Author: Offdrive

If you’re in a band, you’ve probably run into this problem: somebody uploads a song to Google Drive, and no one can listen to it because it’s not formatted correctly. This type of communication breakdown happens all the time, it’s not just for bands. 

Any time a business needs to upload a video clip or audio presentation, or any time you’re trying to listen to a WAV file and can’t seem to make it work, chances are, you’re not a savvy GIF to WAV converter.

No worries, if you need to learn how to convert a GIF to WAV, we’ve got you covered. Read on!

What Is a GIF File? 

GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. 

GIF used to be the standard for 8-bit color images on the internet. Then PNG came along and replaced many of the uses for GIF files.

But GIFs are still often seen on text threads. Many of you probably have a GIF keyboard installed on your phone so that you can send little goofy video clips to your friends. 

The GIF keyboard on your phone uses animated GIFs. Your keyboards turn these files into several images or phrases combined on a single file.

These short, pithy video sequences display one after the other and show at varying frame rates. The low-file-size is perfect for a device like your phone.

GIFs usually end after running through on the last frame, though they are now more commonly seen looping.

How to Create a GIF?

Programs such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Microsoft GIF Animator are great tools to create GIFs. Several cell phone applications have easy-to-use software applications so you can send GIFs to your friends.

Do not create photographs out of GIFs. GIfs are only suitable for solid graphics with a limited number of colors.

The lower number of colors takes advantage of the format’s lossless compression. The lossless compression favors simpler, flatter color fields.

However, if you’re looking for something more natural to use, the PNG file format is the industry standard. 

What is a WAV File?

WAV files are audio files saved in the WAVE format. These types of files are standard digital audio formats. An easy way to remember WAV files is by thinking of the sound waves WAV files save. 

WAV files can contain audio recordings with different bitrates and sampling rates. But the most common form is the 44.1 kHz, 16 bit, stereo format.

WAV files use the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) as a template for saving video and sound, and it has been around since the early 90s when Microsoft developed the technology. 

Microsoft developed WAVE files to save raw, uncompressed audio. So, WAVE files are the perfect way to save your unfinished band demos.  

At the beginning of this article, we discussed converting GIF files to WAV files. That conversion isn’t nearly as standard as converting AIF files to WAV files. AIF files, or Audio Interchange Files, are most commonly used by Mac OSs.

Because Microsoft uses WAV files more often than MAC, the natural snag people run into when trying to send friends or colleagues audio files is converting from AIF to WAV or Vice Versa. 

Converting GIF to WAV 

Converting a GIF file to a WAV file can be tricky since you mostly use GIF files for their visual contents, and you mostly use WAV files for their audio materials. Nonetheless, it’s still possible. 

The easiest way to convert GIF to WAV is by using a converter. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

1. Upload the GIF file 
2. Convert the GIF file 
3. Download the WAV file

Rocket science, isn’t it?

Use our free online file conversion program for all of your file conversion needs. 

What Are the Reasons for Converting GIF to WAV 

The main reason for converting GIF to WAV is what’s known as lossy data vs. lossless data. 

What is the difference between lossy and lossless data, you ask?

Files in the RAW format are formatted as Lossless because they preserve the files’ raw data?  JPEG files are lossy because you always lose a certain amount of data upon conversion.  

Here are some more examples of lossy vs. lossless data formats: 

• Lossy Images – GIF and JPEG formats
• Lossless Images – PNG, BMP, and Raw 
• Lossy Audio files – OGG, MP4, and MP3 
• Lossless Audio files – ALAC, FLAC, and WAV 

Lossy files are mostly a remnant of the past. Lossless files are more advanced. Think of it this way, when you convert a GIF to WAV, you’re righting our historic digital wrongs.

For example, while converting a CD to an MP3 (super relevant nowadays), you lose a lot of data. Hence, your new nickname becomes lossy because you lose so much. 

If you were to convert the data from a CD to WAV, you wind up with a larger file with no data loss. 

You also don’t want to convert a lossy to a lossy because, naturally, you compound losses and lose more data. So, steer clear of converting GIF to MP3 and opt for the GIF to WAV because you’ll be flossin’ not lossin’. 

An easy way to conceptualize converting lossy files to lossy files is imagining copying a photocopy with another photocopy. It’s like movies — the sequels are never as good as the original. 

The uses for converting files aren’t only musical. You can convert images and video files as well. The trick is understanding which files transfer best to each other. By using the right conversion format, you retain the original quality and save space while you’re at it. You’ll finally look like a pro. 

