PCX to BMP Converter

Convert PCX to BMP online and see exactly what pixel decoding and image re-encoding changes, what BMP still can't promise, and how to verify the result.

◈ Encrypted transfer◷ Short retention⊘ No watermark◎ Works on every device

Pixel decoding and image re-encoding: how PCX becomes BMP

Zsoft paintbrush-era raster data using palette or run-length encoded pixels is decoded into a working pixel canvas first, then written back out under BMP's own color and compression model. Dimensions can stay exactly the same even as encoding, metadata, and fine detail change underneath. PCX decoding follows version, plane count, bytes-per-line padding, palette placement, run-length encoding, dimensions, and scanline order from its header. The BMP writer commits one rectangular pixel surface with explicit row order and color depth; it is aimed at simple bitmap interchange, not layered or multi-resolution artwork.

Decoded canvas - ZSoft Paintbrush-era raster data using palette or run-length encoded pixels. Written image - A broadly understood bitmap with straightforward pixel storage and little compression.

INPUT MODEL

PCX

PCX raster image

Used for raster pictures made of individually stored pixels.

Family: Images
MIME: image/x-pcx

→

OUTPUT MODEL

BMP

BMP raster image

Designed for pixel-based artwork, scans, and photographs.

Family: Images
MIME: image/bmp

When to actually choose PCX to BMP

BMP wins this route whenever its specific mix of compatibility, alpha, animation, and file size fits the destination better than PCX does.

What changes between the PCX model and the BMP deliverable

The source stores ZSoft Paintbrush-era raster data using palette or run-length encoded pixels; the destination stores a broadly understood bitmap with straightforward pixel storage and little compression. Compare application metadata after that structural change.
Treat PCX-specific metadata fields as optional in the BMP result until you have actually confirmed they survived.

PCX source facts versus BMP output requirements

PCX

What can fail when PCX raster image is interpreted

Modern software may mishandle old palettes, planar channels, or uncommon bit-depth variants.

BMP

What BMP raster image cannot safely promise

BMP derivatives are often much larger than web images and may encode alpha or row order differently between apps.

ENGINE

How the BMP writer handles this route

a broadly understood bitmap with straightforward pixel storage and little compression is what gets written, labeled as image/bmp. Whether that actually opens depends on the receiving application, not on the file extension.

Checking the BMP result before you trust it

BEFORE

Record the PCX evidence before conversion

Check palette colors, dimensions, orientation, bit depth, and whether indexed transparency was expected.

AFTER

Test the BMP file in its receiving workflow

Confirm dimensions, color depth, orientation, and whether the receiving app reads transparency.