Why Garmin Screenshots Are BMP Files
Understanding why Garmin watches save screenshots in BMP format and how to convert them.
If you've taken a screenshot on a Garmin watch, you've probably noticed the files are saved as BMP. This is because BMP is a simple, uncompressed format that requires minimal processing power on the watch.
Garmin watches use BMP for screenshots because the format is straightforward to write — no complex compression algorithms needed. The trade-off is larger file sizes, but for a watch with limited resources, this is a practical choice.
Once you have the BMP files on your computer, converting them to PNG or JPG is simple with this online converter.
How it works
Take a screenshot
Press the screenshot button combination on your Garmin watch.
Copy BMP files
Connect your watch via USB and copy files from GARMIN/SCRNSHOT.
Convert online
Upload BMP files here to convert them to PNG or JPG.
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Try JiaKe for macOSFrequently asked questions
Why do Garmin watches use BMP for screenshots?
BMP is a simple, uncompressed format that requires minimal processing power to write. Garmin watches use it because it's straightforward to implement on embedded hardware.
Are BMP files larger than PNG?
Yes, BMP files are typically much larger because they contain uncompressed pixel data. PNG uses lossless compression to reduce file size while preserving quality.
Can I convert BMP screenshots from any Garmin watch?
Yes. This converter handles BMP files from any Garmin watch model that supports screenshot capture, including Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Edge series.
What is the best format to convert BMP screenshots to?
For lossless quality, use PNG. For smaller file sizes when sharing, use JPG with adjustable quality.