Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

On your computer, an image file will have many different extensions (also known as file extensions). The file format determines the software you use to open or edit the file, and the file extension (the part after the ".") Determines the image format. When working with images, sometimes it is necessary to convert files to a new format, so it is essential to learn some approaches to this! JPEG (similar to the JPG format) is a popular photo extension you'll probably want to use.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Use default photo editing software

1. 

   Open the image file. When you need to convert an image file to another format, the easiest way is to use the operating system's default image editing software. On Windows use "Paint" and on Mac use "Preview".
   • Note that JPG and JPEG are two different names for the same file extension. You can choose one of these 2 names in the drop-down menu of the software.
   • It is possible to use some other program - open the image in the software you use often, if you are unsure, try double-clicking to check the default options on your computer.

2. 

   
   
   Select "File" at the top of the menu. You will see a drop-down menu corresponding to your file selection.

3. 

   
   
   Save or Export the image file. When you save the new version of the file, the format is changed. This is useful because you can save the original file in case something goes wrong. You will need to select "Save As" or "Export" (on the Mac) to continue the process.
   • On some versions of software, you need to "Copy" (make a copy) of a file first and then "Save" the copy in a new format.

4. 

   
   
   Rename and reformat the file. A new window appears allowing you to adjust the file name and the extension / format. In the "Format" or "Save as Type" drop-down menu, you'll see about 12 options, including ".jpeg" (also known as ".webp").
   • Rename the file or the file location if desired, you can save the file, for example, on the desktop for easy access.
   • If the extension you want to convert is not in the drop-down menu, try using another editing software (Photoshop, for example) or try a different method.

5. 

   Save the file. After deciding on the file name, extension and location on your computer, click "Save". This is the action of converting the file to the new format while saving the original.
   • The software "Preview" (and others) can convert multiple files - just highlight the file you want to convert and right click to see the options.
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Method 2 of 4: Use software to change image format

1. 

   Find the right software. The default photo editing software can do most of the basic format changes. If you can't, search the internet for software to help you do this. Find the keyword "extension A to extension B" and change the specific file format to the search query.
   • For example, searching for the keyword "doc to pdf" or "jpg to gif" will bring up a number of free online converters.

2. 

   Upload your photo. Most conversion services are free of charge and download to your device. Find a service that allows you to upload photos to convert.

3. 

   Follow the instructions. Sometimes the conversion page will ask you to enter an email to send the file after converting to that location. If not, you can wait a while and then download the file directly.
   • Be wary of websites that charge you for fees or personal information to convert files - remember that there are many free services where you don't need to give out too much information except an email address.
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Method 3 of 4: Convert photo format on phone

1. 

   Application study of image format conversion. You will find a few apps on both the Android and the iOS app store. Be sure to read through the comments before downloading, both for evaluating the overall quality and ensuring your images are secure.

2. 

   Download an image conversion app. Once selected, download the application to your device. It is recommended that you download the image file (if it has not already been downloaded) and remember where it is stored on the device. Some apps can automatically detect the photo while others require you to locate the photo yourself.

3. 

   Convert images. Once downloaded to your mobile device, you just need to open the app and follow the instructions to simply convert the image format. advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Manually change the file extensions

1. 

   Find the file. For image files, you can change the format by renaming the file (for example delete the original extension and type something else instead). This is a great idea if the current format prevents you from accessing the file contents (an "invalid file format" error message appears.
   • Computers use file extensions as an abbreviation to understand what software you must use to open files. Be careful when changing file extensions yourself, and always back up before doing anything.
   • This method can reduce image quality. You should use photo editing software.

2. 

   Make file extensions visible. Depending on your settings, the file extension display (3 letters after the dot in the filename) may not appear in normal file display. On Windows, you will need to adjust the "View" tab under "Folder options". It's under the "Appearance and Personalization settings" section. On the Mac, look for "Advanced Finder Preferences" to bring up the file extensions.
   • For more detailed information about the file extension and how it is displayed, you can refer to the article Changing the file extension.

3. 

   Rename the file. Right-click on the image and select "rename". Remove the old extension and replace it with a new one.
   • For example, if the file name is "myimage.png" you could rename it to "myimage.webp", now your computer will treat it as a ".webp" format file.
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Advice

• File extensions are not case sensitive, although it is a general convention to write them in lower case.
• .webp and.jpeg are the same format that can be used interchangeably on modern operating systems. The difference comes from the convention on some operating systems that allow only 3-character extensions.

Warning

• DO NOT overwrite the original image - always back up the image before manipulation or choose "save as" a new file to make a copy.

What you need

• Image file for converting format
• Computer
• Photo editing software (Paint, Preview, Photoshop, etc.)