When using our computer, we usually work with all kinds of files. Whether they are documents, music, video … the truth is that its use is almost essential for our day to day. Each of the files that we have can be converted from one format to another. The problem is that Windows 10 does not incorporate by default any tool dedicated to file conversion , for which it will be necessary to use a third-party tool developed for this purpose.
That is why we can find ourselves in situations where we require file conversion, a process that can become unpleasant if we do not have a suitable tool. That is why today we are going to see programs that will allow us to convert files directly from the context menu of Windows 10, so that we can perform the task as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Advantages of using the context menu
When we talk about the context menu we refer to that panel that appears once we have double-clicked on a specific Windows element. This panel is made up of certain elements that can be modified as we install different programs. Using the contextual menu gives us different advantages, as it will not serve as a direct access to different applications, as well as to execute different functions of these.
The contextual menu can be adapted and customized to our liking , thereby allowing us to save time, as it will not be necessary to use a program interface for its use. In addition, within this panel, we will also find a wide variety of options such as creating a folder or a file. That is why today we are going to see how we can make a functionality as useful as file conversion directly from this panel.
Convert files between formats from the context menu
Next, we present a series of programs, through which we can carry out file conversions, accessing them directly from the Windows context menu.
File Converter, complete free and multi-format converter
The first tool that we are going to talk about is File Converter. It is a free and open source file conversion software compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. It stands out for being compatible with a wide variety of file formats. The number of output formats is limited, but when it comes to input formats it is quite long. The formats are classified into four categories such as audio, video, image and document.
This application is extremely simple and will allow us to convert and compress one or more files using the context menu of Windows Explorer. To start using it, the first thing to do is download it from GitHub.
Once we have downloaded and installed it, the program will be registered within the Windows contextual menu, without having any kind of graphical user interface as such, so we will have to access its functions using the right mouse button.
Move a file from one format to another in just a few steps
To begin, we must click with the right mouse button on the file that we want to convert. The contextual menu will appear and we select File Converter. Next, it will show us a submenu where all the formats to which we can convert the file will be listed. As expected, we are talking about dynamic formats, since they will vary depending on the type of file that we want to convert.
For example, if we have selected a PNG file, it will appear that we can convert it to GIF, WebM, JPEG, ICO or PDF. We select the desired format and later a window will open, through which we can follow the conversion process. Once finished, the file will be hosted in the same location and with the same name as the original.
Also allows batch conversion
This useful tool also allows us to perform batch file conversion. This will be possible as long as all files are of the same type. For example, we can convert 10 image files at the same time, but we cannot convert an image file and a video file simultaneously. To carry out the conversion, we must select all the files and click on them with the right mouse button. We select File Converter, and within the submenu we choose the desired format.
XnShell, performs image treatment from the context menu
We now go from a simple program, which will allow us to carry out all kinds of tasks related to the treatment of images, which we can do directly from Windows Explorer. Therefore, it will only be necessary to click with the right button of the mouse on the image that we want to convert so that we can access all its functions from the context menu.
XnShell is a completely free application, without adware or spyware, compatible with all versions of Windows, including both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. With it we will be able to carry out all kinds of image conversion and editing tasks, and all this without having to resort to a graphical interface. To begin, we must download it for free from its website .
Fast conversion
Once we have installed it in our system, we can start using it by right-clicking on the image we want to convert. The Windows context menu will appear where we will find a new menu called XnShell. Inside we will find a submenu where a mini preview of the images will appear, as well as all the functions that we have available. We select “Convert into” and the formats to which we can convert will appear: GIF, BMP, JPG, PCX, PNG, TIF and TGA. All you have to do is choose the desired option and the program will automatically take care of converting the file.
Convert and resize
Likewise, we can select the “Convert” option within the XnShell submenu, where we can briefly configure the conversion process if necessary. A window will appear where we can choose the desired output format from a drop-down list. It also has a “Settings” button that will not allow you to choose the size of the compression. Another option that we can configure is the size of the conversion, being able to choose between a predefined format (640 x 480p, 160 x 120p, 1024 x 768p, etc.) or set the height and width parameters ourselves. Finally, it also gives us the possibility to choose where we want the converted file to be saved. Finally, click on “Convert”, and the process will be carried out immediately.
Batch conversion
Finally, it should be noted that the application supports batch file conversion. To activate it, it will only be necessary that we have selected all the files that we are going to convert and then right-click and select the file format to which we want to convert them from XnShell.
Right Click Image Converter, convert images to different formats
It is a tool that will allow us to convert images from one format to another, using the Windows context menu. The program will allow us to make conversions to different formats such as PNG, GIF, JPG, TIFF, BMP, JPG and ICO. It is a completely free application and compatible with all versions of Windows.
To start working with it, it will be necessary to download it from here . Once installed, it will be hosted in the Windows context menu, from where we can carry out the conversion processes directly. That is why it does not have a graphical interface from which to start directly, but it will appear once we launch the application from the context menu.
That said, we go on to carry out the conversion process, and for this, we select an image file and click on it with the right button. The contextual menu will appear where we must select the option “Convert image to”.
Next, a simple menu will appear from where we must choose the compression format along with the image quality. At the bottom we have the option “Save Location” where we can choose by default the location of the new file, staying in the same folder that originates it. Or we can choose “Custom” and customize the output path of the file. This is all we can do. Now we just have to click on “Convert” and the new file will be created immediately.
The program also supports batch file conversion. To do this, it will be necessary to have all the files to be converted marked before clicking the right mouse button. Once this is done the process is the same.