What are the top 5 cost-free video converters in 2019? Here we collect some useful tips and list top free video converter software, and also find out the best video converter free for all levels (from beginner to expert).
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An image converter is a kind of file converter that converts one image file format (like a JPG, BMP, TIF, etc.) into another. If you're unable to use a photo, graphic, or any kind of image file the way you'd like because the format isn't supported, image converter software can help.
Below is a list of the best, completely free image converter software programs. Some are even online services, meaning you can use them to convert pictures online without needing to download the program.
Every image converter program listed below is freeware. We have not included trialware or shareware image converters.
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XnConvert
What We Like
- Converts between lots of image file formats.
- Can convert multiple images at once.
- Lots of advanced settings you can customize.
- Converts images on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Portable option is available.
What We Don't Like
- Might be too advanced if all you need is a simple image converter.
- The software must be downloaded to your computer before you can use it.
XnConvert is the Swiss Army knife of image converters. With XnView, you can convert any of around 500 image formats to your choice of around 80 others. If you have a rare image format that you can't open, XnView can probably convert it.
XnView also supports batch conversion, folder imports, filters, resizing, and several other advanced options.
Input Formats: BMP, EMF, GIF, ICO, JPG, PCX, PDF, PNG, PSD, RAW, TIF, and many more
Output Formats: BMP, EMF, GIF, ICO, JPG, PCX, PDF, PNG, PSD, RAW, TIF, and many more
You can see the complete list of supported formats here: XnConvert Formats.
The publisher of XnConvert also has a free command line based, dedicated image converter called NConvert, but XnConvert is much easier to use.
XnConvert should work with Windows 10 down through Windows 2000, as well as with Mac and Linux operating systems. There's even a portable option for Windows on the download page, available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
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CoolUtils Online Image Converter
What We Like
- Runs online, so you don't have to download the converter tool.
- Lets you convert an image from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
- You can resize and rotate the image before converting it.
- Lets you download the image right away from the web page.
What We Don't Like
- Can convert only one image at once.
- You have to upload the image to the website.
- Converted images are only usable after you download them to your computer.
- A converted image can't be saved back to Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Doesn't show a preview of the image (useful if you're rotating it).
The CoolUtils Online Image Converter is just that—an image converter that exists completely online, no download required.
Unlike some online image converters, the CoolUtils service does the image converting for you in real time—no waiting on an email link.
Output Formats: BMP, GIF, ICO, JPEG, PDF, PNG, and TIFF
I'm assuming there's a file size limit on the original file you upload but I couldn't confirm one. I uploaded and converted a 17 MB TIFF file to a JPEG without a problem.
One thing I like about CoolUtils is that it lets you rotate and resize an image before you convert it.
Since CoolUtils works through a web browser, you can use it with nearly any operating system, like with Windows, Linux, and Mac.
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Zamzar
What We Like
- Supports bulk conversions.
- Works online, so you don't need to install anything.
- Images can be as big as 150 MB.
- One of the easier-to-use image converters.
What We Don't Like
- Requires that you upload the files online.
- Converts a maximum of five images per session.
- Images are downloaded individually (even if you convert more than one).
Zamzar is an online image converter service that supports most common photo and graphic formats and even a few CAD formats. You can download the converted file from an email or wait on the download page for the links.
Input Formats: 3FR, AI, ARW, BMP, CR2, CRW, CDR, DCR, DNG, DWG, DXF, EMF, ERF, GIF, JPG, MDI, MEF, MRW, NEF, ODG, ORF, PCX, PEF, PNG, PPM, PSD, RAF, RAW, SR2, SVG, TGA, TIFF, WBMP, WMF, X3F, and XCF
Output Formats: AI, BMP, EPS, GIF, ICO, JPG, PDF, PS, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF, and WBMP
I've repeatedly tested Zamzar and have found the conversion time is much faster than FileZigZag (below), but since you can't download multiple files at once or upload more than just a few, you might try an actual software program if you need something more robust.
You can use Zamzar to convert not just images but also documents, audio, video, eBooks, and more. See all the formats supported by Zamzar.
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Adapter
What We Like
- Very minimal and easy-to-use interface.
- Conversions are available instantly.
- You don't have to upload the images anywhere.
- Supports bulk conversions.
- Works on Windows and macOS.
- Installs quickly.
What We Don't Like
- Requires that you download the software to your computer.
