4 Ways to Convert Photos to JPEG or Other File and Image Extensions

There are several types of image and photo file extensions. The format determines which software it can be opened and edited in, according to the letters after the “.” at the end of the filename. Most users who work with images will need, at some point, to convert them to a new format, that is, it is always important to know how to perform this procedure. The extension “.jpg” (which is the same as “.jpg”) is one of the most common and sought after by users.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Using the Standard Image Editing Program

Step 1. Open the image

Most of the time, the simplest solution to perform image file conversions is to use the program that comes with the operating system. On Windows, you can use "Paint", and on Mac, "Preview".

• Note that “.jpg” and “.jpg” are different names for the same format. Look for them when opening files in editing programs.
• Several other programs will work for this. Just open the image in the app you like the most; if unsure, double click to check the default option on your PC.

Step 2. Select "File" from the home menu

A drop-down menu should display options for the image file.

Step 3. Save or export it

The format change will happen at the same time you save a new version of the file; this is useful as the original item will be kept in case something goes wrong with the formatting causing you to discard the new file. Select “Save As” or “Export” (on Mac) to proceed.

In some versions, it may be necessary to make a copy (just copy and paste under a different name, if in the same folder) and then save the “duplicate” in a new format

Step 4. Rename and reformat the image

A window will appear for you to change the file name as well as its extension and format. Within the drop-down menu (which should be named “Format” or “Save As Type”), about 12 options should be displayed, with “.jpg” (or “.jpg”) between them.

• Change the filename or its location (the "Desktop" for easy access, for example) if you wish;
• When the desired extension does not appear in the drop-down menu, try using other editing software (such as Photoshop) or use another method.

Step 5. Save the file

After determining the name, extension and location of the image, click “Save” to effectively convert it to the new format while keeping the copy of the original.

Some programs like “Preview” also support bulk file conversions. Just highlight the items that need to be processed and right-click to check the options

Method 2 of 4: Using Image Conversion Programs

Step 1. Find the right software

When converting most common files, standard editors will be able to carry out the procedure without any problems. Otherwise, search for the app that might suit you; try searching a search engine (“extensionA to extensionB”) with the formats in question.

Various online converters will be displayed in the results when searching for “doc to pdf” or -j.webp" />

Step 2. Upload the images

The vast majority of online converters do not charge and do not require another program to be downloaded; look for the option “Upload” or “Upload” and click on it. Select the image you want to convert.

Step 3. Follow the instructions

Some sites will ask for your email, sending the converted file to you after the process is complete, while others will perform the process after a few seconds, allowing the user to download it directly.

Beware of sites that require payment or private details to convert files. Keep in mind that there are many legitimate and free online converters that do not ask for more than your email in most cases

Method 3 of 4: Converting Images on Mobile Devices

Step 1. Search for converting apps

Some options should appear on the Google Play Store (Android) and the App Store (iOS); read user reviews before downloading the program, both to assess the overall quality of the program and to ensure that the desired formats can be converted with this application.

Step 2. Download the image conversion app

After choosing one of them, download it to your mobile device, as well as the image file you want to convert (if you haven't already done so) and note which folder it's saved in. Some programs will be able to automatically detect all the items they support, while others will ask the user to search for the image.

Step 3. Convert the file

After downloading the app to your smartphone or tablet, just open the program and follow the instructions.

Method 4 of 4: Manually Changing the File Extension

Step 1. Find the file on your computer

Another option is to manually change the image extension (deleting the original and inserting one in its place). It's a good idea if the current format isn't letting you access its content, like when you get an error message when trying to open it by double-clicking on it, for example.

• The computer uses extensions as a shortcut to understand which program should start when you try to open a file. Be very careful when changing extensions manually and always back up the image before trying this method.
• This technique can also decrease image quality. It is preferable that you use image editing software and choose “Save As”.

Step 2. Enable viewing of file extensions

Extensions (the letters after the period in the item name) may sometimes be hidden in the current system view setting. On Windows, you need to modify the “View” tab in Windows Explorer. In the “Show/Hide” section on the right, there will be the option “Show file extensions”; mark it. On the Mac, look for the "Advanced Finder Preferences" menu so they appear.

To learn more about file extensions and how to enable and disable displaying them, read this article

Step 3. Rename the file

Right click on the image and choose “rename”, deleting the old extension and adding a new one.

For example: if the image name is “myphoto.png”, change it to “myphoto.jpg”. The computer will interpret that the format of such file is now “.jpg”

Tips

• File extensions are case sensitive, but are normally left in lower case.
• .jpg” and “.jpg” are the same and can be used interchangeably on newer operating systems. The difference only occurs in the old ones, which only allowed extensions with three letters.

Notices