[Q] Which is the best Format for the Bitmaps Ressources ?

Hello all,

i am working with a designer on a new watch face for the fenix3 and want to insert some graphics ( draw bitmaps functionality).

Unfortunately, I find no information about the graphics in the documentation, but maybe you have some best practices tips regading the following questions for me.
  • What is the best Graphic Format (PNG,JPG...) to insert images?
  • Which resolution should we use for the images? (low bit-depth images ?)
  • Is there a color Limit regarding the generating of Bitmaps for the fenix3? (I think 64 colors?)
  • For what is the unique plaette needed?


I think everything stand in the user experience guide, but at the moment i am a bit lost :-)

Thanks for your support.
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    What is the best Graphic Format (PNG,JPG...) to insert images?


    Both PNG and JPG will work. The images are compiled into a format that the device can use so the initial format doesn't matter as much (there's no dynamic scaling of the image).

    Which resolution should we use for the images? (low bit-depth images ?)


    Flatter images will look better. A lower bit depth is a good idea as the image will be converted down to a 4 bit image on the fenix 3.

    Is there a color Limit regarding the generating of Bitmaps for the fenix3? (I think 64 colors?)


    There's no limit to the number of colors you can use. The fenix 3 has 16 colors (15 + transparency) which you can find in the devices.xml file in the bin folder of the SDK or the User Experience Guide (I think the purple on the fenix 3 is slightly different than the other devices). You can use colors other than those defined in you image but the compiler will simply map them to the closest supported color.

    For what is the unique plaette needed?


    You can restrict the compiler to use a specific set of colors when compiling your image. This will save memory (3 colors + transparency only requires 2 bits per pixel). It may also make your images dither better if you want to prevent certain colors from being used while dithering. You can also disable dithering so each pixel gets mapped to it's closest matching color.
  • Thank you! The hint with the device.xml was a good tip :)