Open and edit BMPR files
Preview your Balsamiq project first. When you are ready to edit, convert a copy into a .wiremagic project.
Preview a BMPR file
- Install WireMagic from Download WireMagic. Local BMPR preview is free and needs no account or credit card.
- Open the .bmpr file from WireMagic, or double-click it in your file manager.
- Browse the pages in the read-only preview and compare important screens with the original. Preview and conversion do not modify the original .bmpr file.
Read the import report
The report lists recovered pages, controls, resources, Symbols and Alternates, with warnings for anything that could not be mapped cleanly.
| Report entry | What to check |
|---|---|
| Pages | Pages in their original order and the control count for each, including pages in the Balsamiq trash. |
| Controls | The total across pages and Alternate versions. |
| Symbols | Definitions and instances, including any that required a fallback. |
| Alternates | Alternate versions for each page, carried into the preview. |
| Assets | Images and other resources recovered from the project. |
| Unsupported types | Unmapped control types, listed by name and count so you can review them. |
Convert to an editable project
With Classic, Plus or Pro, convert the preview and save a separate .wiremagic file. You can then edit the controls and continue your work. AI requires a plan that includes AI; see Compare plans.
Compatibility notes
- You can preview any number of BMPR files for free. Editing a converted project requires a plan that includes BMPR conversion.
- Content, structure and layout are carried over where supported. Fonts, icons, line weights and complex layouts may look different. Check the import report and compare important pages.
About the migration example
The See the migration example is a three-page account-settings test project, not a customer case study. It was checked on macOS with Balsamiq 4.8.6 and WireMagic 1.0.2 on September 20, 2026.
Some imported sidebar labels are clipped. Font availability and unsupported controls can also affect your files.
In a separate copy, we ungrouped the outer page group, changed “Team members” to “Team directory”, and set the description to “Manage the people in your workspace.” We saved it, opened another project, then reopened the saved copy. All three pages and both edits remained. Sample notes and steps.
Still need help? Write to [email protected] with your app version and what you were trying to do. Do not send passwords or payment details.