- Supports a minimal number of image file formats.
- If converting more than one image simultaneously, all of them have to be converted to the same format.
Adapter is an intuitive image converter program that supports popular file formats and plenty of nice features.
In its simplest form, Adapter lets you drag and drop images into the queue, and quickly choose the output format. You can clearly see the size of the image files before and after they'll be converted.
Adapter also has advanced options if you want to use them, such as custom file names and output directories, resolution and quality changes, and text/image overlays.
Output Formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and GIF
I like Adapter because it seems to work very quickly and doesn't require you to upload your files online to convert them.
Adapter not only converts image files but also video and audio files.
You can install Adapter to both Windows (10–7) and Mac (10.7 or later) operating systems. I tested Adapter in Windows 10 without any issues.
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DVDVideoSoft's Free Image Convert and Resize
What We Like
- Fairly easy to use.
- Converts between the most popular formats.
- Lets you resize and rename the files.
- Supports bulk photo conversions.
What We Don't Like
- Setup attempts to install other programs with the image converter.
- Doesn't support very many image file formats.
- All images in the queue will convert to the same format.
Free Image Convert and Resize is a program that does just what you'd think it does—converts and resizes images. Even though it doesn't support very many image formats, it does let you convert, resize, and rename multiple image files at once.
Output Formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TGA, and PDF
I like this program because it's very simple to use, supports popular image formats, and includes some additional features you may not find bundled in with other image converters.
Free Image Convert and Resize works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
The installer tries to add a few additional programs to your computer that you don't need to have for the image converter to work, so you can feel free to skip over them if you wish.
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PixConverter
What We Like
- Walks you through a step-by-step wizard.
- You can adjust the output quality for the images.
- Lets you resize and rename the images.
- Can convert more than one image at once.
What We Don't Like
- Works on Windows only.
- Many of the options might be unnecessary for the average user.
- Hasn't been updated since 2007.
PixConverter is another free image converter. Though it has plenty of useful features, it still manages to be easy to use.
The program supports batch conversions, the ability to import multiple photos from a folder at once, image rotation, resizing, and altering the image color.
Input Formats: JPG, JPEG, GIF, PCX, PNG, BMP, and TIF
PixConverter is a nice image converter if you deal with these formats and would rather not use an online converter.
Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista are the only versions of Windows that are officially supported, but PixConverter works equally well in Windows 10.
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SendTo-Convert
What We Like
- Lets you convert images very quickly.
- You get to customize all the conversion settings.
- Supports popular image file formats.
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't support image file formats beyond the few popular ones.
- Outdated; hasn't been updated since 2015.
- Works for Windows users only.
SendTo-Convert is an awesome image converter. The program can be automated to the point that you simply have to right-click one or more images and choose the Send to > SendTo-Convert option to convert them.
This means you can set the default output format, quality, size option, and output folder so as to quickly convert images without having to open the SendTo-Convert program.
Output Formats: BMP, PNG, JPEG, and GIF
This download link takes you to a page that has several other programs listed, the bottom one being for SendTo-Convert.
You can also download a portable version of SendTo-Convert from the download page.
SendTo-Convert can be used on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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BatchPhoto Espresso
What We Like
- Works with a handful of the most commonly used image file formats.
- Supports features not found in most online image converters.
- Works on any OS.
- Supports batch conversions.
- Bulk downloads are saved in a ZIP file.
What We Don't Like
- You have to upload and download the images.
- Only a small handful of image file formats are supported for import.
BatchPhoto Espresso is yet another free online image converter, which means you don't need to download any software to use it.
After uploading an image, you can resize, crop, and rotate it, as well as add special effects like black and white and swirl, overlay text, and change brightness, contrast, and sharpness, among other settings.
BatchPhoto Espresso also lets you rename the picture and choose a quality/size before saving it.
Input Formats: JPG, TIF, PNG, BMP, GIF, JP2, PICT, and PCX
Output Formats: BMP, PICT, GIF, JP2, JPC, JPG, PCX, PDF, PNG, PSD, SGI, TGA, TIF, WBMP, AVS, CGM, CIN, DCX, DIB, DPX, EMF, FAX, FIG, FPX, GPLT, HPGL, JBIG, JNG, MAN, MAT, and others
Unlike with the installable programs from above, BatchPhoto Espresso can be used on any operating system that supports a web browser, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
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FileZigZag
What We Like
- Really easy to use.