Start Your Conversion Today 

In today’s digital age, it’s essential to stay up to date on what types of files the business world uses. You don’t want to get left behind in the cloud. 

The good news is, converter apps make conversions easy and accessible. Remember, you can prevent data losses by converting to lossless file formats. A great example of this is converting  GIF to WAV.

Check out more of our blogs today for more digital information! 

Did you know that there are over 1.2 billion Microsoft Office users in the world? MS Office has quickly become one of the most popular business tools globally. 

However, MS office is not the only office suite used today. Open Office, Google Documents Suite, and other options are available. Many types of documents are shared between offices. In fact, there have never been so many types of docs, images, archives, and other files shared between offices. 

If you work in an office, you will know that changing the purpose of files can be challenging. While many will be able to open a simple MS Word document, learning to convert common file types can be challenging. 

You may want to convert a colorful PDF to a PNG file for use in a presentation. Another person may want to convert a PDF to EPub to increase its readability. 

How can you become a master of file type conversion? Why not read our article below to find out. 

Use a Professional, but Free, File Conversion Tool

Whatever type of file you are looking to convert, the easiest option is a free online file conversion tool. Why should this be your first option?

Put simply, this is the easiest and fastest method of converting file types. Whether you are looking to convert one file or one hundred, these tools make your work much easier. 

As these are custom-designed tools, they use the latest conversion techniques and algorithms to ensure that the conversion is accurate and even formatting in the files is preserved. 

Many people are not aware of the flexibility of file conversion tools. You can use them to convert a large number of file types. 

Operating System Specific File Types

Some files were created using a different operating system or using software that is unique to that operating system. An example of this is the Apple Pages word processing software. 

A colleague may send you a file that opens and works perfectly well on his Apple computer. However, MS Word does not recognize this file type easily. You can simply use an online Pages to DOCX conversion tool to adjust it. After this, you will be able to open and work with the file as if it were a normal MS word file.

Archive Conversion

File conversion is not limited to document files. Did you know that you can also convert entire archive folders? Let’s imagine that you receive an urgent request from another department that requires you to use a .ZIP file. However, you know that 7-zip would provide better functionality for the job. 

You can simply open up your free online conversion tool and convert the archive from ZIP to 7-Zip. You can then use all the software functionality of Z-Zip with your archive. This can save you valuable time. 

E-Reader File Types

Sometimes you may want to convert a file in order to be able to increase its readability. For example, imagine that you receive a large instruction manual that you have to read and absorb. You want to import it into your Kindle.

You can again use your online conversion tool to change the file type from PDF to MOBI (Kindle) format. You will then be able to benefit from the added functionality of the kindle software when reading the manual. 

These are some examples of how an online conversion tool can help you. There are however other methods of converting files…

Change the File Extension

Another method of converting files is to simply change the file extension. Granted this may not work for all file types and if done incorrectly it could cause problems. However, it is still a viable solution in some circumstances.

To do this you will need to allow Windows to show file extensions. You can do this through the folder options menu. After this you will see that the file name ends with a “.” and a file type. For example “picture.jpg”.

Right-click the file and select rename. After this select the “jpg” and rename it to the file type you desire ie. “.png”. Hit return. You will receive a warning from Windows that changing the file type could cause the file to become unstable. Accept this. 

When you try to open the file, you will see if the conversion has been successful. If no program will open the file successfully then likely you will need to do more than change the filename. Time to go back to the online conversion tool. 

Could Existing Installed Software Help You?

Sometimes you can use the existing installed software to help you convert files to a limited number of file types. 

For example, if you are working on a document in Google docs, however, you know that another person will need to use the same document in .xls format, you can simply use the Save as function to export the file in that format. 

This also applies to files created on different operating systems. When working on a document in Apple Pages, you can use the Export function to create a version of the file in .docx for easy use by other users.

This functionality is often helpful when you are converting image types. An image file may be in .jpg file format. However, many image processing software packages will allow you to export the image in a number of software types.

This may create changes in quality according to the file type. However, it is still possible to make this conversion using software already installed on your computer.

Convert Common File Types and Much More

Working in an office environment has become more complex than ever before. Each day you may be bombarded with xls, jpg, png, Docx, and a multitude of other files to work with. Now thanks to online tools you can convert common file types into manageable formats.

If you are interested in improving efficiency and managing different file types in your workplace, then we are here to help. We leverage our experience in the business and technology worlds to bring you tools that save you time and increase productivity. 

