither method, and you have a finished bitmap in under a minute.
- Open the converter and drop your file in (or paste from the clipboard).
- Pick a dither method — Atkinson and Floyd–Steinberg suit photos; Threshold gives a hard black-and-white cut.
- Adjust pixel size, threshold, brightness and contrast until it looks right.
- Download as PNG, a real
.bmpfile, or scalable SVG.
Creating a new bitmap image from scratch
If you want a blank canvas, a pixel editor lets you place each dot by hand — great for icons and sprites. When you are done, you can still run it through the converter to add dithering, recolour it, or export a clean .bmp or SVG.
Why not just use Photoshop?
You can — see how to make a bitmap in Photoshop. But Photoshop hides bitmap mode behind grayscale conversion and offers fewer dither styles with no live preview. The online tool shows the result instantly and is free.
Related converters & guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a bitmap image quickly?
Convert an existing photo: drop it into the online converter, pick a dither method, and download. It takes about a minute.
How do I make a bitmap from a photo?
Upload the photo, choose Atkinson or Floyd–Steinberg dithering, adjust threshold and contrast, then export as BMP, PNG or SVG.
Can I make a new bitmap image without a photo?
Yes, draw one in a pixel editor, then optionally run it through the converter to style or export it.
What file should I save a bitmap as?
Use .bmp for software that needs that format, PNG for the web, or SVG when you want it to scale without blur.
Is it really free?
Yes — no account, no watermark, and nothing is uploaded.