- Works from any web browser in any operating system.
- Converts images as large as 180 MB.
- You can wait for the download link on the page or open it from your email.
- The converted file can be saved to Dropbox, Google Drive, or your computer.
What We Don't Like
- Conversions are sometimes extremely slow.
- Can't convert more than one image at once.
- The file name changes slightly during the conversion.
FileZigZag is another online image converter service that will convert most common graphics formats. Just upload the original image, choose the desired output, and then either wait for the download link to appear on the page or check your email for it later.
Input Formats: GIF, BMP, JPG, PAM, PBM, PCX, PGM, PNG, PPM, SGI, YUV, TGA, TIF, and TIFF
Output Formats: BMP, DPX, GIF, JPG, PAM, PBM, PNG, PCX, PGM, PPM, RAS, SGI, TGA, TIF, TIFF, and YUV
Just like any online file converter, you have to unfortunately wait for FileZigZag to upload the file and then wait again for the download link (which could take a really long time as you wait in the queue). However, since most images are of a small size, it really shouldn't take that long altogether.
FileZigZag converts between other file formats, too. See every file format that FileZigZag supports to see if you can use it with your other files.
PRODUCT DISCLOSURE $
An audio file converter is one kind of file converter that (surprise!) is used to convert one type of audio file (like an MP3, WAV, WMA, etc.) into another type of audio file.
If you're unable to play or edit a certain audio file the way you want because the format isn't supported by the software you're using, one of these free audio converter software programs or online tools can help.
Audio file converter tools are also helpful if your favorite music app on your phone or tablet doesn't support the format that a new song you downloaded is in. An audio converter can convert that obscure format into a format that your app supports.
Below is a ranked list of the best free audio converter software programs and online converter services available:
Every audio converter program below is freeware. We haven't listed any shareware or trialware audio converters.
One process not covered below is YouTube to MP3. Since 'YouTube' isn't an audio format, it doesn't strictly belong in this list, but it's a common conversion nonetheless.
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Microsoft File Converter Free Download
Freemake Audio Converter
What We Like
- Supports common audio file formats.
- Convert more than one audio file consecutively.
- Multiple audio files can be joined into one and then converted to a new format (or the same).
- Adjust the quality of the converted file.
What We Don't Like
- Won't convert files longer than three minutes.
- Might try to install another program during setup.
Freemake Audio Converter supports several common audio formats and is extremely easy to use. However, it only supports audio files that are shorter than three minutes.
In addition to converting single audio files into other formats in bulk, you can join multiple files into one larger audio files with Freemake Audio Converter. You can also adjust the output quality before converting files.
The biggest drawback to this program is that have to buy the Infinite Pack to convert audio files that are longer than three minutes.
- Input Formats: AAC, AMR, AC3, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
- Output Formats: AAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
The installer for Freemake Audio Converter will attempt to install another program that's unrelated to the converter, so be sure to uncheck that option before finishing setup if you don't want it added to your computer.
You might also want to check out Freemake Video Converter, another program from the same developers as Freemake Audio Converter that supports audio formats too. It even lets you convert local and online videos into other formats. However, while Freemake Audio Converter does support MP3s, their video software does not (unless you pay for it).
Freemake Audio Converter can for sure run on Windows 10, 8, and 7, and is likely to work with older versions, too.
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FileZigZag
What We Like
- Works online, so no software download is necessary.
- Runs on any operating system.
- Supports a wide variety of file formats.
- Automatically shows all the compatible formats you can convert the file to.
- Converts files from your computer, a URL, or Google Drive.
What We Don't Like
- Must upload the file to the website before the conversion can take place.
- To download the converted file, you have to wait for the email.
- Limits conversions to files that are less than 180 MB in size (however, this is very large for most files and shouldn't be a deal breaker for most users).
FileZigZag is an online audio converter service that will convert most common audio formats, so long as they don't exceed 180 MB.
All you do is upload the original audio file, choose the desired output format, and then wait for an email with a link to the converted file.
You can upload remote audio files via their direct URL as well as files stored in your Google Drive account.
- Input Formats: 3GA, AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, AU, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, M4P, MID, MIDI, MMF, MP2, MP3, MPGA, OGA, OGG, OMA, OPUS, QCP, RA, RAM, WAV, and WMA
- Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AU, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MMF, OPUS, OGG, RA, WAV, and WMA
The worst thing about FileZigZag is the time it takes to upload the audio file and receive the link in your email. However, most audio files, even long music tracks, come in a pretty small size, so it's not usually a problem.