Why not check out our range of conversion tools or take a look at our blog to see how we can help you today.

Ah, the age old debate.

Which is the better image format: PNG or JPG?

This has been argued for ages online, and there are certainly valid arguments to be made on either side.

Still, if you’re trying to ensure the best quality images for your purposes, you need a definitive answer.

Or at least, as close to definitive as you can get with a debate like this.

That’s what we’re going to try and do today. We’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of each image format, and get to the bottom of exactly which one is better.

PNG or JPG: Why Does It Matter?

Some of you might be wondering why this even matters at all. That’s a valid question.

Different image formats store information differently. Obviously, the computer doesn’t really have the image itself stored somewhere.

All it has is data that tells the computer where and how to render the information on the screen to reproduce the image.

Because different formats all store this information differently, they all render the image in different ways.

This can lead to wildly varying quality; some formats value speed and file size over image quality, for example. Other formats may look better, but take up more space and load more slowly.

For personal use, lower quality may be a worthy trade off in exchange for speed and low file size. But in a professional setting, you generally want the image to look as clean and sharp as possible.

After all, research has shown that the brain is more likely to retain information that is conveyed through images. That means high-quality images are important for our online presence.

What Do Different Formats Do Differently?

Before we dive in to the differences between the two formats, we should define a few of the terms we’ll be using to judge them.

There are several aspects of different formats that we’ll be taking into consideration. These include the color formats, such as 8-bit and 24-bit color.

Everything in computers is ultimately stored in binary information called bits. When we talk about 8 or 24-bit colors, what we mean is how many of those bits the format has available to store color information.

The more bits available, the more colors we have available; but our load times will often be slower, and our file sizes bigger.

We also need to understand the two types of image compression: lossy and lossless.

Simply put, lossless compression uses an algorithm within the format to perfectly recreate the image when it is loaded.

Lossy compression, on the other hand, creates only an approximation of the original image. Once again, we’re looking at a trade-off of image quality versus file size and load times.

Now that we’ve defined some important terms, let’s look at the differences between the two.

PNG: Portable Network Graphics

PNG, or Portable Network Graphics, is the most common uncompressed image format around.

PNG images use lossless compression, which as we mentioned earlier, perfectly recreates the stored image when it’s loaded. It also uses the 24-bit color palette that we talked about, which means it has a large array of colors available to choose from.

PNG images are also capable of rendering greyscale images, and perhaps more importantly, transparent backgrounds.

The PNG format, as its name suggests, was originally meant to be a portable format for transferring images between devices. However, its sharp quality, and relatively small size and quick loading, caused it to explode in popularity online.

Nowadays, PNGs are the most commonly found image format on the internet.

JPG/JPEG

JPG, sometimes written as JPEG, stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the organization that first created the format.

Unlike PNG, JPG images are compressed using lossy compression, meaning that the rendered image is technically only an approximation of the original image.

While this is usually not noticeable, it can cause the image to lose some of its quality. As mentioned earlier, this does come with a smaller file size and faster load times in general.

Something unique to JPG files that PNG cannot replicate is the ability to resize the image effectively.

Because of the compression techniques used, JPG can be resized with far less loss of quality than an equivalent PNG file.

The other major benefit to JPG formats is the user control. The amount of compression applied to a JPG file can be controlled, allowing you to lessen it for better quality, or increase it for smaller file size.

Making the Decision: PNG or JPG

As we’ve seen, the choice between PNG or JPG is more complex than it may seem. 

The differences between the two are important to take into account, and depending on the exact nature of your website, you may even need to use both of them at different times.

As a general rule, PNG is the better choice for simple usage. It’s easy to use and is the most common format online. It gives sharp image quality right out of the gate and keeps file sizes and load times relatively low.

However, if you need to control those aspects more finely, such as when file size and load times are a high priority, then JPG is the way to go.

It’s lossy compression results in smaller files, and the ability to control the extent of the compression means that you can tweak things to the specific circumstances of the image.

However, if all you need is good, simple, and consistent image quality, PNG is going to be the way to go.

Of course, not all the images you want to use are going to be in the format you want them to be in right away. If you need to convert files between JPG and PNG, or any other formats, our free file converter will take care of that for you.

So grab those images, convert them to the format of your choice, and make your website look as clear and beautiful as it can.

For whatever reason you go on your computer to look at a file, but then the impossible happens.

It’s blank. For some odd reason you can’t see or open it.

You’re sitting at work ready to edit a file on a team project, but the image won’t load. 

You slam your head in dismay wondering why you can see it on your PC, but not the project application.  

