Digital images come in many different formats. The image format determines the program that should be used to open and edit the image. You can tell the format of an image file by looking at the file extension, which is 3 letters after the "." at the end of the filename. Sometimes, when working with digital images, you need to convert the image to another format, for example to the commonly used JPEG-j.webp
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Method 1 of 4: Using a Default Image Editing Program
Step 1. Open the image you want to convert
Generally, the easiest way to convert an image format is to use the operating system's built-in image editing program. On Windows, you can use Paint. Meanwhile, on Mac, you can use Preview.
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- You can also use your favorite image editing program to convert images. If you don't know what program to use, try double-clicking the file for the computer's default options.
Step 2. On the top menu of the program, click File to display the file options
Step 3. Click Save as (Windows) or Export (Mac) to continue the conversion process
The format change will occur when you save a new version of the file. In this way, the original file will remain intact and can be used in case of problems during the conversion process.
In some versions of the program, you may need to select the Duplicate option to make a copy of the image, and then save the duplicated image to a new format
Step 4. Rename and change image format
You will see a window for naming and selecting a file format. On the Format or Save as Type menu, select one of the available options, such as ".jpg" (or ".jpg").
- Change the file name or storage location if desired. For example, you can save the converted image on your desktop for easier access.
- If you can't convert the image to the format you want, try another image editing program, such as Photoshop. You can also continue reading this article to find other ways to convert images.
Step 5. After naming the file and selecting a location to save the file on your computer, click Save
The program will create a new copy of the image in the format you want.
You can also convert multiple image files at once with a program like Preview. Select the file you want to convert, then right-click the file to find the conversion options
Method 2 of 4: Using an Image Conversion Program
Step 1. Find a suitable conversion program
While in most cases you can convert images with a built-in image editing program, sometimes you may need to search the internet for an image conversion program. Enter the keyword "(source extension) to (destination extension) converter" in a search engine to find the program.
For example, when you search for "doc to pdf converter" or JPG
Step 2. Upload the image you want to convert
Most image conversion services you can use for free, without the need to download a program. Once you've found a suitable conversion service, find the option to upload the file.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen guide
Sometimes, an image conversion service will email the conversion results to you. Enter an email address if prompted. However, you will generally be able to download the converted file after waiting a while.
Be careful if the conversion service site asks for excessive personal data or payment before the conversion process starts. On the internet, there are many conversion services that you can use for free. Avoid entering personal information outside of an email address or paying to use a conversion service
Method 3 of 4: Converting Images with Phone
Step 1. Look for an image conversion app on your phone
If you're using Android and iOS, you can find some conversion apps on the Play Store or App Store. Read app reviews before downloading to ensure the quality and features of the app meet your needs.
Step 2. Download the image conversion app of your choice, and prepare the image you want to convert in an easy-to-reach location
Some apps can detect images that are on your device, while some require you to choose where to save images yourself.
Step 3. After the download process is complete, open the application to perform the image conversion process
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Method 4 of 4: Changing File Extensions Manually
Step 1. Find the file you want to convert
You can change the format of some types of images by simply changing the extension (that is, remove the original extension and type in a new one). Try this step if you receive an Invalid file format error message when trying to access the image file.
- File extensions are used by computers as bookmarks. These markers specify the software that will be used to open the file. Therefore, be careful when changing file extensions, and make sure you have backed up files before proceeding.
- This step may reduce image quality. Therefore, it is recommended that you use the first method in this article.
Step 2. Display the file extension (which is three characters after the period) if it doesn't appear in the file manager window
In Windows, click Appearance & Personalization Settings > Folder Options > View, then clear the check box on Hide Extensions for Known File Types. Meanwhile, if you are using a Mac, click on Advanced Finder Preferences.
Read the following guide to find out how to change the file extension
Step 3. Right-click the file you want to convert, then click Rename
Replace the old file extension with the one you want.
