How to Convert Any File to Any Format

Convert Any File to Any Format: Do you have a file or files on your computer that you can’t open? Do you want to improve the quality of a file, like a picture file? If so, you need to change the type or extension of the file. The file extensions help the operating system figure out which apps go with which types of files.

This means that when you double-click a file, the operating system opens it with a certain program based on the file’s extension. But sometimes we want to open a file that our operating system doesn’t know how to handle. When this happens, you need a file converter to change file formats.

How to Convert Any File to Any Format

Check your applications

Most of the time, the program you used to make the file will also let you save it as something else. If you’re looking at a document in Google Docs, for example, you can click File and Download to see a list of formats to which you can convert the page. There are Microsoft Word, PDF, and plain text files among these. Both Microsoft Word and Apple’s Pages have a similar range of file types.

The same goes for programs that let you change pictures. Most of these apps let you save your photos as different file types, so you can choose the one that works best for you. On macOS, you can use File and Export to export an image from Photos. You can choose from the JPEG, PNG, or TIFF formats.

For converting video

You can’t go wrong with the free programs Handbrake and VLC if you want to change videos. Handbrake is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can change video files from almost any format into any other popular video format. It’s easy to use, and you can even choose from standard pre-set modes to, for example, make sure the videos you’re converting work best on an iPhone X. When you know how to use the software better, you can dig deeper into the settings for the codecs, which are the exact rules for how video files are saved. HandBrake can also rip videos from DVDs and convert them with subtitles and chapter markers.

For converting audio

The free fre:ac program works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it supports many different formats, from FLAC to MP3. You’ll also get a number of options that let you change the sound quality. Use the Add audio files button in the upper left corner to add your tracks. Then, choose your output format from the General settings section of the Options menu. Choose Options and Configure selected encoder to set the output options in more detail. Once you are happy with the settings, click the green play button on the toolbar to start the conversion (encoding) process.

Another good choice is the Free Audio Converter from Freemake, which is easy to use and only works on Windows. With this program, all you have to do is drag your audio into the program window and choose your output format from the list at the bottom. It can play audio files in common formats like MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, and FLAC.

For converting documents

Because the format of a document can be tricky, you should always try to use the program that came with it to open it and change it to something else. If you don’t have the right software, you might want to use a web app instead. Basic versions of both Microsoft Office and Apple iWork are available online and can be used for free from any browser.

If you still need a dedicated tool, we like the free (for Windows and macOS) Doxillion Document Converter Software. It works with common document formats like Word, HTML, PDF, and more. And it is easy to use because everything is done on a single screen. Hit the “Add Files” button to make a list of files, and then use the “Output” pane below to choose how you want them to be sent.

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