Convert CR2 to BMP Online
Canon-proprietary format that requires camera-specific profiles; newer Canon cameras use CR3 instead. Converting to BMP gives you a key advantage: zero processing overhead — raw pixel data can be read directly into memory without a decompression step. BMP is best for uncompressed pixel data for windows system graphics and legacy applications requiring raw bitmap access.
Why Convert CR2 to BMP?
Canon-proprietary format that requires camera-specific profiles; newer Canon cameras use CR3 instead — converting to BMP overcomes this by providing zero processing overhead — raw pixel data can be read directly into memory without a decompression step
BMP is the right choice when you need to: intermediate format for image processing pipelines that need raw pixel access
Gain broader compatibility — BMP works with Windows (native), macOS, Linux, all image editors; rarely used on the web
Your CR2 files were created for converting canon raw files to the universal dng archive format, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
CR2 vs BMP — Format Comparison
Canon Raw Image Version 2 (.cr2)
Windows Bitmap (.bmp)
How to Convert CR2 to BMP
Upload your CR2 file
Drag your .cr2 file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept CR2 files up to 200 MB.
Choose BMP as output format
Select .bmp (Windows Bitmap) from the format list. BMP uses lossless encoding, so your output quality matches the source.
Convert and download
Click Convert and wait for processing. Your BMP file will be ready to download in seconds. The result is optimized for uncompressed pixel data for windows system graphics and legacy applications requiring raw bitmap access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CR2 to BMP conversion lossless?
expand_more
When both formats support lossless data, the conversion preserves all content. Uncompressed pixel-perfect quality; supports 1-bit through 32-bit color depth.
How large will my BMP file be compared to the original CR2?
expand_more
CR2 files are typically 20 MB – 40 MB, while BMP files are typically 1 MB – 100 MB. The actual size depends on content complexity and any quality settings you choose.
What software can open the converted BMP file?
expand_more
BMP is compatible with: Windows (native), macOS, Linux, all image editors; rarely used on the web.
What is the maximum file size I can convert?
expand_more
PureConverter accepts CR2 files up to 200 MB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between CR2 and BMP?
expand_more
CR2 (Canon Raw Image Version 2) is best for processing photos from canon dslr cameras with full sensor data fidelity. BMP (Windows Bitmap) is best for uncompressed pixel data for windows system graphics and legacy applications requiring raw bitmap access. Key tradeoff: CR2's advantage is preserves canon's full 14-bit sensor data with proprietary color science for accurate canon color rendering, while BMP's advantage is zero processing overhead — raw pixel data can be read directly into memory without a decompression step.
Pro Tips for CR2 to BMP Conversion
BMP preserves full quality, so your output file will be as good as the CR2 source — no need to worry about compression artifacts
If your CR2 file has transparency, make sure BMP supports it — BMP supports transparency
BMP works especially well for: screen capture output from older windows tools and apis
Did you know? BMP files store pixel rows bottom-to-top by default (origin at bottom-left), a convention inherited from OS/2 that confused generations of graphics programmers.
Ready to Convert?
Upload your CR2 file above and get your BMP in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.