Is it file a GIF file? Luckily for you there’s a simple way to convert gif to mpg when you run into these situations. Keep reading and you can learn how. 

What Is a GIF File?

After the rise of social media like Facebook and Instagram, the people of the internet love to communicate in their own special language. If you keep up with technology you will understand what the humor is in memes and GIFs. They intertwine closely and are created to be visual files. 

Unlike some memes, which are motionless images with words that tell a story, GIFs are images in motion. A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) file is a bitmap image that made its first appearance on PC 30 years ago. As you’ve learned, it’s an animated image.

What you probably don’t know is the finer details. It’s capable of supporting 8 bits per pixel. An image can have as much as 256 various colors in the 24-bit RBG range. The only real let down about GIF files is that their sizes are quite small.

Still, it is very popular today especially for creating logos and sharp images. In these cases, the small size is not a bad thing. In fact, it is preferable. 

GIFs are used in everyday life online, at school, and or work. Even if you do not create files, you see it all the time. The emails you open, the sites you visit and the files you open all may have contained a GIF.

Why Can’t I See a GIF File? 

In the event an image cannot be displayed, it is probably because the file is unreadable, the system or browser is outdated, or you simply don’t have the system requirements.

So long as you can determine the issue, you will be able to see the file. There are also occasions you may need to convert it to a different file to see. 

What Is an MPG File?

An MPG file, also known as a MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) file is different from GIF files. Unlike GIFs, which are image formats, MPG files are video formats. It is very useful online for every person for the same reason a GIF is.

It is used anytime a certain type of compression is needed to download or stream videos to watch. These videos may be as short as a second or two or as long as a boring hour lecture from your professor. 

Depending on how the MPG file will be used upon compression, you will see it as two types: 

• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2

MPEG-1 files are able to compress CD audio and VHS-like videos around 1.5 Mbps. The quality isn’t lost too much and it typically has a resolution of 352×240. It isn’t crystal clear quality but remains popular today. This is because the size so downloading or streaming it will not take very long. 

MPEG-2 files offer higher quality audio and video files for you to see. It is similar to the quality we see today on TV and DVD formats when we watch shows or movies. It can capture about 6 Mbps thus enabling it to offer this enhanced version.

The product is a resolution of 720×480. While you can download and stream this online too, it takes longer as the file is bigger.  

Opening MPG Files 

Most browsers have a built-in video player to stream the file seamlessly. If you are downloading it, you must have a video player yourself. PCs and MACs both come with a default video player. There will be nothing for you to do but click and play if there are no file issues. 

Converting Image Files 

Sometimes we may need to convert an image file to something else for many reasons. Maybe the program we have installed on our PC doesn’t support one but supports the other. Maybe it will make an easier transition to start or finish a file presentation at school or work. 

image files and video files are different yet similar because they both contain images that are in motion. Because of this, it is actually possible to convert an image file into a video file and vise versa. 

Convert GIF to MPG

Converting a gif file to mpg is simple when you do it online without any software. There are no real steps you need to take other than locating the file you want to convert on your computer. 

• Step 1: Locate the file folder on your browser to find the GIF file you need after clicking the “browse” button.
• Step 2: Once you see the file click “open” and the pop-up box will close.
• Step 3: You will see a new button display that says “Convert GIF t MPG”
• Step 4: There will be a download pop-up that will give you the converted file once finished (if there’s no pop-up appearing, do to your downloads setting in your browser). 
• Step 5: Open the download and depending on your settings you will be sent to the file folder to open your MPG file or it will open automatically. 

It’s as simple as that to retrieve your new file in a matter of seconds. The fun doesn’t just stop there. GIF files can also be converted to many other files too. For example, you can also convert GIF to PDF. 

The Need For Images and Video Files 

When you’re online and use your computer your only thoughts are to read, watch, see, and hear, information that is displayed. How that information is shown is a complex technological process you probably don’t care about.

Concern does creep though, doesn’t it? When we experience technical difficulties we are prone to search for a fix. When we can’t see that image sent to us by our friend, loved ones, or boss it can drive us mad.

Sometimes the best solution to open the image we need is to change it. Converting GIF to MPG is easy and can save us from a troubled mind. There’s nothing worse than not being able to see something you want to, even if it’s another cat video.

If you have other converting needs on any file, feel free to use our site and find other tips reading our blog. 

One of the best things we can do with our computers is to organize data. Creating and organizing data leads to limitless possibilities.