FileZigZag should work with all operating systems that support a web browser, like macOS, Windows, and Linux.
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Zamzar
What We Like
- Works on any OS through your web browser.
- Can convert local and online audio files.
- Lots of audio file formats are supported.
- Lists every compatible format you can convert the audio file to (so there's no confusion).
- Download now or wait for an email.
- Files can be as large as 150 MB.
What We Don't Like
- Conversions are often slower than other online audio file converters.
- Limits conversions to five for any single session as well as every 24 hours.
Zamzar is another online audio converter service that supports most common music and audio formats.
Upload the file from your computer or enter a URL to an online file that you need to be converted.
- Input Formats: 3GA, AAC, AC3, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, APE, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4B, M4R, MIDI, MP3, OGA, OGG, RA, RAM, WAV, and WMA
- Output Formats: AAC, AC3, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, and WMA
Zamzar's conversion time is slow when compared to other online audio converter services. However, fortunately, you don't have to wait for an email to get the download link. Unless you choose to get an email, you can wait on the download page for the button to appear so that you can download the converted file right away.
Zamzar can be used with pretty much any modern web browser on any OS, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can also use it over email by attaching the audio file to a message and sending it to a special Zamzar email address.
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MediaHuman Audio Converter
What We Like
- Easy-to-use user interface.
- Convert to and from a wide variety of popular and not-so-popular formats.
- Can convert songs from one of your iTunes playlists.
- Optionally auto-import the song into iTunes after the conversion.
What We Don't Like
- Missing the advanced options you might find in other, more robust audio file converters.
If you're looking for a simple program that works without the advanced options and confusing interfaces that some of these audio converter tools have, you'll definitely like MediaHuman Audio Converter.
Just drag and drop the audio files you need to be converted directly into the program, choose an output format, and then start the conversion.
- Input Formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFF, ALAW, AMR, APE, AU, AWB, CAF, DSF, DTS, FLAC, M4A, M4B, M4R, MP2, MP3, MPC, OGG, OPUS, RA, SHN, TTA, WAV, WMA, and WV
- Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, M4R, MP3, OGG, OPUS, WAV, and WMA
If want more advanced options, MediaHuman Audio Converter does let you customize things like the default output folder, whether you want to automatically add the converted songs to iTunes, and if you want to search online for cover art, among other options.
Fortunately, these settings are hidden away and are completely unobtrusive unless you want to use them.
The following operating systems are supported: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and macOS 10.6 and newer.
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Hamster Free Audio Converter
What We Like
- Super easy to use.
- Convert in bulk.
- Shows you file formats based on device type to make choosing a compatible format easier.
- Lets you merge multiple audio files into one bigger file.
What We Don't Like
- Officially supports only Windows 7 and older versions of Windows.
- Doesn't let you save a default location for converted files; you're asked each time you convert something.
Hamster is a free audio converter that installs quickly, has a minimal interface, and isn't hard to use.
Not only can Hamster convert multiple audio files in bulk, but it can merge the files into one, much like Freemake Audio Converter.
- Input Formats: AAC, AC3, AIFF, AMR, FLAC, MP2, MP3, OGG, RM, VOC, WAV, and WMA
- Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIFF, AMR, FLAC, MP3, MP2, OGG, RM, WAV, and WMA
After importing files to convert, Hamster lets you choose any of the output formats from above or pick from a device if you're not sure what format the file needs to be in.
For example, instead of choosing OGG or WAV, you can pick the actual device, like Sony, Apple, Nokia, Philips, Microsoft, BlackBerry, HTC, and others.
Hamster Free Audio Converter is said to work with Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000.
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VSDC Free Audio Converter
What We Like
- Converts local audio files and ones located online.
- Supports editing information like the song's album, artist, etc.
- Lets you convert between many common audio formats.
- Includes advanced options you can tweak.
What We Don't Like
- Setup attempts to install other programs along with the audio converter.
VSDC Free Audio Converter has a tabbed interface that's uncomplicated to understand and isn't cluttered with unnecessary buttons.
Just load up the audio files you want to convert (either by file or folder), or enter the URL for an online file, choose the Formats tab to select an output format, and click Start conversion to convert the files.
