This open-source file converter helps far more codecs than you suppose

When you consider file converters, chances are high you image clunky software program or web sites with dated interfaces, restricted format assist, and nagging upsells that make you marvel if it’s even well worth the hassle. Most individuals solely use one after they’re determined, after which overlook about it till the following disaster.

But each every so often, a device comes alongside that surpasses that expectation. File Converter, an open-source venture by GitHub consumer Tichau, is a type of uncommon finds. It’s light-weight and refreshingly easy to make use of. It takes a distinct method from VERT.sh, the browser-based converter I covered recently, providing a desktop expertise that feels easy with out shedding flexibility.

Download: File Converter (Windows)

Does file conversions with no frills

File Converter is a free, open-source device for Windows (7, 8, 10, 11) launched underneath the GPL v3 license, that means its supply code is publicly obtainable. The software program’s guiding philosophy is to make file conversion and compression as straightforward as doable.

Because File Converter integrates straight into Windows Explorer, you don’t have to open a separate app to alter a file format. Once put in, you merely right-click a file (or a number of information), select File Converter, and choose one of many presets — whether or not that’s changing a video to MP4 or turning a picture into PNG or WebP. The conversion occurs instantly, and the brand new file reveals up in the identical folder as the unique.

On Windows 10, you’ll see File Converter straight within the context menu. On Windows 11, nevertheless, Microsoft hides most useful menus and third-party extensions behind the Show extra choices entry, so that you’ll want one further click on to disclose them. If you like the outdated habits, you may restore the classic context menu with a registry tweak, or just maintain Shift whereas right-clicking to open it and entry File Converter instantly.

The tight Explorer integration means it really works wherever Windows can attain your information — native drives, exterior storage, and even community shares.

File Converter can deal with so many codecs

More codecs than you’d guess

One of File Converter’s strongest promoting factors is the variety of codecs it helps (for each enter and output) throughout audio, video, pictures, and paperwork. You would possibly assume it handles solely widespread varieties like MP3, JPG, or PDF, however the official documentation reveals a way more in depth record.

The screenshot above reveals the supported output codecs, alongside the suitable enter codecs for every class.

“doc*” and related denote widespread Office / OpenOffice extensions (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, ODT, ODS, and so on.). Also, to transform Office doc codecs, Microsoft Office should be put in and activated in your system. Thankfully, there are legitimate ways to snag an Office license without paying a dime.

Presets that suit your workflow

Set it as soon as, save clicks perpetually

File Converter goals to remain easy, however would not restrict you in order for you extra management. If the built-in presets for widespread conversion duties aren’t sufficient for you, it’s also possible to create your individual by including, eradicating, or enhancing presets.

Other settings choices embrace adjusting output high quality, altering video encoding pace, scaling, setting file title templates, limiting simultaneous conversions, and selecting the place the output goes. It additionally enables you to determine what occurs to the unique file afterward — whether or not which means transferring, deleting, or archiving it.

You can entry these settings by the File Converter Settings app from the Start menu, or by selecting Configure presets on the backside of the File Converter menu. Presets can be reordered (by dragging) in order that the codecs you employ most frequently seem on the prime. This helps you save time by avoiding scrolling by the submenu every time you run a conversion.

The trade-offs try to be conscious of

Good, however not with out its quirks

File Converter is highly effective, however there are a couple of caveats price noting. The device doesn’t supply an official moveable model, so set up is required. This is essentially as a result of the Explorer context menu integration depends upon system elements.

Support for some codecs and newer codecs can be restricted. It covers most generally used ones, however for those who work with latest or area of interest codecs similar to specialised HEVC variants, unique RAW information, or sure proprietary codecs, chances are you’ll run into gaps. For instance, I seen that outputting to HEVC (H.265) shouldn’t be obtainable.

Finally, there could be trade-offs in high quality. This is particularly true when changing pictures or when creating PDFs from pictures. Some adjustments in dimension, sharpness, or element could happen, and the standard of transformed PDFs could not match what you’d anticipate from software program constructed particularly for desktop publishing or PDF structure.

File converter deserves a spot in your Windows PC

File Converter is constructed to remain out of the best way. The interface is minimal and offers you simply sufficient management with out burying you underneath pointless choices. For on a regular basis duties, you’ll hardly ever want to the touch the settings.

Thanks to neighborhood contributions, the software program helps 20 languages as of the time of writing. The installer can be light-weight, being comparatively small in comparison with most media instruments. Behind the scenes, it depends on well-known open-source engines similar to FFmpeg for audio and video, ImageMagick for pictures, and Ghostscript for PDF and doc dealing with.