From personal experience: how to change the file format

Sooner or later all users have a question how to change the file format. In what cases this may be necessary? First, sometimes the size of a file is of great importance, and it can be different in different formats. If you need to increase or decrease the file, you will have to change the format. Secondly, it's not a secret for anyone that certain devices can only play files of certain formats. Phone does not read the video? Change the format of the video! And there can be a lot of such reasons.

For my part, I'll try to prove to the readers that changing the format of the file is quite simple and can be done by anyone, even the most inexperienced user.

I decided to divide my article into two main parts for convenience. In the first, I'll tell you what exactly is meant by the concept of format, and in the second, it will go directly on how to change the format.

Part 1. What is the file format?

First of all, I note that the file format implies a certain specification of the structure of the data recorded in the computer file. As a rule, the format is specified in the name of the file itself as an independent part, separated from the name by a dot.

Sometimes, among not very experienced users, you can hear a bold statement that the file format and its extension are concepts that are quite synonymous. This is a huge mistake!

I will give examples. Files with the extension ".txt", as a rule, contain some textual (and only text) information. ".doc" files also include text data, but they are already properly structured and meet the standards and requirements of Microsoft Word. So, both ".txt" and ".doc" have data of the same format, and therefore they are often called files belonging to the same type. And their expansions, as you see, differ.

Part 2. How to change the file format?

First of all, of course, it is recommended to determine the required format. Already decided? 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 the 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, create a new name for the file and save it again.

Variant 2. We use various converting programs.

To change the audio, video or graphic file, special programs have been created, called converters. The most common applications of such a plan are ZuneConverter, SuperC, FormatFactory and many others. Following the prompts, install one of the applications on the computer, select the desired file and specify the required format. The program easily converts your file in seconds.

Option 3. How can I change the file format by using online resources?

This item is used in the event that there are problems with installing converter applications.

I suggest the following ways out of the situation.

It happens that it is simply impossible to install the necessary program on a computer or any other device. How can I change the file format in this case? Easy! Ask for help with online converters 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, load in the offered field the file. 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 beforehand. Choose the format, click the button "Convert". The file will be changed in seconds.