BMP to RLE

Looking to convert BMP to RLE? Here's the honest answer — and what works instead.

We don't create RLE files — it's a legacy format that's effectively read-only. Here's what to convert to instead.

Why BMP to RLE isn't offered

1

RLE is legacy and read-only here

RLE (Utah RLE) is an old run-length-encoded raster format. It can usually be opened and converted from, but it's long obsolete, so there's no modern encoder to create new RLE files.

2

Convert to a current format

For a file that opens everywhere, convert your BMP to PNG, JPG or TIFF instead.

What you can do instead

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Format details

BMP is an uncompressed raster format that stores pixel data with no quality loss, producing large files. It is common on Windows.

Full nameBitmap Image File
Developed byMicrosoft
Released1990
Extension.bmp
MIME typeimage/bmp
TransparencyNo

BMP opens in most image viewers and editors on Windows and Mac.

RLE (Run-Length Encoded) is a simple compressed bitmap format that stores runs of identical pixels — efficient for flat-color graphics.

Full nameRun-Length Encoded Bitmap
Developed byVarious
Released1987
Extension.rle
MIME typeimage/rle
TransparencyVaries

RLE opens in ImageMagick and various legacy tools; convert to PNG/BMP for normal use.

Frequently asked questions

Not here — RLE is a legacy format with no modern encoder. We can often read RLE as a source, but for output use a current format like PNG, JPG or TIFF.

BMP converts to PNG, JPG or TIFF — free, no sign-up, no watermark.