BMP to FAX Converter

Free BMP to FAX converter — works right in your browser

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Shed the Weight

Uncompressed BMP files waste storage — converting to FAX applies efficient encoding that can reduce file size by 80% or more.

Runs in the Cloud

All processing for BMP to FAX happens remotely on Convertio servers, keeping your own hardware free for other tasks.

Fast Processing

BMP to FAX conversion typically completes in seconds. Upload your file, choose the format, and download the result almost instantly.

How to convert BMP to FAX

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose fax or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your fax file right afterwards

About formats

BMP (Bitmap) is a raster image file format developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system, introduced with Windows 3.0 in 1990. The format stores pixel data in a straightforward structure: a file header specifying dimensions, color depth, and compression method, followed by an optional color palette and then the raw pixel array. BMP supports color depths from 1-bit monochrome through 4-bit and 8-bit indexed color to 16-bit, 24-bit true color, and 32-bit with alpha channel. Most BMP files store pixels uncompressed (BI_RGB), though optional RLE compression is available for 4-bit and 8-bit modes. Pixels are arranged in bottom-up row order by default, with each row padded to a 4-byte boundary. One advantage is absolute simplicity — the format has no complex encoding, filtering, or compression layers, making BMP files trivial to read and write programmatically in any language. This simplicity also means BMP images render with zero decoding overhead, useful in scenarios where decompression latency matters. The format's deep Windows integration is another strength: BMP is the native bitmap format for Windows GDI, clipboard operations, and device-independent bitmap (DIB) handling, ensuring first-class support across the entire Windows ecosystem. While BMP's lack of compression produces large files unsuitable for web use or storage-constrained environments, it remains widely used as an intermediate format in image processing, as a clipboard exchange format, and in embedded systems where decoding simplicity outweighs file size.
Developer: Microsoft
Initial release: 1990
FAX is a generic image file extension associated with facsimile transmission formats standardized by the ITU-T (formerly CCITT), with the underlying Group 3 compression standard ratified in 1980. FAX files typically contain monochrome (1-bit, black and white) image data compressed using the Modified Huffman (MH) encoding defined in ITU-T Recommendation T.4, which assigns variable-length codes to run lengths of consecutive white or black pixels along each scanline. The standard resolution for Group 3 fax is 204x98 dpi (normal mode) or 204x196 dpi (fine mode), reflecting the capabilities of thermal and laser fax machines of the era. FAX files encountered digitally are often raw Group 3 encoded bitstreams or TIFF wrappers with CCITT Group 3 compression (TIFF compression tag 3). The Group 3 encoding scheme is highly efficient for typical business documents — pages with mostly white space and black text — achieving compression ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 compared to uncompressed bitmaps. One advantage is universal fax system compatibility: Group 3 encoding is the mandatory baseline for all fax machines worldwide, meaning FAX files contain data in exactly the format transmitted over telephone lines, preserving the original fax data without transcoding losses. The format's role in business communications history provides another dimension — billions of fax transmissions using this encoding moved legal documents, medical records, and business correspondence for decades, and archived FAX files represent an important documentary record. FAX images can be viewed and converted using LibreOffice, ImageMagick, GIMP, and standard document management systems.
Developer: ITU-T
Initial release: 1980

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert BMP to FAX?

Fax format encodes your BMP for fax transmission — converting it to the Group 3 standard used by fax machines and digital fax services.

What software reads FAX format?

Common options include fax software, IrfanView, GIMP, ImageMagick. The format has good support across major operating systems.

What happens to my uploaded files?

Your BMP files are automatically deleted right after conversion. The resulting FAX files remain available for download for 24 hours, then they are permanently removed.

Is batch BMP to FAX conversion available?

Absolutely — upload multiple BMP files simultaneously and convert them all to FAX at once. Batch mode saves considerable time on repetitive conversions.

How much smaller will the FAX be?

Depending on image content and FAX compression, expect file sizes 50-95% smaller than the original BMP. Photographic content typically compresses the most.

How long does BMP to FAX conversion take?

Most conversions complete within seconds. Processing time depends on file size and server load, but the entire workflow typically finishes in under a minute.

BMP to FAX Quality Rating

4.8 (4 votes)
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