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BMPsqueezer is an application that takes BMP image files
and compresses them into a single Java applet for inclusion into webpages. The resulting applet size is dramatically
smaller than the original file while the image is displayed with no quality loss in the browser. The created applets can
optionally allow the viewer to enlarge and pan the image in the browser using area averaging pixel smoothing.
Links for BMPsqueezer are:
So how much compression can I get?
The applets that the product produces are usually around 95% to 98% smaller than the original BMP file.
What BMPsqueezer essentially does is to take a BMP file, zip it up and then unzip in the browser for display.
This process should be equivalent to converting a BMP file to a PNG file but I have found that the applets can
be consistently smaller than PNG files. Often BMPsqueezer can give an extra 20%
compression when compared with PNG and for some images can beat JPEG while retaining every last pixel of detail.
What kind of images is this technique best for?
Compression of BMP images that have less than 256 colors is not so dramatic
and palette driven PNG or GIF can be a better choice.
The images most suited to BMPsqueezer are those with large numbers of colors
and with details that you don't want smudged by JPEG.
For a photograph of a natural scene or an oil painting, there is probably a large number of
colors but also constant color transition and JPEG would be better suited for this although often
the JPEG size may be little better than the BMPsqueezer applet size. BMPsqueezer should be considered for any
image with large numbers of colors and where keeping the original sharpness is important.
What browsers will this work in?
The Java techniques employed by the product are not supported in version 3 browsers. The applets will
function in version 4 browsers or better. In the case of Macintosh the Apple MRJ should be installed.
Does the product work with all BMP types?
No. Only 8-bit and 24-bit BMP images, which are the most common, will work with the product. 24-bit images compress best
but 8-bit images can benefit.
And I can zoom?
The option exists to zoom as well as pan the image with the mouse. This might be most useful if you are displaying
somthing like an oil painting where the viewer may be very interested in the detail. The underlying BMP image could
provide the highest possible level of detail whereas a JPEG might quickly blur.
Is it free?
BMPsqueezer is free to use with no restrictions on redistribution.
A Note for Windows users
You will need to install the Java 2 runtime in order to create applets.