Sooner or later, all users have a question, how to change the file format. In what cases may this be necessary? Firstly, sometimes the size of a file is of great importance, and it can be different in different formats. If you need to enlarge or reduce the file, you will have to change the format. Secondly, it’s no secret to anyone that certain devices can only play files in certain formats. Does the phone not read the video? Change the format of the video! And there can be a huge number of similar reasons.
For my part, I will try to prove to readers that changing the file format is not difficult at all and even for the most inexperienced user.
For convenience, I decided to divide my article into two main parts. In the first I will talk about what exactly should be understood by the concept of format, and in the second we will talk directly about how to change the format.
Part 1. What is a file format?
First of all, I note that file format means a specific specification of the structure of data recorded in a computer file. As a rule, the format is indicated in the name of the file itself as an independent part, separated by a dot from the name.
Sometimes among not very experienced users you can hear a bold statement that the file format and its extension are quite synonymous concepts. This is a huge mistake!
I will give examples. Files with the extension “.txt”, as a rule, contain some textual (and only textual) information. “.Doc” files also include text data, but they are already properly structured and comply with Microsoft Word standards and requirements. So, both “.txt” and “.doc” have data of the same format, and therefore they are often called files of the same type. And their extensions, as you can see, vary.
Part 2. How to change the file format?
First of all, of course, it is recommended to decide on the necessary format. Have you decided yet? Then I bring to your attention three ways to solve this problem.
Option 1. Change the file format manually.
This method is considered the simplest, but, unfortunately, does not always work. Formally, in order to get a file in a new format, you need to change its extension. How to do it? Right-click on the file itself, select “Rename”. In the menu that opens, find the required format, come up with a new name for the file and save it again.
Option 2. We use various converting programs.
To modify the audio, video, or image file, special programs called converters were created. The most common applications of this plan are ZuneConverter, SuperC, FormatFactory and many others. Following the prompts, install one of the applications on the computer, select the required file and specify the required format. The program easily and in seconds converts your file.
Option 3. How to change the file format by using online resources?
This item applies if there are problems with the installation of converter applications.
I propose the following ways out of the situation.
It so happens that it is simply impossible to install the necessary program on a computer or any other device. How to change the file format in this case? Easy! Call online converters for help on the Internet. As a rule, I use the services of the sites www.zamzar.com. or www.youconvertit.com. Having visited the necessary page, upload your file to the proposed field. The system itself will offer you the formats available for conversion on this resource. It remains to choose one that will meet all the requirements set in advance. Select a format, click the "Convert" button. The file will be changed in seconds.