Whether you use Windows or Mac, it seems that Microsoft Excel is the go-to software for creating a spreadsheet of our data. If you prefer working in the cloud, Google Sheets seems to be the preferred choice for many.

If you’ve worked with spreadsheets, have you ever considered exporting your data to CSV files?

CSV files are a great format for storing data and one that is sadly, often overlooked.

We’ve put together this guide to learn about CSV files and how to convert your data files to CSV files.

What Are CSV Files?

A Comma Separated Values (CSV) file that contains data. It is formatted in plain text. It is a popular type of file and one of the best ways to organize your data.

It is often used for storing contact information. For example, a CSV could contain four columns with the following information:

• Column 1: The First Name of the Contact
• Column 2: The Last Name of the Contact
• Column 3: The Phone Number of the Contact
• Column 4: The Email Address of the Contact

And of course, there can be additional information such as an address, social media links, etc.

A CSV file such as this one can be used to add contact information to an address book application. It can also be added directly to a smartphone, making it a quick and efficient way of updating your phone’s address book.

CSV in a Spreadsheet

The most popular way to view a CSV file is on a spreadsheet as we mentioned in the introduction. If you already have a CSV file on your computer, you can choose to open it in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or in Google Sheets.

You can also create a CSV file using a spreadsheet program. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets give you the option to save a file in the CSV format. If you have an Excel file, you can also convert it to CSV. 

If you have a spreadsheet and wish to make it into a CSV file, you want to ensure that it is formatted correctly first.

As we mentioned in the previous section, each line of data should be in a separate column. Each column should have a header that indicates the type of data to be found in the column (First Name, Last Name, Phone Number, etc.)

You can add as many columns as you please. If you want to add a note about each contact, you can do so. You should understand that not every application will be able to process every line of data, so make sure the crucial information always comes in the first few columns.

Creating a CSV File from Scratch

So how do you create a CSV file from scratch? This is the method of creating a CSV using a plain text editor.

First, you should always revise the basic rules for creating a CSV file.

The basic rules are as follows:

1. Make sure that you always separate data entry—a comma is the best way to do this (i.e. First Name, Last Name). 
2. New data entry should always start on a new line. For example, write the ‘First Name’ on one line. Then add your comma. Then on a new line, type the ‘Last Name.’
3. Make sure that there are no empty spaces between data entries. An empty space may be counted as data when importing the CSV file into an application.
4. Make sure to add headings before each data entry.

Once this is finished, you can save your plain text document with a .CSV extension. You have now created a CSV file from scratch.

Importing a CSV File into an Application

Next, you will want to know how to import a CSV file into an application. 

If you have created a CSV file with contact information and you wish to add it to your smartphone, here are the steps:

• Import the CSV file to an address book application (i.e. Address Book for Mac users, or Outlook for PC users)
• When syncing your smartphone with your computer, make sure you adjust the settings to gather contacts from your address book application

That’s it! You’ll now see your contacts on your smartphone. If they need to be updated, you can always make changes to your CSV file and re-import this file into your address book application. Make sure to ‘overwrite’ rather than ‘merge’ the new information with the old information.

CSV files are especially great for anyone managing an email newsletter. For example, Mailchimp, among other platforms, allows you to import email subscribers using a CSV file. 

If you are using an email newsletter platform, you want to see what their preset data entry headings are and modify your CSV file accordingly. For example, one platform may include a recipient’s full name in one field, as opposed to having ‘First Name’ and ‘Last Name’ as two separate fields. 

These email newsletter platforms may even have many additional fields. These can include assigning a designation to an email recipient, such as ‘Subscriber’ or ‘Premium Subscriber’ each with their own privileges. Make sure that you incorporate these fields into your CSV file as well if you wish to make use of these designations.

Why Else Do You Need a CSV File?

Apart from organizing contacts, there are a number of data that you can organize with a CSV file.

You can use a CSV file to organize the inventory of products. This CSV file can be imported into external software so that the store is always updated on their stock.

It can also be used for keeping a roster of attendance or of membership in an organization. You can also use a CSV file for creating a digital library of what books, films, music, etc. that you own.

There are numerous ways you can use CSV files. They are an excellent way of organizing data.

Get Organized

Now that you know the advantages of CSV files, it’s time to get organized with your data!

Be sure to read more about how to make the most out of your computer. Be sure to learn about converting PDF’s into different file formats.

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time on the web, you know how many different image types there are. Two of the most popular types are JPG and GIF files, both representing very different ways to view images online. 

