# How do I change a bitmap into a jpeg? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 4, 2002, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235 "2002-11-04T16:52:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/1 "2002-11-04T16:52:05Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![lukaspriest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b5a626/32.png) [@lukaspriest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lukaspriest)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/2 "2002-11-04T17:00:40Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/3 "2002-11-04T17:17:38Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/4 "2002-11-04T17:26:07Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/5 "2002-11-04T17:39:27Z")
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](http://www.acdsystems.com/English/index.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/6 "2002-11-04T21:32:55Z")
I’ve used a program called [LView](http://www.lview.com/index800.htm) 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. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2002, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/7 "2002-11-04T22:02:31Z")
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](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. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2002, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/8 "2002-11-05T04:21:36Z")
On the PC, I’ve found Paint Shop Pro to be a very nice thing to have around. (Closest PC equivalent to GraphicConverter). ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2002, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/9 "2002-11-05T06:44:32Z")
You can always try [GIMP](http://www.gimp.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2002, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-change-a-bitmap-into-a-jpeg/135235/10 "2002-11-06T02:33:28Z")
Thanks, everyone! I’ve downloaded irfanview – it works beautifully. E-mail me at [mitchaplus@earthlink.net](mailto:mitchaplus@earthlink.net) if you want a copy.