How to Convert UTF-8 to ANSI

UTF-8 is a format used by older transmission media that can store special characters including Middle Eastern and Asian language symbols. However, text files saved in this format consume more space even if these symbols are not used. The ANSI format processes English characters faster and require less space. Converting existing UTF-8 text files to ANSI formats will reduce file size without affecting the document as long as any Unicode characters are not present.

Instructions

1. Load Windows Notepad by clicking the Start Menu and going to “Run.” Type “notepad” and press the “Enter” key. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, type “notepad” in the search bar found in the Start Menu.

2. Locate the UTF-8 formatted file using Windows Explorer. Drag it to the Notepad window you just opened.

3. Click the “File” menu and click the “Save As…” item. Click on the combo box labeled “Encoding” and select “ANSI.” Give the text file a name by typing the name in the “File name” text box and click the “Save” button.

Tips & Warnings

• Notepad will display a warning if you try to convert a text file containing UTF-8 characters to ANSI. Consider this warning because Notepad will permanently remove these characters once the ANSI conversion completes. To avoid this, either make a copy of the UTF-8 file or choose a different file name than the UTF-8 version when saving so the file is not overwritten.

References

• Microsoft: Using different language formats in Notepad
• Sun Developer Network (SDN): What Is UTF-8 And Why Is It Important?
• Moodle: Converting files to UTF-8

Resources

• Unicode Consortium: Homepage