But which is the best way to send an image online, and when should each be used? Keep reading for a full guide on when to use a GIF file, and when not.

What Is a GIF File?

A GIF file is one of the most popular ways to save images on a computer, especially for web use.

GIF files are lossless, meaning the original image does not lose any of its quality through editing and repeated saves. While they’re not the best choice for photographs, GIF files are frequently used to save computer-generated images consisting of pixels, like logos and banner images. They’re great at showing off pronounced linework and color in drawn images.

However, GIF files are best used on images with fewer colors. This is why it’s best not to use a GIF file for photographs. The GIF format will often confuse colors, making for a less authentic, messier output.

Using a GIF file format ensures that every pixel is clear without blurring or color loss. This also means that GIF files don’t compress very well. This makes for very large filesizes on larger GIF images, leading most people to use GIFs for smaller, lower-res images.

GIF files have one very special advantage over PNGs, JPGs, and all other file types: GIF images can move. When most people think of GIFs, they think of the moving images of TV shows and movies that you can send over various messengers. This is done by combining multiple frames of a video into a single GIF file.

How Do I Pronounce GIF?

There’s an age-old argument on the internet: Is it pronounced GIF, or JIFF?

According to the person who created the GIF file format, it’s meant to be pronounced JIF with a ‘J’. However, the Oxford English Dictionary claims both are correct, as the terms are used interchangeably. There really is no concrete answer, so however you want to pronounce it, you do you.

What Is a JPG File?

JPG, also known as JPEG, is another of the most popular image files, but with significant differences to GIFs.

JPG files are more commonly used for photographs and large images than GIFs. This is because JPG files are easy to compress into smaller sizes. JPGs, however, are “lossy” files, meaning the image does not preserve itself as well when edited, converted, or saved multiple times.

The smaller you make the file size of a JPG, the more loss you’ll see. However, the smaller the file size the easier it is to share an image across the web. This is why JPG is used so frequently in web design.

While the file will lose quality, it’s often not noticeable enough to make a big difference. It all depends on how large the file was to start with, and how much you’re compressing it.

Which File Type Should I Use?

Now that you know the differences between the GIF file format and JPGs, which should you use?

Whether you use a GIF or a JPG really depends on what you’re trying to do. If you’re trying to send a small image over the web (through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc.) then a compressed JPG is your best option. If you’re trying to send a moving image in the same way, or upload a computer-generated graphic to a webpage, a GIF file is often the best choice.

In web design, both image types are often used. A GIF might be used for a static logo, banner images, or throughout the site to display other computer-generated images. Any photographs on your site will do better in the JPG file format as they’ll speed up the website’s loading time, and look better in general.

GIFs should be relegated for smaller, computer-generated images of lower resolution due to the large file sizes. JPGs are a lot more flexible and can be used in almost any other circumstance.

Can I Convert GIF to JPG?

If you have a GIF file you’d rather be a JPG file, or vice-versa, you can easily convert one to the other.

The easiest way to do this is probably through an online conversion tool. By simply Googling “convert GIF to JPG” (or the other way around, JPG to GIF) you’ll find dozens of tools that do exactly that. Many of them will show you previews before the conversion, let you pick the quality you want, and even let you make some basic edits.

You can convert GIF files, JPGs, and plenty more file types at Offdrive.com. We’re completely free, and take all the hassle out of file conversion.

You can also open a JPG or GIF file saved to your computer using Paint or another editing program and re-save it as a GIF or JPG. Note, you’ll probably see some quality loss when going from JPG to GIF. GIF to JPG will turn out a lot better, as GIF is a lossless format.

The Wide World of Internet Images

Whether you’re a web designer or a casual browser, you’re bound to see a lot of GIFs and JPGs on your journey across the web. Now that you know the difference between a GIF file and a JPG, you’re better equipped to deal with each. If you need to convert any of these files real quick, you know where to go.

Visit our website to convert any filetype you’ve got, from PDF to GIF to JPEG and more. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s easy.

Adding images to text improves the retention of information from 10% to 65%. Pictures often tell a story better than words. Your website needs images that will communicate to your intended users even before they read your copy.

Investing in high-resolution pictures for your site isn’t debatable. Yet, you have to be willing to invest in optimizable photos. Typically, pictures have a large file size, which can affect your page loading speed.

The pictures on your site can determine how you rank on Google. You need to know how to optimize your web development images for better website performance. Keep reading to learn the best ways to optimize your website photos.

