To convert a file into a different format in Windows, the steps you must take depend on what type of file conversion you’re trying to accomplish. Here are instructions for common file conversions in Windows.
1. Convert Plain Text Files:
If you want to convert a plain text file from one format to another—say, from text (.txt) to rich text format (.rtf) or HTML—you don’t need any additional software. In Windows, right-click the file, select “Open With,” and choose the desired program. When you save your file, you can select the desired output format.
2. Convert Image Files:
If you want to convert an image file, such as a JPEG, to a different format, like PNG, you’ll need a third-party image editor. While there are various image editors that you can download, IrfanView is a popular free option for Windows users. To open the file in IrfanView, left-click the file, select “Open With,” and select IrfanView from the list. Then, click “File” followed by “Save As” to change the file’s format.
3. Convert Audio Files:
If you want to convert an audio file from one format to another—like from an MP3 to a WAV or from an AAC to an MP3—you’ll need a third-party audio converter. iTunes is a popular free program for Windows users that both plays and converts audio files. To convert an audio file, open iTunes, click “File,” select “Add File to Library,” and select the file you wish to convert. Then, click “File,” select “Convert,” and choose the desired output format.
4. Convert Video Files:
If you need to convert a video file, such as a QuickTime MOV to an AVI or WMV, you’ll also need a third-party video converter. The easiest way to convert video files is with VLC Media Player, a free, open-source media player. To convert a video file in VLC, open the program, click “Media,” select “Convert/Save,” select the file you want to convert, select “Convert/Save” again, choose the output format, and click “Start.”
Whether you’re trying to convert a plain text file, an image file, an audio file, or a video file, understanding how to convert files in Windows can save you a lot of time and hassle. With these instructions, you’re now equipped to convert virtually any type of file in Windows.