---
name: "SDL_HINT_BMP_SAVE_LEGACY_FORMAT"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libsdl3-doc"
version: "3.2.10+ds-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/SDL_HINT_BMP_SAVE_LEGACY_FORMAT"
---

# SDL\_HINT\_BMP\_SAVE\_LEGACY\_FORMAT(3)

Prevent SDL from using version 4 of the bitmap header when saving BMPs.

## NAME

SDL\_HINT\_BMP\_SAVE\_LEGACY\_FORMAT - Prevent SDL from using version 4 of the bitmap header when saving BMPs.

## HEADER FILE

Defined in SDL3/SDL\_hints.h

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include "SDL3/SDL.h"
```

**#define SDL\_HINT\_BMP\_SAVE\_LEGACY\_FORMAT** *SDL\_BMP\_SAVE\_LEGACY\_FORMAT"*

## DESCRIPTION

The bitmap header version 4 is required for proper alpha channel support and SDL will use it when required. Should this not be desired, this hint can force the use of the 40 byte header version which is supported everywhere.

The variable can be set to the following values:

• "0": Surfaces with a colorkey or an alpha channel are saved to a 32-bit\
   BMP file with an alpha mask. SDL will use the bitmap header version 4 and\
   set the alpha mask accordingly. (default)

• "1": Surfaces with a colorkey or an alpha channel are saved to a 32-bit\
   BMP file without an alpha mask. The alpha channel data will be in the\
   file, but applications are going to ignore it.

This hint can be set anytime.

## AVAILABILITY

This hint is available since SDL 3.2.0.