1. Assign Descriptive Names to Your Site Images

The name you give to your images matters in optimization. Don’t use the default name assigned by your camera. Use keywords for your pictures to help in image SEO.

Key-word rich and descriptive file names are essential for image optimization. Search engines also assess your image file names when ranking. When naming your file, consider the plausible naming patterns that your customers are likely to use.

While at it, remember your alt attributes, which also require optimization. The alt attributes are simply the description for your image. These attributes have an impact on SEO, and you need to be well-conversant on their utilization.

2. Choose the Desired Image File Type

The file types commonly used for web images include PNGs, JPEGs, and GIFs. Once you create an image, you have the option of saving it into either of the formats. These file types have pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand each before deciding on which one to apply.

PNGs are ideal when you have an image with fewer color tons. It also works best if you want a transparent background, which is often necessary when making logos. If you want high-quality PNG images, opt for PNG-24 but be ready to deal with the large file size.

Most web developers use JPGs file format as they are perfect for complex images and colors. If your photo has tons of colors, gradients, patterns, and shadows, JPG will help. Their vast color palette gives you unlimited options. 

You can convert HTML to JPG or from any other format, such as word document. With this file type, you won’t have to worry about having large files. The features of JPG ensure that you get the best image resolution for the web.  

GIF is another common option when thinking of optimizing web development images. This file type has 256 colors, which makes it limiting. It is mostly used for animated images. 

3. Resize Your Images

Did you know that half of the people visiting your site will jump ship when the loading speed exceeds three seconds? In fact, a loading speed difference of half a second can reduce or increase sales by 10% for eCommerce sites. When adding images to your website, compromising on load speed is a grave mistake.

Large files on your website can affect the loading speed. Fortunately, you have several image compression apps at your disposal. These tools remove unnecessary data such as geolocation and color profiles from your photos. 

While resizing your images, you need to balance between resolution and size. However, higher resolutions come with large size files. Consequently, these images will slow down your site’s speed, which will harm user experience and ranking.

To have a balance between quality and size, consider a medium compression rate. For your eCommerce sites, the web development images should be 70 kb or lower. With large files, achieving this size can be difficult, but you need to compress the pictures as much as possible.  

4. Image Optimization 

You need to compare and contrast the image file formats to determine the tools to use for image optimization. Adobe Photoshop is arguably the most popular tool. Other tools, such as FileOptimizer and JPEG Mini, are equally useful.

Optimized photos will grow your traffic significantly.  

If you’re already feeling like image optimization is overwhelming, you can automate the process. A WordPress plugin will automatically compress and reduce the image size once you upload it on WordPress. You’ll save time and still have a better website performance. 

You can use plugins such as Imagify or EWWW Image Optimizer Cloud. There are several other plugins, and each operates differently. It would help if you researched widely before settling for one over the other.  

When using thumbnails, you need to optimize them as they can potentially reduce your loading speed. The file size for your thumbnails should be small enough. You might want to have an alt attribute text that varies from the bigger version of the image.

5. Test Your Web Development Images

Testing your images is a great way to assess whether they are converting. You might realize that fewer images are increasing click through rates. Conversely, more images are likely to improve the experience of users leading to increased sales. 

You can further test some of the angles that potential customers prefer. A survey of your site visitors will guide you in providing a view that resonates with most users. The only way to know the type of shot that customers prefer is interacting with all the prospective clients landing on your website. 

It would also help to test the product listing that’s ideal for your category pages. Visitors’ activities on your site will give you significant insights to establish preferable product listing categories. 

Optimized Web Development Images Are a Resource for Your Website 

If you’re a website owner, high ranking is likely one of your goals. It would be best if you focused not only on the text on your site but also on the pictures. Web development images can have negative or positive impacts depending on how you present them. 

It is crucial to think about the image size for the website while still maintaining the quality. With the right tools and strategies, image optimization is less daunting. However, you can consult with professional web developers for the optimization of web images.

Do you want to convert your files for better optimization? Check our site for free jpg to pdf conversion.

You can never be too careful on the internet these days. There’s been a massive rise in hackers lately, making it important to take extra precautions to keep your data safe. This includes everything from personal messages to work documents and emails.

If you need to know how to send documents securely over the web, follow the tips below.

1. Enroll in Two-Factor Authentication

The first thing you should do is enable two-factor authentication on your email account, and anything else that gives you the option.

Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security to the login process. With two-factor enabled, you’ll be prompted to put in a PIN code every time you input your email password. This PIN code is texted to your phone, ensuring you’re the only one who gets it.

