Sometimes when you are working with digital images, the image file you have will not be the format you need for whatever task you are doing. Some websites require you to upload pictures in JPEG format, for instance, and you may shoot in a different format. If you need to convert picture formats from one to another, here are some ways to do it.

Start with a Quality Digital File

The first step is to have a quality digital image. If you are shooting on a digital camera, this is not a problem, but if you are shooting film you will need to find a way to convert picture formats from paper to digital, and do so without losing image quality. The best way to do this is to have a professional scanning service scan your picture. When you order the digital scan, you may be able to specify the file format, which will eliminate the need to convert the image.

If you have many images that are not already digitized, a professional scanning company gives you an easy way to get a quality digital file in the format you want. You simply send your pictures or negatives to the company, and they scan them for you. Make sure you choose a company that offers a variety of file formats if you need a specific one, because there is no sense in converting the file later if you already need to have the image digitized.

Use Image Editing Software

If you are using image editing software for your picture, such as PhotoShop, you can convert picture file formats in that software program. In most programs, you will do this by clicking "File" followed by "Save As." In this box, you will have a drop down menu that allows you to change the image format.

In some programs you will need to export the file. To do this, click on "File" and then "Export." In this menu screen you will find a drop down box that allows you to change the image file format. You will also be able to dictate where on your computer it is stored. With this method, the original image in the editing software is left untouched. You simply make a copy of it in the new file format.

Before you do this, make sure you have the original image safely stored somewhere else. Some image file formats do not convert well, and you may lose quality or completely destroy the image when you try to convert it in this manner. As long as you have the original file somewhere, you are safe to try.

If the photo editing program you are using does not have the image file format you need, then consider purchasing or downloading another program. You can find free trials of programs that allow you to convert picture formats online, so you can convert a few images without paying much. Otherwise, if you intend to convert a lot of images, consider purchasing a program that allows you to do it easily.