How to Convert Video, Audio and Images

One of the best parts of the Internet is the constant flow of information. Movies, audio and images can all change form in the blink of an eye to allow anyone with a computer to properly view new media. Converting video, audio, and images is easy with the proper tools for the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Figure out what type of file you have. Any files located on your computer have a file extension, which usually appears after the period in the file name. For instance, Microsoft Word documents have the file extension name “.doc,” while Powerpoint files have the extension “.ppt.”
2. Determine whether or not you can open the file on your computer. If double clicking on the file name causes a dialogue box to show up on your screen, chances are you don’t have the correct software on your computer to view the file.
3. Find out what type of software you need to convert your file. For easy conversions like “.jpeg” into a “.bmp” (bitmap), or even “.mp3” files into “.wav,” you probably have the program necessary to convert your files already on your computer. For more specialized file types like “.m4p” (iTunes music files) or “.psd” (Photoshop files) you will need those specific programs or you must find software specially designed to convert those file types.
4. Consider an online converter. For non-specialized files that are viewable on a large number of platforms such as image files from the internet, music files from your own collection, and files from the Microsoft Office Suite, file conversion is free and easy for files under 100 megabytes. Simply upload to an online conversion site like mediaconverter.org or zamzar.com, and choose the type of file you want your file converted into.
5. Buy a program that will convert your file if the file is larger than 100 megabytes or if it is highly specialized. Online converters generally won’t convert “.m4p” files or “.psd” files or other file types in this vein. Either purchase a program that is specially designed to read, edit, and export your file type, or find a freeware program that can do the same thing.
6. Save or export the file. Once you have the program you need, either do a “save as” and choose the file type from a drop down menu, or find the export option on your video, audio, or image editing software and export into the type of file you need.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot figure out what type of file you are converting, type the file extension into your search engine browser. Online file extension libraries can help you to find what type of file you have, and what program you will need for your specific project.
• If the file extension does not appear in the file name, right click or ctrl click to find the file information.

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