With two-factor enabled, a hacker can’t get into your account even if they know your password.

You can set up two-factor authentication on Gmail, on the sign-in page for most PCs, and even for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. It may not be as convenient as using a password only, but it’s a lot safer.

2. Password Protect Your Documents

If you send a lot of files back and forth, consider password protecting them first.

You can easily password-protect PDFs and Word documents with a few simple clicks. If you want to password protect a Word document, all you need to do is:

1. Open your document in Word and navigate to ‘File’
2. Click ‘File’, then ‘Info’, and finally ‘Protect Document’
3. From the drop-down menu, select ‘Encrypt with Password’
4. In the pop-up window, type the desired password and hit ‘OK’
5. Save the file as you normally would

To make sure the password protection worked, double-click on the file. You should be prompted to input the desired password. Communicate the password to anyone who might need access, and rest assured knowing nobody else can access the document.

You can also password protect a PDF file. To do this, you need to:

1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat
2. Click ‘File’, then ‘Protect Using Password’
3. Type your password, then confirm it
4. Click ‘Apply’ and save your document

You can also do this through most Adobe Acrobat alternatives.

Both of these methods require you to share the password with anyone you want to have access. Make sure you share the password in a secure way, such as through an encrypted or expiring email (as detailed later in this article).

3. Use Email Infrequently

More than ever, individuals and companies alike are moving away from email as the be-all-end-all of online communication.

Applications like Slack, WhatsApp, and Discord have become reliable and safe ways for large groups of people to talk and share files. These applications allow you to bypass email entirely in favor of more open-ended communication. Slack, for example, is like a big chat-room with multiple rooms, file-sharing capabilities, and security features.

To join a Slack or WhatsApp group, you need to be invited specifically. This ensures another level of privacy between you and hackers. While there are restrictions to file sizes you can send over Slack and WhatsApp, they’re not usually much different than the restrictions set by email clients.

4. Encrypt Your Emails

“Encrypt” is a bit of an intimidating word for internet casuals. However, from a workspace perspective, it’s not as hard as it seems.

Microsoft offers its own email encryption software called Microsoft 365 Message Encryption. This replaces the ‘permissions’ button in OUtlook to an ‘Encrypt’ button. By clicking this, your emails become encrypted, meaning nobody can access them except for who’s intended.

You can encrypt all your emails, a single email, or just the files attached — it’s up to you. There are plenty of encryption services out there available for companies. However, this isn’t a very convenient option for individuals as it can get a bit technical and expensive.

5. Set an Expiration Date for Emails

Most people don’t know that you can set emails to expire after a set amount of time.

But it’s true! One of the easiest ways to keep your emails more secure is to set an expiration date. You can do this through Gmail, Outlook, and most other email clients you may use.

To set an expiry date in Gmail, all you need to do is:

1. Compose your email, then navigate to the ‘Turn confidential mode on/off’ prompt at the bottom of the composition window (it’s to the right of the ‘Insert photo’ icon)
2. Click ‘Turn confidential mod on/off’ and a ‘Confidential mode’ window will pop up
3. Under the ‘SET EXPIRY’ text, click the dropdown menu, and select a time. You have a range of options, from one day to a week to five years
4. Click ‘Save’ and send your message. It will expire and become unavailable after the set date

When you send a confidential email like this, the recipient will not be able to forward, copy, download, or print the email.

You can also set a passcode for your emails through the same ‘Confidential mode’ window, just under the expiry date. This password protects the email. The recipient will need a passcode, which is texted to them, to access the email and its contents.

6. Encrypt Attachments

Easier than encrypting an email itself is encrypting an attachment. Usually these are the most important parts of your emails, especially for work, so this will typically get the job done.

The best way to do this is to turn your attachment into a .zip file before attaching. Zip files can be password-protected and opened by anyone with the same .zip unpacking software. To do this easily use 7-Zip, a free .zip program.

1. With 7-Zip installed, right-click on the folder or file you want to convert
2. From the menu click ‘7-Zip’, then ‘Add to archive’. Name the archive, choose zip format, and change the encryption method to AES-256.
3. Enter a password above the encryption method, reenter it, then click ‘OK’

Now, anyone with a password and 7-Zip can access your file!

Send Documents Securely With These Tips

Using the tips above you can now send documents securely and without worries. Whether you’re sending files for work or for personal use, you need to stay safe on the internet. The more of these security measures you use, the safer you’ll be.

If you’re looking for a way to convert DOC to PDF, or do any number of other easy file conversions, see what Offdrive can do for you.