How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format

Many websites and applications only allow you to upload images with the .JPG extension (also known as JPEG). If your photos have the extension .GIF, .TIFF, .PNG or any other file extension, you will probably feel frustrated. Although converting images to JPEG format reduces sharpness, this is the format that is able to maintain the best quality at the smallest possible size. You don't need to be computer literate to convert photos to JPEG format, just learn a few tips below.

Use Paint on Windows

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 1

Open Paint. Paint is software that comes pre-installed on your PC. Press the ⊞ Win+ key Sto open the search and enter dialog box paint. When you see 'Paint' appear in the search results, click on the software.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 2

Open the image in Paint. Make sure the photo has been saved to your device. Click on the 'File' menu and select 'Open'. Locate the photo and click 'OK'.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 3

Click 'File' then click the arrow next to 'Save As'. You will see a list of image formats, including JPEG, appear.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 4

Click 'JPEG'. The software will open a new dialog box allowing you to select a folder, rename the file and select 'Save as type'. Navigate to a memorable folder and don't forget to select 'JPEG' in the 'Save as type' section.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 5

Rename the file if desired, then click 'Save'. Your file has been converted.

Use the Online Conversion Tool on your Computer, Smartphone or Tablet

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 6

Choose an online converter. This method works on any device that can access the web, including tablets and smartphones. Search for the keyword 'convert XXX to jpg online' (where 'XXX' is the format name of the image to be converted to jpg) to explore the tool. Sites like Online-Convert contain a list of all the file formats it can convert between.

Make sure the site you choose is capable of handling your image format. Some image formats, such as .RAW files, are difficult to convert online because of their large size.

If using a mobile device, connect to Wi-Fi instead of using mobile data because the photo capacity is quite large.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 7

Upload photos. In the conversion tool, find the 'Choose file' button and locate the file you want to convert. Note that many tools have file upload size limits.

Read through the terms and usage policy before uploading photos.

Some conversion tools allow entering URLs, which is convenient if you've uploaded photos to another online service.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 8

Verify the conversion tool is ready to convert photos to JPEG format. Most tools have a drop-down menu or click where you can select 'JPEG' or '.JPG' (these are two equivalent options). Some tools allow you to adjust file size and quality right on this screen.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 9

Convert photos. Find the 'Convert' or 'Save' button to start the conversion. The process can take several minutes. The photo will be automatically downloaded to the default Downloads folder or you will be asked to choose a location to save the photo. After completing the process, your photo has been converted to JPEG format.

Use Preview on Mac

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 10

Open the image in Preview. Preview is a pre-installed application on Mac and can open most image formats. Ctrl+ click on the photo and select 'Open With'. Select 'Preview.'

If you encounter an image format that can't be opened or looks wrong in software, try using an online conversion tool or Gimp.

This method only applies to photos saved on your computer. If you have not downloaded the image yet, you must download it to your device first.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 11

Click the 'File' menu and select 'Export'. A dialog box containing multiple menus will appear.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 12

Change format to JPEG. You can adjust the quality and resolution if you want. The higher the quality or resolution, the larger the image capacity.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 13

Rename the file and save. Make sure the file name ends in '.jpg' (uppercase or lowercase is fine) then choose a save location that's easy to remember. Click 'Save' to complete the conversion process.

Use Gimp on PC, Mac, or Linux

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 14

Download Gimp. If you want to convert an image format that the software you are using does not support, or you want to find a more powerful software, Gimb is the right choice. If you do not have Gimp software, download and install it to your computer.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 15

Open the image you want to convert. Click 'File' > 'Open'. Select the photo and click 'Open' again.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 16

Click 'File' > 'Export As' to select JPEG format. A dialog box containing many options will appear. You click 'JPEG'.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 17

Adjust options. A new dialog box appears with the JPEG option. Check the 'Show preview in image window' dialog box before adjusting image quality. Move the slider back and forth until you get the best image.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 18

Click 'Export'. A dialog box appears asking you to choose a name for the new file and a save location. Find a folder that's easy to remember and name it if you want. The file already has a .jpg extension, so you should keep that part (the extension is not case sensitive). Click 'Save' to complete the conversion process.

Change File Extension

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 19

Find out the cases where this method can be applied. If your file is in JPEG format but the extension is incorrect, for example, you mistakenly typed '.JGP' instead of '.JPG', you can use this method. This method does not technically 'convert' the photo to JPEG format.

If your photo is not in JPEG format, changing the extension may corrupt the file. Please refer to other methods if you want to convert photos to JPEG format.

File extensions are not case sensitive. .JPG and .jpg are the same.

Before proceeding, note down the file's original format so you can change it back if necessary.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 20

Find files. The file may be saved on the desktop, in a separate folder that you can access via Finder or Windows Explorer.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 21

Set editable file names. On Windows, you can skip this step. For Mac users, click on the image once, select 'File' > 'Get Info' (See information). Click the arrow next to 'Name and Extension' and uncheck 'Hide Extension'. Click 'Save'.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 22

Delete the current extension. Delete everything after the '.' in filename.

On Mac, click the photo once and tap ⏎ Return. Click at the end of the file extension and press Deleteuntil everything after the (.) is deleted.

On Windows, right-click on the photo and select 'Rename'. click at the end of the extension and press the key ← Backspaceto delete everything after the (.)

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 23

Type JPGafter the dot. It's okay to write in upper or lower case. The file name must be in the form: image.jpg. Press ↵ Enteror ⏎ Return.

How to Convert Photos to JPEG Format Picture 24

Confirm changes. When using a Mac or PC, you'll receive a warning that changing a file's extension may prevent you from being able to use the file. Click 'Use.jpg' or 'Yes' if you want to make changes. The file name now has the .JPG extension.