How do I change a bitmap into a jpeg?

Factual Questions
1

I have some nice pictures of my sweetie and I at the Magic Kingdom. They’re on my hard drive as .bmp images, and I want to convert them into .jpg images. What sort of program should I use?

I have Windows XP.

Thanks!

2

I’m not sure about XP, but in previous editions of Windows you can just use their included “Paint” accessory, open the file, and then save it in the format of your choice. When you go to “save as” it should have choices for you - i.e. jpeg, jpg, and gif, along with bmp.

3

Hmmm, I run Windows NT and my Paint won’t save as a jpeg - just bitmaps. I’m not sure if XP allows you to do that. If not I’d suggest buying Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Photo Editor if you want to manipulate pictures regularly. If this is a one-shot thing you can browse in a software store (hell, maybe even Wal-mart) for a cheap no-frills, no-name photo viewer. There are alot of cheap ones on the market and are frequently bundled with desk-top publishing software. These will most likely allow you to do the conversion.

4

Now that I think about it, you could probably find a simple one as shareware, freeware, or at least a trial version after a little googling.

5

If Start/Programs/Accessories/Paint/Save As doesn’t allow you to save your .bmp as a .jpg image, you could use ACDSee from http://www.acdsystems.com/English/index.htm

6

I’ve used a program called LView in the past. It was shareware when I got it, but they want ~$40.00 USD for their ‘Pro’ version now. But, you can download a trial version from their website if you just want to do a one-time thing. Their shareware program was very intuitive and easy to use, with a lot of nice features, as I recall.

Standard disclaimer: No, I am not affiliated with or have any interest in their company.

7

I’ev found IrfanView to be one of the best programs out there for this sort of thing, and it’s FREE!

http://www.irfanview.com

If you have a digital camera, this is a wonderful program. What’s nice is that it’s really fast. It also will take a bunch of files and automatically create thumbnails and an HTML file so you can post the pictures at a web site. What it can’t do: let you “paint” on the picture like many drawing programs can.

8

On the PC, I’ve found Paint Shop Pro to be a very nice thing to have around. (Closest PC equivalent to GraphicConverter).

9

You can always try GIMP

10

Thanks, everyone! I’ve downloaded irfanview – it works beautifully. E-mail me at mitchaplus@earthlink.net if you want a copy.