There's also a tag editor for modifying a track's title, author, album, genre, etc., as well as a built-in player for listening to songs before you convert them.
- Input Formats: AAC, AFC, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, ASF, M2A, M3U, M4A, MP2, MP3, MP4, MPC, OGG, OMA, RA, RM, VOC, WAV, WMA, and WV
- Output Formats: AAC, AIFF, AMR, AU, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
The installer will try to add unnecessary programs and tools to your computer if you let it. Be sure to watch for these and disable them if you wish.
If you need to, you can choose an alternative output quality, frequency, and bitrate from the advanced options.
Overall, VSDC Free Audio Converter is just as quick as most of the other tools in this list and is great for converting your files to a common format.
VSDC Free Audio Converter is said to be compatible with all Windows operating systems.
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Online UniConverter
What We Like
- Supports more formats than most free audio file converters.
- Runs online through your web browser.
- Provides a few different ways to download the audio files.
- Supports files as large as 100 MB.
- Unlimited daily conversions.
What We Don't Like
- Only two files can be converted at once.
- You have to wait several seconds for the download link.
- Conversions are purposely slowed down because this is the free edition.
Online UniConverter (originally called Media.io) is another online audio converter, which means although you don't have to download any software to use it, you do have to upload and download your files to make it work.
After loading one or more audio files to Online UniConverter, you just need to choose one of the output formats from below. When the file is ready to be downloaded, use the small download button to save it to your computer.
- Input Formats: 3GP, AAC, AC3, ACT, ADX, AIFF, AMR, APE, ASF, AU, CAF, DTS, FLAC, GSM, MOD, MP2, MP3, MPC, MUS, OGG, OMA, OPUS, QCP, RM, SHN, SPX, TTA, ULAW, VOC, VQF, W64, WAV, WMA, WV, and more (over 30)
- Output Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, M4A, AAC, FLAC, AC3, AIFF, M4R, M4B, AU, APE, OGG, MKA
Once the files have been converted, you can download them individually or together in a ZIP file. There's also an option to save them to your Dropbox account.
Unlike the above programs that may work with specific operating systems only, you can use Online UniConverter on any OS that supports modern browsers, such as on a Windows, Linux, or Mac computer.
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Switch
What We Like
- Supports a quick conversion mode that you can run by right-clicking the audio file.
- Lets you change lots of advanced settings.
- Converts to and from a huge list of file formats.
- Can extract audio from video files and other sources.
What We Don't Like
- The program seems to stop working for some people after two weeks.
- Some security software might falsely identify the converter tool as a virus.
Another free audio converter is called Switch (previously Switch Sound File Converter). It supports batch conversions and whole folder imports, as well as drag and drop and lots of advanced settings.
You can also use Switch to extract audio from your video files and CDs/DVDs, as well as capture audio from a live audio stream from the internet.
- Input Formats: 3GP, AAC, ACT, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, ASF, AU, CAF, CDA, DART, DCT, DS2, DSS, DV, DVF, FLAC, FLV, GSM, M4A, M4R, MID, MKV, MOD, MOV, MP2 ,MP3, MPC, MPEG, MPG, MPGA, MSV, OGA, OGG, QCP, RA, RAM, RAW, RCD, REC, RM, RMJ, SHN, SMF, SWF, VOC, VOX, WAV, WMA, and WMV
- Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, APE, AU, CAF, CDA, FLAC, GSM, M3U, M4A, M4R, MOV, MP3, MPC, OGG, OPUS, PLS, RAW, RSS, SPX, TXT, VOX, WAV, WMA, and WPL
Some of the advanced settings in Switch include deleting the source audio file after a conversion, automatically normalizing audio, editing tags, and downloading CD album details from the internet.
Another option worth noting is one that lets you set up to three preset conversion formats so that you can right-click on an audio file and choose one of those formats for a quick conversion. It's a huge time saver.
macOS (10.5 and above) and Windows (XP and newer) users can install Switch.
Make sure to use the download link in the 'Get it Free' section.
Some users have reported that the program stops letting you convert files after 14 days. If that happens to you, something you might try is starting the uninstall process and seeing if Switch asks you to revert to the free, non-trial version (instead of removing the program).
Some users have also reported that their antivirus software identifies Switch as a malicious program.
If you're having troubles with Switch, try using a different program from this list. The only reason it remains here is that it works perfectly fine for some people.